What is the definition of a marketing plan?

A marketing plan is a comprehensive document that outlines a company's overall marketing strategy, detailing how it will achieve its marketing goals. It provides a structured approach to guide marketing activities and initiatives, ensuring they are aligned with the organization's objectives.

By defining the target audience, outlining key marketing strategies, specifying tactics like advertising and promotions, and establishing performance metrics, a marketing plan serves as a roadmap for marketers. It helps in planning and executing campaigns effectively while also allocating resources to maximize impact.

The other choices represent aspects of marketing but do not encapsulate the full scope of what a marketing plan entails. A blueprint for advertising strategies focuses only on promotional elements, not the complete strategic picture. A financial forecast pertains specifically to budgeting and financial planning rather than the broader marketing strategy. An assessment of customer needs is a vital component of a marketing plan but does not cover the entirety of what a marketing plan includes. Thus, the choice that best defines a marketing plan is the one that characterizes it as a written document guiding all marketing activities comprehensively.