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The Marketing Plan serves as the foundation and guide for all the activities that Marketing does.  Each section of the plan contains high-level objectives.  The per-cycle deliverables and individual projects that the Marketing team executes should be supporting one (or more) sections of the plan.
{{needs love}}


For more information on how the Marketing Plan has evolved, see the Marketing Plan [[Marketing_plan_background | background.]]
==Situational analysis and opportunities==
===Fedora intended user description===
In 2009, the Fedora Board defined four characteristics that describe the [[User_base|minimum level of user]] for whom Fedora designs its default offering:
*Voluntary Linux consumer
*Computer-friendly
*Likely collaborator
*General productivity user
In this description, they also wrote, “We tend to favor consumers who are interested in taking a step toward collaboration.“ In other words, the best users are the next contributors.
===Four Foundations===
Fedora is built on a set values, its [[Foundations|four foundations]]: freedom, friends, features, and first. But how successful have we been at each of those? Fedora as a whole is committed to freedom. FUDCon events in particular have become an excellent venue for promoting the friend value. But when it comes to features and first, we've been sliding.
===User statistics===
When comparing total connections to repositories, the most recent two releases have shown significant declines compared to their predecessors at the same points in their lifecycles:


== Marketing Plan Information ==
[[File:Mktggraph1.png]]


===This page is a template.===
However, when comparing yum connections week over week in the first six weeks after release, Fedora 17 does appear to be seeing [[Statistics|significant increases over Fedora 16]].  
This page is a template.  It should be copied to a wiki page with the structure of Fx(cycle#)_Marketing_plan at the beginning of each Fedora Cycle.  The process described in [[Marketing_life_cycle | the Marketing Life Cycle]] describes how existing deliverables persist in the Marketing Plan (and added to this template), and new ideas / projects should be on-ramped through the individual cycle's Marketing Plan, and possible made permanent to the marketing plan template at the end of the cycle via the [[Marketing_postmortem]] process.


===Reference Documents===
[[File:Mktggraph2.png]]
The following documents can help you get acquainted with


=== Educate ===
* Inform the voluntary switchers
* Easy to find answers to questions
* Highlight spins that show unique use cases


=== Build bridges ===
Unfortunately, user tracking is fraught with challenges, which should be recognized given its appeal as a measuring stick for our success. For example, a large university lab with many systems all running Fedora might appear to us as only one. Or someone with a Fedora laptop who connects from more than one network might appear to us as two or more.
* Support
* Feedback from users to devs
* Questions from devs to users (surveys)
* Build positive dev support/feedback opportunities


=== Spread the brand ===
* 4 Foundations are good -- use them!
* Success stories/examples of each
* Ambassadors communicate to focused audiences
** Design schools
** CS departments
** Downstream conferences
* Social networking


=== Build on-ramps ===
===Maker market study===
* [[Fedora-tour]]
Intel and MAKE cosponsored a maker market study titled [[http://makezine.com/hardware-innovation-workshop/research.html|“An In-depth Profile of Makers at the Forefront of Hardware Innovation.”]] For this study, they surveyed a random sampling of 789 MAKE subscribers and Maker Faire exhibitors in May 2012.
* EasyFix
* When given a list of 28 terms to described themselves, “hobbyist” and “maker” were by far the most common choices. 17% described themselves as “leading-edge” makers, defined as someone who is an entrepreneur, influencer, or innovator.
* Engineering services queue
** 79% of makers are involved in hardware or software projects
* How to file a bug, check/add to wiki page or other outlets
** 70% are involved with hardware, largely Arduino or 3D design and printing
** '''66% are involved with software''', and 20% are involved with operating systems
Overwhelmingly, their projects involve hardware (such as microprocessors or 3D printing) than any other category, closely followed by electronics and “fun projects.”
On collaboration, 59% report that others use what they make or that they make things with others. '''Overall, 75% report engaging in some degree of collaborative activity.'''




'''Basic demographics of makers'''
The results of MAKE's survey reveal a demographic that is slightly older and more professional than what we have usually seen in Fedora contributors. Pulling them in could bring a new level of polish and professionalism to the community.
*80% are male
*Median age: 44
*Median household income: $106,000
*40% have children under the age of 17 living at home
*73% own their homes or apartments
*97% attended college and 80% have post-gradate education


=== What are the goals of a marketing plan? ===
** Who is this plan for?
*** Members (current and new) of the Fedora Marketing team
*** Members of the Fedora Project who want to understand how the Fedora Marketing team is using resources (people, time...)
** Who is it addressing?


=== Distro: where are we right now? ===
'''Maker values'''
Respondents were surveyed on a seven-point scale about a selection of values. Unsurprisingly, their answers closely mirror the values of Fedora and open source software. Following are the percentages of those who agreed strongly or moderately (“top two box” scores) with several statements:  
*79% say it is important to be able to modify, repair, extend, or repurpose corporately produced products
*72% feel it is important to share knowledge and skills with others
*65% believe ideas should be free
*94% say that making things makes them feel resourceful
*Only 6% feel it is no longer important to be able to fix devices yourself


We first tried to figure out our first impressions on where Fedora-the-distribution stood at that moment.


==== Give 3 words that describe the distribution ====
----
''“Makers are saying: It's good to receive—but also to GIVE BACK.”
''--  An In-depth Profile of Makers at the Forefront of Hardware Innovation, May 2012''
----


People went around and added three words each to this list - how do we (as Fedora contributors) see Fedora-the-distribution ''now''? (March 2010).


* Free
==Objectives and action plan==
* Innovative
===User survey===
* High-context (this means it's difficult to establish context when you're getting started on what all the crazy stuff going on is, but it's great once you get used to things.)
Fedora has never regularly conducted a basic study of its users. (There have been [[Marketing_research|some attempts at market research.]]) We “survey” our community constantly by casual conversations and assumptions, but the first step in understanding their satisfaction and interests should be an annual State of Fedora study.
* Powerful
===Brand standards===
* Intimidating
The Fedora brand is highly recognizable and one of our most valuable assets, and it should be protected as such. We have solid guidelines for the [[Usage_guidelines|usage of the logo and appropriate colors]], but that's about the end of it for brand standards or guidelines. We need a unified brand standards handbook on the wiki that:
* Time-consuming
Expands graphically to better describe the Fedora “look.” Worldwide, our design style is scattered, and our materials don't look unified.
* Interesting
Includes writing style guidelines. There's a [[Help:Style_guide|style guide for the wiki]] and [[Docs_Project_Style_Guide|one for the Docs team]], but not a unified style guide that can also be applied for marketing purposes. A shorter version for quick reference would also be helpful. (Why? Try asking three random people whether to capitalize the “p” in Fedora Project.)
* Good quality
===Makers===
* interesting
As described above, makers are a community that is closely aligned with the Fedora Project in principles, but much of the community is not yet using open source software, even those who are heavily involved in open hardware. We should also be interested in what we can do to make Fedora more appealing for makers.  
* fresh
* Productivity Suite
* Bleeding Edge
* Stability/Security
* community-driven (which causes the high-context sometimes - but doesn't have to)
* Fluid
* Mostly works
* Lots of updates--every day another 10-20 meg (can't tell a difference if I install them or not)
* commitment
* complex
* Challenging
* Uneven
* "can't keep up" (explanation: too much churn, noise, etc. to figure out what's going on at any given point in time without significant investment... need to selectively ignore a lot)
* steep learning curve


==== 1 sentence description of the person that's happiest with the distro right now ====
'''Relevant SIGs'''


People went around and added three words each to this list - who do we (as Fedora contributors) see as the current users happiest with Fedora-the-distribution ''now''? (March 2010). The intent is to compare our first reactions to this question against our intended [[User base]] and see how well it matched up.
There are several existing special interest groups (SIGs) that are particularly relevant to the needs of makers, notably:
*Robotics (http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/SIGs/Robotics)
*Science and Technology (http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/SIGs/SciTech)
*Secondary Architectures, specifically ARM (http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Architectures/ARM)
We should support growth in these SIGs and discuss with the community creating a Maker SIG as well.  


* Someone who is deeply involved with Linux
'''Raspberry Pi'''
* Tinkerers who don't need a safety net
* The contributors
* Mel when she was in high school and had lots of time and energy to play around
* Ryan when he is in high school and has lots of time and energy to play around :)
* Software engineer who wants the latest, most reliable product that's available in terms of having FOSS stuff they need to get end stuff
* Someone who is more of a free software purist
* Someone who has been using it for three or more releases
* Someone who has someone else to help fix broken things
* Someone who has been using the distro for 3+ releases, because they will have figured out the best practices that work for them.
* Some one who likes challenges or end user that gets the box installed for him/her
* Someone who messes with a lot of stuff and learns and just grows better (Learning from mistakes, perfecting at doing many things)


=== Distro: Where we want to be ===
We have already seen the success and popularity of using the Raspberry Pi simply at conferences to draw interest to Fedora. Originally we expected Fedora to be the recommended distro by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, but this changed to Raspbian. The [[http://zenit.senecac.on.ca/wiki/index.php/Raspberry_Pi_Fedora_Remix|Raspberry Pi Remix]] is currently being improved, but it's difficult for users to find. Coordination with the ARM team in Fedora and with RPF should help strengthen our presence and awareness for this popular hardware (with the caveat that it is the popular choice of the moment, and we should have our eyes to what comes next as well).


We then went around and shared our thoughts on where we would like Fedora-the-distro to be, and what groups we might want to look at to help with that.
'''Maker Faires'''


==== User base of tomorrow ====
[[User:spot|Tom Callaway]] and [[User:Rsuehle|Ruth Suehle]] attended World Maker Faire in New York in September 2012 on behalf of Fedora demonstrating the Raspberry Pi as a photobooth (also shown at OSCON 2012). It was a good opportunity to reach this new-to-Fedora and new-to-Linux community.


This has already been defined. From https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/User_base
:* '''World Maker Faires'''
:The next of these large Maker Faire events is in the Bay Area (California) in May 2014. It is the largest of the Maker Faire events.
:*'''Mini Maker Faires'''
:As the community has availability, we may also consider sponsorship and attendance at Mini Maker Faires, which are held all over the country, generally with a very low cost of sponsorship. We've already had many requests for a Fedora presence at these events. Ideally we would have a plan for attending them, possibly with a maker-specific version of the event box for showing how we can support this community.


# Voluntary switcher
==Collateral==
# Computer-friendly
Collateral, the simplest tool in the marketing toolbox—and the most necessary. A [[Marketing_collateral|robust list of common collateral is available]], but many could use updating, and there's more we could be doing. For example:
# Likely collaborator
===Paper collateral===
# General productivity user
We should renew the print collateral we have available for handout at conferences and other events. If possible, each piece should also go through Transifex for translation into select languages.
The [[http://fedoraproject.org/w/index.php?title=Design/SXSW_Materials&oldid=258563#Brochures |brochures that address specific needs]] (e.g., graphic designer, photographer, musician) are appealing and effective, but out-of-date and limited to artistic endeavors (they were originally created for SXSW where that was an appropriate choice). This line could be updated and expanded.
We need at least one piece that is at an introductory, new-to-Linux level, as we do seem to encounter many such people, even at open source conferences!
===T-shirts===
It has become increasingly common to see a t-shirt marking each new release of a distro or other open source project. This could easily become a part of the cycle of Fedora releases and could help the community at large feel more invested in whatever is selected as the new method of naming releases. They also become a badge of honor for those involved over the long-term, i.e., when you can wear your release shirt from several years prior as evidence of the length of your interest and involvement.
In addition, we should encourage printing shirts in women's cuts as well as the generic “unisex” styles, (which are anything but).
For reference, the Fedora Design Team maintains a page with [[Artwork/T-Shirt|current and past t-shirt designs]].
===Laptop show===
There is an existing [[User:Tatica/Laptop_show|“laptop|show”]] intended for anyone who needs something to show on a screen at an event. However, it does not appear to have been updated since 2010. This should be a virtual extension of the event box and updated with each release.
===Success stories===
Most companies, including Red Hat, publish some version of “success stories.” Fedora has a list of possible [[User_stories |“user stories,”]] (created in 2009) but most of them have never been written and some are out of date. Ideally these could be written as or in conjunction with getting-started guides so that they serve the dual purpose of displaying success as well as showing the reader how to duplicate said success.
===Feature interviews===
These interviews were once done after each release, but like other past practices noted here, have not been done in some time. Three or four features should be highlighted in interviews on the wiki, which could be republishable in other publications, and two of them should be done with audio, video, or screencasts.
==Media outreach==
We should in connection with this plan have a media relations plan for increasing coverage of Fedora in relevant publications. We can help connect Fedora technical gurus with the appropriate publications for creating more in-depth pieces.
This media relations plan should begin with updating the [[Category:Press_kitFedora press kit]], which should include:
*A simple backgrounder and facts one-sheet
*A consolidated repository for Fedora videos
*An experts list
*Press coverage archive
*Media request form


==== Hypothetical folks that fit this description, but who we don't serve well right now ====
See also:  http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Fedora_press_material
* Law student, designer, etc. non-dev and never wants to be technical - but wants to contribute to FOSS
* Our amused SO's/parents who want to be supoportive and give feedback, but only to us directly (for instance, Mel's Linux-using friends who come up with patches but don't have time to learn their way around how to submit it upstream and pass it to her instead)
* Locally focused head of a LUG who'd rather concentrate on regional stuff (not global IRC channels) - "the global Fedora community has to reach out to *me* because I have no time to reach out to it myself" (I would submit that some other FOSS projects do this very well, and this is why they spread so fast - they have out-of-the-box "here, do this, SWAG!" experiences for LUGs.)


== Potential areas of opportunity ==
[[Category:Marketing]]
 
=== Real folks from the [[User base]] who use Fedora ===
 
We should profile these folks as good examples of "What can Fedora do for me?"
 
I am:
# Brand new to FOSS(Ryan's 13 year old brother)
# Brand new to computing
# A graphic designer (I am mizmo)
# a Java programmer (I am Andrew Overholt)
# A python programmer (I am Luke Macken)
# A Sysadmin (I am Mike McGrath)
# A WebDev (I am Hiemanshu Sharma)
# A student studying circuits (FEL)
# A GNOME hacker
# A KDE hacker (I am Jaroslav Reznik)
# A law student
# A Marketing student (productivity suit, office, plus thousands of other usefull tools)
 
Some notes:
 
* Focus on productivity, as this will be a pro for every single person looking at it.
* Consider the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreyfus_model_of_skill_acquisition Dreyfus model of skill acquisition], which is a framework for learning stages from novice to expert which points out that (1) newcomers have very little context and need specific instructions, and (2) one of the markers of an experienced person is often forgetting what it's like to be a newcomer.
 
Strategy for talking to the user base of tomorrow:
 
# Emphasize what we enable YOU to do
#* User cases/stories
#* Highlight spins that prove the model (i.e. use based, not view based)
#* "Think out loud" -- what's the user/contributor experience now?
#* Highlight Fedora being used to do things ("Made with Fedora")
# find ways not to lose users once they come to us
#* consolidation of support, forums, questions, education
#* make sure correct answers are available and easy to find
# brand identity/recognition
#* events
#* press
#* consistency

Latest revision as of 14:43, 18 September 2016

Cog.png
This page needs some love
This page should be revised or reconstructed to be more helpful. Problems may include being out of step with current team or project status or process.

Situational analysis and opportunities

Fedora intended user description

In 2009, the Fedora Board defined four characteristics that describe the minimum level of user for whom Fedora designs its default offering:

  • Voluntary Linux consumer
  • Computer-friendly
  • Likely collaborator
  • General productivity user

In this description, they also wrote, “We tend to favor consumers who are interested in taking a step toward collaboration.“ In other words, the best users are the next contributors.

Four Foundations

Fedora is built on a set values, its four foundations: freedom, friends, features, and first. But how successful have we been at each of those? Fedora as a whole is committed to freedom. FUDCon events in particular have become an excellent venue for promoting the friend value. But when it comes to features and first, we've been sliding.

User statistics

When comparing total connections to repositories, the most recent two releases have shown significant declines compared to their predecessors at the same points in their lifecycles:

Mktggraph1.png

However, when comparing yum connections week over week in the first six weeks after release, Fedora 17 does appear to be seeing significant increases over Fedora 16.

Mktggraph2.png


Unfortunately, user tracking is fraught with challenges, which should be recognized given its appeal as a measuring stick for our success. For example, a large university lab with many systems all running Fedora might appear to us as only one. Or someone with a Fedora laptop who connects from more than one network might appear to us as two or more.


Maker market study

Intel and MAKE cosponsored a maker market study titled [In-depth Profile of Makers at the Forefront of Hardware Innovation.”] For this study, they surveyed a random sampling of 789 MAKE subscribers and Maker Faire exhibitors in May 2012.

  • When given a list of 28 terms to described themselves, “hobbyist” and “maker” were by far the most common choices. 17% described themselves as “leading-edge” makers, defined as someone who is an entrepreneur, influencer, or innovator.
    • 79% of makers are involved in hardware or software projects
    • 70% are involved with hardware, largely Arduino or 3D design and printing
    • 66% are involved with software, and 20% are involved with operating systems

Overwhelmingly, their projects involve hardware (such as microprocessors or 3D printing) than any other category, closely followed by electronics and “fun projects.” On collaboration, 59% report that others use what they make or that they make things with others. Overall, 75% report engaging in some degree of collaborative activity.


Basic demographics of makers The results of MAKE's survey reveal a demographic that is slightly older and more professional than what we have usually seen in Fedora contributors. Pulling them in could bring a new level of polish and professionalism to the community.

  • 80% are male
  • Median age: 44
  • Median household income: $106,000
  • 40% have children under the age of 17 living at home
  • 73% own their homes or apartments
  • 97% attended college and 80% have post-gradate education


Maker values Respondents were surveyed on a seven-point scale about a selection of values. Unsurprisingly, their answers closely mirror the values of Fedora and open source software. Following are the percentages of those who agreed strongly or moderately (“top two box” scores) with several statements:

  • 79% say it is important to be able to modify, repair, extend, or repurpose corporately produced products
  • 72% feel it is important to share knowledge and skills with others
  • 65% believe ideas should be free
  • 94% say that making things makes them feel resourceful
  • Only 6% feel it is no longer important to be able to fix devices yourself



“Makers are saying: It's good to receive—but also to GIVE BACK.” -- An In-depth Profile of Makers at the Forefront of Hardware Innovation, May 2012



Objectives and action plan

User survey

Fedora has never regularly conducted a basic study of its users. (There have been some attempts at market research.) We “survey” our community constantly by casual conversations and assumptions, but the first step in understanding their satisfaction and interests should be an annual State of Fedora study.

Brand standards

The Fedora brand is highly recognizable and one of our most valuable assets, and it should be protected as such. We have solid guidelines for the usage of the logo and appropriate colors, but that's about the end of it for brand standards or guidelines. We need a unified brand standards handbook on the wiki that: Expands graphically to better describe the Fedora “look.” Worldwide, our design style is scattered, and our materials don't look unified. Includes writing style guidelines. There's a style guide for the wiki and one for the Docs team, but not a unified style guide that can also be applied for marketing purposes. A shorter version for quick reference would also be helpful. (Why? Try asking three random people whether to capitalize the “p” in Fedora Project.)

Makers

As described above, makers are a community that is closely aligned with the Fedora Project in principles, but much of the community is not yet using open source software, even those who are heavily involved in open hardware. We should also be interested in what we can do to make Fedora more appealing for makers.

Relevant SIGs

There are several existing special interest groups (SIGs) that are particularly relevant to the needs of makers, notably:

We should support growth in these SIGs and discuss with the community creating a Maker SIG as well.

Raspberry Pi

We have already seen the success and popularity of using the Raspberry Pi simply at conferences to draw interest to Fedora. Originally we expected Fedora to be the recommended distro by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, but this changed to Raspbian. The [Pi Remix] is currently being improved, but it's difficult for users to find. Coordination with the ARM team in Fedora and with RPF should help strengthen our presence and awareness for this popular hardware (with the caveat that it is the popular choice of the moment, and we should have our eyes to what comes next as well).

Maker Faires

Tom Callaway and Ruth Suehle attended World Maker Faire in New York in September 2012 on behalf of Fedora demonstrating the Raspberry Pi as a photobooth (also shown at OSCON 2012). It was a good opportunity to reach this new-to-Fedora and new-to-Linux community.

  • World Maker Faires
The next of these large Maker Faire events is in the Bay Area (California) in May 2014. It is the largest of the Maker Faire events.
  • Mini Maker Faires
As the community has availability, we may also consider sponsorship and attendance at Mini Maker Faires, which are held all over the country, generally with a very low cost of sponsorship. We've already had many requests for a Fedora presence at these events. Ideally we would have a plan for attending them, possibly with a maker-specific version of the event box for showing how we can support this community.

Collateral

Collateral, the simplest tool in the marketing toolbox—and the most necessary. A robust list of common collateral is available, but many could use updating, and there's more we could be doing. For example:

Paper collateral

We should renew the print collateral we have available for handout at conferences and other events. If possible, each piece should also go through Transifex for translation into select languages. The [|brochures that address specific needs] (e.g., graphic designer, photographer, musician) are appealing and effective, but out-of-date and limited to artistic endeavors (they were originally created for SXSW where that was an appropriate choice). This line could be updated and expanded. We need at least one piece that is at an introductory, new-to-Linux level, as we do seem to encounter many such people, even at open source conferences!

T-shirts

It has become increasingly common to see a t-shirt marking each new release of a distro or other open source project. This could easily become a part of the cycle of Fedora releases and could help the community at large feel more invested in whatever is selected as the new method of naming releases. They also become a badge of honor for those involved over the long-term, i.e., when you can wear your release shirt from several years prior as evidence of the length of your interest and involvement. In addition, we should encourage printing shirts in women's cuts as well as the generic “unisex” styles, (which are anything but). For reference, the Fedora Design Team maintains a page with current and past t-shirt designs.

Laptop show

There is an existing “laptop|show” intended for anyone who needs something to show on a screen at an event. However, it does not appear to have been updated since 2010. This should be a virtual extension of the event box and updated with each release.

Success stories

Most companies, including Red Hat, publish some version of “success stories.” Fedora has a list of possible “user stories,” (created in 2009) but most of them have never been written and some are out of date. Ideally these could be written as or in conjunction with getting-started guides so that they serve the dual purpose of displaying success as well as showing the reader how to duplicate said success.

Feature interviews

These interviews were once done after each release, but like other past practices noted here, have not been done in some time. Three or four features should be highlighted in interviews on the wiki, which could be republishable in other publications, and two of them should be done with audio, video, or screencasts.

Media outreach

We should in connection with this plan have a media relations plan for increasing coverage of Fedora in relevant publications. We can help connect Fedora technical gurus with the appropriate publications for creating more in-depth pieces. This media relations plan should begin with updating the, which should include:

  • A simple backgrounder and facts one-sheet
  • A consolidated repository for Fedora videos
  • An experts list
  • Press coverage archive
  • Media request form

See also: http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Fedora_press_material