Developing a Marketing and Sales Strategy

Dialogue9

Vocabulary9

• strategy

  A plan of action to achieve a goal, like in business to reach customers. Use it when discussing plans, e.g., 'What's your marketing strategy?'

• online presence

  The way a business appears on the internet, like websites and social media. It's important for modern businesses to have a strong one to attract customers.

• non-negotiable

  Something that cannot be changed or discussed; it's essential. Use it to emphasize must-haves, e.g., 'Safety is non-negotiable.'

• target demographic

  The specific group of people a product or service is aimed at, based on age, interests, etc. Useful in marketing to focus efforts, e.g., 'Our target demographic is young professionals.'

• pricing

  The process of setting prices for products or services. In business talks, discuss it to balance costs and profits.

• competitive

  Able to compete successfully, often by offering lower prices or better quality. Use in business: 'We need competitive pricing to attract buyers.'

• content marketing

  A strategy using useful content like blogs or videos to attract and engage customers. It's great for building trust without direct selling.

• word-of-mouth

  When people recommend a product to others informally. It's powerful free marketing through personal recommendations.

• top-notch

  Of the highest quality; excellent. Use it casually to praise: 'The service was top-notch.'

Key Sentences8

1. 1

   What's our strategy for reaching customers and making sales?

   This is a question using 'what's' (what is) to ask for a plan. It's useful in meetings to start discussions on business goals; the gerund forms 'reaching' and 'making' describe purposes.

2. 2

   An online presence is non-negotiable.

   This sentence uses 'be + adjective' to state a firm opinion. It's practical for emphasizing essentials in business; use it when something is absolutely required.

3. 3

   I'm leaning towards focusing on a couple of platforms really well.

   Here, 'leaning towards' means preferring an idea. The gerund 'focusing' acts as the object. Useful for expressing opinions in discussions; 'a couple of' means two.

4. 4

   We need to factor in production costs, perceived value, and competitor pricing.

   This uses 'need to + verb' for necessity, and lists items with commas. 'Factor in' means to include in considerations. Great for planning talks to show balanced thinking.

5. 5

   It allows us to be competitive without undercutting our value.

   A complex sentence with 'allows + object + to infinitive' showing permission or benefit. Useful for explaining advantages; 'without + gerund' means avoiding something.

6. 6

   Speaking of promotions, what are some key activities we should plan?

   'Speaking of' transitions to a related topic. The question uses 'what are some' for suggestions. Ideal for shifting conversations naturally in group discussions.

7. 7

   Content marketing is huge for building authority and attracting organic traffic.

   'Is huge for + gerund' means very important for an action. 'And' connects parallel gerunds. Useful to highlight benefits in marketing plans.

8. 8

   To summarize, a professional website, strategic social media presence, mid-range pricing, a mix of content and paid ads, and excellent customer service.

   This starts with 'to summarize' (infinitive as adverb) followed by a list. It's a common way to end discussions by recapping key points clearly.