Title: Explain the purpose of a marketing plan and its relationship to a business plan.
Course: Digital and Social Media Marketing (12162) > Section: Understanding Marketing Plans

Explanation should include

- a definition of the term marketing plan
- reasons why a marketing plan is an integral part of a business plan
- the concept that the function of a marketing plan within the business plan is to outline how to attract and retain customers and sell them a product or service
- ways the marketing plan provides details about the contributions marketing can make to the success of the business.

Process/Skill Questions:

- How does a marketing plan relate to the marketing concept for the business?
- Is a marketing plan essential to a business plan? Explain.
- Is it possible to have a business plan without thinking about marketing? Why or why not?
- Which comes first: the business plan or the marketing plan? Explain.
- Should a marketing plan for an internet-based business differ from one for a brick-and-mortar business? Explain.
- How often should a business update its marketing plan?