The marketing plan is a relatively lengthy detailed process performed by the marketing manger. A popular model is the SOSTAC approach - Situation analysis, Objectives, Strategy, Tactics, Actions and Controls. The marketing plan answers the questions:

Where are we now?

Where do we want to go?

How do we get there?

What actions do we need to take?

How will we know we've arrived?

Marketing Plan is very imprtant part of business plan. Normally Marketing plan section discusses marketing objectives, marketing campaigns and marketing budegets.

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A marketing plan template is used by companies as part of a greater business plan. A marketing plan template is specifically for determing the budget and goals which are related to marketing and advertising. It offers tools and guidelines to follow, such as when to market, and how much to spend on marketing.

This really depends on your definition of marketing. If you're simply talking about a promotional plan, this has primarily a tactical focus. However if you're working for a marketing focused business, a marketing plan is synonymous with the business plan and contains the higher level thinking behind the decisons - this is a strategic plan.