Frequently Asked Questions

Marketing Plans

• Don't like planning?
  

  Let us help you! Have a look at "What is a Marketing Plan?", answer some questions and you'll have a plan before you know it.  Better than that, the plans are specific to your business, easy to follow and use.  They don't end up at the back of the filing cabinet, because they're designed as working documents that you can add to and change, even after you've finished here.

• Don't know how to write a marketing plan?
  

  You don't have to if you use MarketingPlanWiz.  Just provide answers to our carefully constructed questions to ensure that you end up with a tailored marketing plan and a unique Action Plan that will stand up to all of your business requirements and help you to achieve your goals.

• Haven't got time to write a marketing plan?
  

  With MarketingPlanWiz you can produce your plan the same day, in a professional format that can be used anywhere, that takes minimum time out of your diary.  To build your plan, you just need to answer a series of questions in 9 easy steps and then you're finished!

• Worried that paying for a plan means you can't change it later?
  

  Your final plan can be saved as a Microsoft Word document (.doc) so that, if you want to, you can add your own logos, or tweak it until it suits your purpose (we give you tips on how to do this).  Or you can choose to have a PDF file (but please note, unless you have Adobe Acrobat you will not be able to edit it).  At MarketingPlanWiz we believe your plan really should belong to you!

Doing the plan

• I haven't started my business yet. Can I use MarketingPlanWiz?
  

  If you are pre-start, please feel free to use our site.  We think it will help you with your general business planning and provide you with an opportunity to consider all aspects of marketing in a structured way.  We believe that you will be able to create a useful document and you'll have the benefit of an Action Plan to help you when you do begin your business.

• How do I start?
  

  You will need to complete all of the sections to produce your plan.  To get started, click on the “Start Now” button where you will be required to register a few details with us.  After that, just follow the on-screen guides and answer the questions presented to you.

• How easy is it?
  

  The process is really simple.  All you need to do is provide answers to the questions that we ask you in each step.  In most cases you will be presented with a series of choices that have been specifically designed to make things easier for you and to ensure that all the important points are addressed.  Hints and Tips are provided with each question and other marketing hints and tips are included on the site to help you.

• Do I have to do the plan all at once?
  

  No. You initially have 28-days Free access from your Sign In, during which you can return to your plan and edit it.  When you pay for your plan you have a further eleven months access to it and you will be able to download your final version and your Action Plan. You must register to use MarketingPlanWiz and you will be asked for your username and password whenever you return.

• How long will it take?
  

  There are no hard and fast rules for how long it will take you to create your tailored marketing plan.  Often, our customers find doing the plan so thought-provoking that they return and change it several times before they download their final plan.

• Can I preview my plan as I am working through the questionnaire?
  

  Yes!  We provide you with a MarketingPlanWiz preview that you can access at any time while you are working on your questionnaire.  In fact it's a really useful tool: we suggest that you preview your plan as you complete every step, just to make sure that you are happy with your responses and the way that they will look in your final plan.  Don't forget, you can always change your responses in the questionnaire if you want to, then preview your plan again.

• Why is my plan preview a JPEG?
  

  Your plan preview is designed so that you can see what your plan looks like at any stage during the 9 steps questionnaire and it gives you the opportunity to see any changes that you may want to make to it.  Any amendments that you want to make can be made by going back to the relevant part of the questionnaire, so that your final plan is correct.

• Can I edit my plan after it has been produced?
  

  Yes.  Your final plan can be in the form of a Microsoft Word document (.doc) that you can edit at your leisure (and we provide you with tips to help you to do this).  It can also be saved as a PDF file but unfortunately, unless you have Adobe Acrobat you will be unable to edit a PDF file; however, you can read it with Adobe Reader.

• What will my plan look like when it's finished?
  

  Your MarketingPlanWiz preview gives you an exact picture of what  your plan will look like.  Typically, the plan will be between 5 - 10 pages in length and will include a unique Action Plan that can be used as a stand-alone document.  Our plans are of a professional design and easy to follow.

• Can I add pictures/logos/graphics to my finished plan?
  

  Yes.  If you are using Microsoft Word we'll give you tips on how to do this.  If you choose the PDF file, you will need a copy of Adobe Acrobat.

• How long do I have to complete my plan?
  

  MarketingPlanWiz is so easy to use that we are confident that you will not need a total of twelve months* to complete it.  You will benefit from using your plan and Action Plan as soon as possible so that you can make fantastic changes to the way that you market your business.
  
  * 28 days Free access, then a further 11 months access when you decide to pay for your plan.

• What can I use the marketing plan for?
  

  You will find that your plan can be used for several purposes:

  It will form a key part of your business plan.

  If you're looking for investors, it's a useful selling tool that demonstrates you've thought through your plans.

  It will help you to achieve results during your trading year, reminding you of your key targets and how you planned to reach them.

  A unique feature of MarketingPlanWiz is that it is easy to follow and understand.  We are sure that you will find it useful all through the year as a working document and Action Plan for your business.
   

• Should I renew my plan?
  

  Each plan is designed for a 12 month duration and we recommend that you return to complete a new one each year as your business moves on.

Money matters

• Is my payment secure?
  

  Yes.  All payments are made through Protx, a well-known online credit card service and a subsidiary of Sage (www.protx.com) - your payments are secure and we do not view or keep your card details.

• How much will my marketing plan cost?
  

  You have 28 days FREE access to your plan from your Sign In date.  Only £14.95 will give you a futher 11 months access and, once you've completed the MarketingPlanWiz process, your plan is yours to edit and print as many times as you like if you have opted for the Microsoft Word format, or have Adobe Acrobat.  Remember, as you implement the plan itself you will also be able to add to or update your unique Action Plan.

Security/Privacy

• Is my plan secure?
  

  Yes, you're the only person who has access to your information.  Please remember to sign in and out to keep your details secure. However, we have access to some of your details in order to provide refunds and support.  Anything that you submit will never be provided to a third party.

• What is your privacy policy?
  

  Please view our Privacy Policy here.

Business matters

• Can I offset the cost of my plan against tax?
  

  The cost of your plan is a cost to your company and as such can usually be offset as legitimate company expenditure.  Please check this (before buying MarketingPlanWiz) with your financial adviser if you are not sure.

• Do you supply marketing consultancy?
  

  We do not offer marketing consultancy at marketingplanwiz.co.uk.  If you are in the UK, please contact your local Business Link, they may be able to put you in touch with your local marketing experts or provide any other business support that you may require.  Visit www.businesslink.gov.uk.

Contact details

• How can I contact you?
  

  If you do have any feedback or need support that you cannot find on our site, we would be delighted if you would contact us. We promise to respond. 

  For feedback on our website, you can contact us at: feedback@business-umbrella.com 

  For general MarketingPlanWiz enquiries, you can contact us at: info@business-umbrella.com

  For press enquiries, please contact our marketing team at: press@business-umbrella.com

  MarketingPlanWiz's parent company is Business Umbrella Ltd. For more information, please see www.business-umbrella.com.

  or write to us at:

  Business Umbrella Ltd | Orion House | 14 Barn Hill | Stamford | Lincolnshire | PE9 2AE

Other

• I've forgotten my password what should I do now?
  

  Simply click the Forgot your Password? link on the login page, enter your email address and click the "Click here" link beside "Forgot your Password?".  Your password will be e-mailed to you.

• My question hasn't been answered here. What should I do next?
  

  You can contact us via e-mail at info@business-umbrella.com or write to us at:

  Business Umbrella Ltd
  Orion House
  14 Barn Hill
  Stamford
  Lincs
  PE9 2AE