Selecting the marketing channels to use is a complex decision – there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for distributing your product. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been in business for a while, it can be difficult to find effective ways to reach your target market.
One way to make the process simpler is to break down all the factors that play into channel selection. Your customer base, your available resources, and your product itself can all help guide your decision. Take the following factors into consideration as you weigh your options, and you’ll have an easier time choosing the right marketing channels for your business.
What are the physical attributes of your product?
Sometimes the physical attributes of a product dictate how it should be distributed. Not everything can be easily shipped, and some items need to be handled more carefully than others.
If your product is large and heavy, for instance, shipping it across the country may not be practical. And if you sell something perishable – like food or cosmetics – you’ll probably want to get that product into customers’ hands as quickly as possible. In cases like these, it’s best to look for a short marketing channel.
However, if your product is durable and easy to ship, you have more options. In this case, a longer distribution channel with more middlemen may give you certain advantages, like a wider distribution area.
What kind of brand image do you want to create?
Your brand’s overall image is shaped by your customers’ buying experience, from start to finish. Where and how a person buys your product is just as important as the quality of the product itself. As you consider your options for distribution channels, ask