Dear
Mark:
Basically any groups/organizations that uses PowerPoint in presentations
is your target market. The more they use PowerPoint, the more they are
likely to need your product.
One thing you have to consider is that many creators of PowerPoint
presentations do not know that enhancements and plug-in to the software are
available. So they try to work within the given parameters of the software.
A key part, therefore, of your marketing plan should be the education of
your target clientele. You need to tell them why they need to enhance their
PowerPoint, show them the limitations of the software and how your product
can make their presentations more effective.
Where to find potential customers? One way is to search the Web for
organizations and websites that put up a lot of PowerPoint presentations,
especially those who use PowerPoint on the Web as tutorial tool (as against
an academic institution for example that publishes PowerPoint presentations
made during class lectures). These entities will be receptive to suggestions
on how to improve a key component of their Web content.
An organization that does a lot of original research - e.g. think tanks
or policy research organizations -- may want a succinct way of presenting
their ideas on the Web. If they are still not using PowerPoint as part of
their Web content, you can pitch to them the benefits of adding PowerPoint
presentations on their website. And naturally, you have to tell them that
the basic PowerPoint software is not enough, but they need your enhanced
PowerPoint. I know that Kaiser Foundation uses it extensively in their
kaiseredu.com website, but the liberal Brookings Institution or conservative
Heritage Foundation do not currently offer PowerPoint presentations on the
Web (or if they do, it's the very basic type).
You may also want to check out new businesses launched. Local business
publications normally contain listings of newly registered businesses. Why?
Because new businesses are more likely to be making pitches to funding
sources - of which PowerPoint is an essential tool. They are also more
likely to go around making presentations as part of their marketing
approach.
Study your competitors. The Web has made it easy to check out the
offerings of competitors. One website that comes to mind is
PresentationPro.com - and what they do is to offer free trials of their
software. I know they advertise extensively in Google, and of course
contextual advertising is a way you can reach targeted customers.
About the PowerHomeBiz.com Guide:
Isabel Isidro is the
co-founder and VP-Managing Editor of PowerHomeBiz.com, an online magazine
for home business entrepreneurs that provides guidance on starting, running
and managing a home-based business.
The opinions expressed in this column are
those of the author, not of PowerHomeBiz.com.
Users
should not treat the Guide's response as legal, accounting, or
professional advice as all answers are intended to be general in
nature. Such advice can only be properly given by qualified
professionals who are fully aware of a user's specific geographical areas or circumstances, such
as
an attorney or accountant.