Here are some marketing questions for business owners and leaders to ponder to truly rock 2025. Start the year off right. First, ask and answer these questions to help your team succeed by aligning your collective efforts. Then, optimize your team’s performance with clarity, collaboration, conviction, consistency and connection — and 2025 will be your year. And finally, don’t forget to regularly track your progress.

Ask Yourself These Marketing Questions

What are my business goals?

To focus efforts and increase success rates, make sure your goals are SMART. SMART goals are specific, measurable, actionable, relevant and time bound. Areas in which to set goals are around your financial target, growth, operations and your team. In addition, set goals for yourself as a business leader. These goals can be around leadership, development, your role, work life balance, fitness, mental wellness, etc.

Does my brand and messaging reflect what my business is today?

Is your brand resonating with your team and your best target? Think about this. You have great clients or customers, a strong, best-of-class team, and a differentiating product or service. So is your brand a garage band? Or have you evolved your brand and messaging to reflect what your business has become?

What is my marketing budget?

Set your marketing budget for next year. This is one of the most important marketing questions for several reasons. Most companies’ marketing budget for 2025 is between 7–10% of revenue. Then you can align your activities and expectations once your number determined.

Who are my best customers/clients?

If you have data gathered, this will be easier. If not, you still need to answer this marketing question. Key metrics to consider include purchase frequency and recency. Also review the total revenue generated by that client or customer for the year. Further, consider customer loyalty — your net promoter score (NPS). In other words, how likely are they to recommend your brand to others?

How am I going to achieve set goals targeted at my best prospects in 2025?

Now you’re asking yourself one of the key marketing questions. From here you can develop your marketing road map. With your ideal customers identified, you can then tailor your marketing efforts to their preferences and needs. In addition, the budget you developed is also in play here, as marketing initiatives must be within that budget.

Do I have the right marketing team in place to rock my business in the new year?

For the most part, successful business leaders realize marketing should be done by professionals. They themselves should not be the marketers. Thus, evaluate your team and identify who is qualified to lead and execute your marketing team efforts to reach your goals. Most small businesses do not have that team internally. And most small business leaders know that an office manager isn’t their Chief Marketing Officer — that position should not be leading or executing marketing strategies and initiatives.

These Answers Will Start Your New Year Off Right

Cheers to a new year. Going forward, we are wishing you even greater business success in 2025. In addition, our wish for you and your team is to achieve optimal mental and physical health and happiness.

What’s your business growth opportunity for next year? Identify it. Now is the time. Q4 is upon us. Before we know it, it will be January 2025. So take the time now to really contemplate where you want to take your business next. Once you have that nailed down, you’ll have a clear place to steer yourself in Q1.

Your Growth Opportunity Is Not Swayed by Circumstances

Your business growth opportunity for next should be based on YOUR business. Not so much on outside forces happening in the world. Despite the economy. Or the uncertainty due to the election. Strong brands will survive and thrive in 2025. What makes you a strong brand?

Uncover Opportunities With Probing Questions

Ask yourself some of these questions when you review your business in Q4. These questions will help you determine your success for 2025 based on your successes in 2024.

1. Review your 2024 key clients or customers’ successes. Where have you seen the most business growth this past year?

Make a list. This will give you insight into where your business growth opportunity might be for next year. Looks for patterns and trends in your business’ success. You might just be getting started in some area of your business that will continue to pay off.

2. Is your team convicted that the brand is important?

Review your brand’s foundation. Is your brand strong? Does your leadership team articulate your brand clearly at every internal touchpoint? Your audience needs to be able to recognize you and count on you. They want to see you as the voice of authority, every time they turn to you for answers.

3. Are you communicating consistently?

Consistent communication is key to having a strong brand, and a strong presence in the marketplace. If you are not communicating clearly and consistently about your brand, you are diluting your brand and the competency of your organization.

4. Does your target care about what your brand stands for?

The stronger the emotional connection to your brand, the more likely the target will be predisposed to your organization. What were your successes with your audience this past year? Plan to do more of whatever that was.

Other questions to ask yourself about your business, looking for your business growth opportunities in 2025:

• Are you leveraging your senior team’s strengths?
• What are your strategies? Define these and then everything else should fall under that.
• What are your holes in marketing resources? What do you need help with?

Pro-Tips For Growth

Identifying your business growth opportunities is just your first step to a successful 2024. Reviewing 2024, there are areas where we see success for small to midsize businesses and nonprofits in 2025. Make sure you have this Pro-Tip list covered in Q4 this year, and follow the path to uncover your own insights and build your business in 2025. If you need help along the way, Front Porch has your back.

• Identify your growth opportunity.
• Make sure you have the team needed to realize your goals for your clients.
• Have a plan. Be focused. A marketing plan is important to maximize resources and reduce unneeded spend.
• Sharpen messaging. Review your message map. Make edits where necessary.
• Be strategic. Define strategies and then tactics that will help you accomplish the strategies.
• Remember, tactically, less is more.

In the evolving landscape of B2B marketing, staying ahead of emerging trends and predicting shifts is crucial for the future of B2B marketing. Small businesses need to aim to carve out their niche and thrive in competitive markets. It’s essential for small B2B enterprises to anticipate and adapt to evolving consumer behaviors, technological advancements, and industry dynamics.

What is the future of B2B marketing? Find out by exploring key trends and predictions that small businesses should consider as they chart their course for success.

Rise of AI and Automation in the Future of B2B Marketing

First, Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are poised to revolutionize the future of B2B marketing strategies. They offer unprecedented capabilities for personalized targeting, predictive analytics, and workflow optimization. Small businesses can harness AI-powered tools to streamline marketing processes, enhance customer segmentation, and deliver hyper-targeted messaging across multiple channels. By leveraging AI and automation, small B2B enterprises can increase efficiency, improve ROI, and gain a competitive edge in the digital marketplace.

Embrace of Account-Based Marketing (ABM)

Next, Account-Based Marketing (ABM) continues to gain traction as a strategic approach for B2B businesses. ABM can target high-value accounts and personalize marketing efforts to meet their specific needs. Small businesses can adopt ABM strategies to nurture relationships with key accounts. And deliver customized content, and drive engagement at every stage of the buyer’s journey. By focusing resources on the most promising prospects, small B2B enterprises can maximize the future of B2B marketing ROI. Ultimately they can accelerate sales growth in a targeted and efficient manner.

Shift Towards Interactive and Immersive Content

In an era of information overload, capturing and retaining audience attention requires innovative content experiences that engage and delight. So small businesses can differentiate themselves by embracing interactive and immersive content. Formats such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and interactive video are key. By creating immersive storytelling experiences, small B2B enterprises can captivate audiences. Additionally, they can foster brand loyalty, and drive meaningful interactions that resonate with their target audience.

Integration of Sustainability and the Purpose-Driven Future of B2B Marketing

Consumers are increasingly seeking out brands that align with their values and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Small businesses can differentiate themselves by integrating sustainability and purpose-driven messaging into the future of B2B marketing strategies. By highlighting their environmental initiatives, community involvement, and ethical business practices, small B2B enterprises can build trust, loyalty, and goodwill among their audience while making a positive impact on society.

Personalization at Scale

Finally, as consumers expect more personalized experiences from brands, small businesses must leverage data-driven insights. They need to use advanced segmentation techniques to deliver tailored messaging at scale. By harnessing customer data and predictive analytics, small B2B enterprises can create highly personalized marketing campaigns. These resonate with individual prospects and drive conversion. From personalized email campaigns to dynamic website content, personalization allows small businesses to connect with their audience on a deeper level and nurture long-term relationships.

Embracing the Future of B2B Marketing

As the future of B2B marketing landscape continues to evolve, small businesses must embrace innovation, adaptability, and forward-thinking strategies to stay ahead of the curve. By anticipating trends such as the rise of AI and automation, the embrace of ABM, the shift towards interactive content, the integration of sustainability, and the importance of personalization, small B2B enterprises can position themselves for success in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Overall, as you navigate the complexities of B2B marketing, remember to stay agile, experiment with new technologies, and prioritize delivering value to your audience. Then by embracing the future of B2B marketing, small businesses can seize new opportunities, drive growth, and thrive in the digital age.

In the dynamic world of business-to-business interactions, forging strong B2B partnerships is essential for long-term success and growth. These strategic alliances not only expand market reach but also foster innovation and mutual support. However, building strong B2B partnerships requires careful planning, effective communication, and a commitment to shared goals. Here are some key strategies that businesses can implement to cultivate meaningful and enduring partnerships in the B2B landscape.

Establish Clear Objectives and Alignment in B2B Partnerships

At the core of any successful partnership lies a shared understanding of objectives and alignment of goals. Before embarking on a collaboration, take the time to define what success looks like for both parties. Clarify mutual expectations, identify common challenges, and outline how each partner can contribute to achieving shared objectives. For example, a technology company seeking to enhance its cybersecurity offerings may form a strategic alliance with a cybersecurity firm to jointly develop integrated solutions that address both data analysis and security concerns.

Foster Open and Transparent Communication

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship, and B2B partnerships are no exception. Cultivate an environment of open dialogue and transparency, where both parties feel comfortable expressing their needs, concerns, and ideas. Regular check-ins, status updates, and feedback sessions help ensure that everyone remains on the same page throughout the partnership journey. For instance, a manufacturing company building strong relationships with suppliers ensures a steady supply of raw materials or components, fostering reliability and efficiency in the production process.

Prioritize Mutual Benefit and Value Creation for B2B Partnerships

Successful B2B partnerships are ones where both parties derive tangible value from the collaboration. Focus on identifying areas of mutual benefit and value creation, where each partner can leverage their strengths to achieve shared goals. Whether it’s access to new markets, innovative technologies, or complementary expertise, seek opportunities to create win-win scenarios that drive mutual growth and success. For example, a software company may partner with a network of resellers to distribute its products to different geographic regions or industries, expanding its market reach while providing the resellers with a lucrative revenue stream.

Invest in Relationship-Building and Trust

Building strong partnerships takes time and effort, and investing in relationship-building is essential for long-term success. Take the time to get to know your partner’s business, culture, and values, and foster personal connections with key stakeholders. Building trust is paramount, so be reliable, transparent, and honest in your interactions. Demonstrate a commitment to the partnership by following through on promises, addressing concerns promptly, and actively seeking ways to add value to your partner’s business. For instance, marketing and co-marketing partnerships allow businesses to collaborate on initiatives that amplify both parties’ reach and visibility, such as co-creating content or launching co-branded campaigns.

Embrace Collaboration and Adaptability in Your B2B Partnerships

Flexibility and adaptability are essential qualities for successful B2B partnerships. Embrace a spirit of collaboration and be open to exploring new ideas, strategies, and opportunities together. Remain agile in responding to changing market dynamics, evolving customer needs, and emerging industry trends. By fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, you position your partnership for long-term relevance and resilience in the face of uncertainty. For example, companies often form partnerships to enhance their product offerings or expand into new markets, leveraging each other’s expertise to develop innovative solutions that address evolving customer demands.

Leverage Expertise Through Strategic Partnerships

Leveraging expertise through strategic partnerships can provide B2B companies with specialized skills and knowledge to enhance their offerings and market presence. Collaborating with a marketing firm, for example, can offer significant benefits for businesses looking to elevate their brand visibility, generate leads, and drive revenue growth. A B2B partnership with a marketing firm can provide access to a range of marketing services, including strategic planning, digital marketing, content creation, and campaign management. By tapping into the expertise of marketing professionals, B2B companies can develop tailored marketing strategies and tactics that resonate with their target audience and align with their business objectives.

For instance, a professional services company seeking to expand its market reach may partner with a marketing firm specializing in B2B lead generation and digital marketing. Through this partnership, the services company gains access to a team of marketing experts who can develop targeted campaigns, optimize online presence including SEO, and leverage data analytics to identify and nurture leads effectively. By outsourcing marketing efforts to a trusted partner, the services company can focus on core business operations while benefiting from the marketing firm’s industry knowledge, resources, and experience.

Cultivating Strong B2B Partnerships is a Win-Win

In the interconnected world of B2B commerce, building strong B2B partnerships is not just advantageous — it’s imperative for sustainable growth and competitiveness. By following these strategies and incorporating examples of specific partnership types, including collaborations with marketing firms, businesses can cultivate meaningful and enduring partnerships that drive mutual success. As you navigate the intricacies of B2B relationships, remember that the strength of your partnerships lies in your ability to collaborate, communicate, and innovate together.

This is anniversary number 13 and it is sweet and humbling. And I am forever grateful for our team, clients and advocates.

13 is a lucky number.

It represents fearlessness. And, although at times fearlessness is hard amidst all that is going on with our business, clients, family, and in the world, for our business and me it is a guidepost.

Today I’m sharing 13 branding and marketing truths that still ring true, to celebrate our 13^th year of doing what we love.

1. Branding – Start-ups and small to midsize businesses who have defined and live their brand architecture achieve their business goals.
2. Conviction – Successful businesses and business leaders articulate their brand. They know it stands for a specific and meaningful promise. These business leaders champion it internally as well.
3. Consistency – Our clients deliver on their brand at every point of contact, internally and externally. They understand if they don’t it will dilute the competency of the organization.
4. Connection – The relevancy and persuasiveness of a brand must be realized by the business’ target. Emotional connections make target audiences more predisposed to your company and its products or services.
5. Knowing you are not your customer.
6. Yet, knowing who your key client or customer targets are key.
7. Defining and monitoring the competitive landscape.
8. Creating and integrating key messages into all communications.
9. Being grateful for your relationships. Give back to those who support you. Encouraging them and providing help to them professionally or their businesses along the way.
10. Networking – This doesn’t have to be large groups, weekly or monthly meetings. But those help. Always be open to meeting new people and trying to help or connect with them.
11. Email marketing is the bomb. Don’t underestimate its power.
12. Having and trusting strong account managers, creative directors and content specialists. They make magic happen.
13. Work with people who you love, for those you love, creating and executing work you love, whilst taking care of your loves.

Trade shows and conferences offer invaluable opportunities for B2B businesses to network, showcase their offerings, and stay ahead of industry trends. However, to truly leverage these events for growth, it’s essential to have a strategic approach.

The Power of Face-to-Face Connections

In today’s digital age, the value of face-to-face interactions cannot be overstated. Trade shows and conferences provide a platform for B2B businesses to engage with industry peers, potential clients, and thought leaders in a dynamic and immersive setting. By capitalizing on these events strategically, businesses can foster relationships, generate leads, and ultimately drive growth.

1. Pre-Event Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success

Maximizing the impact of trade shows and conferences begins long before the event itself. Start by thoroughly researching the event agenda, exhibitors, competitors and attendees. Set clear objectives for your participation, whether it’s expanding your network, showcasing new products, or generating leads. Develop a compelling booth design and promotional materials that effectively communicate your brand message and offerings. Market your participation via email, social and your company’s website and blog.

2. Strategic Networking: Quality Over Quantity

While it may be tempting to collect as many business cards as possible, focusing on quality over quantity is key when it comes to networking at trade shows and conferences. Identify key stakeholders and decision-makers you want to connect with and prioritize meaningful interactions. Prepare an elevator pitch that succinctly communicates your value proposition and be genuinely interested in learning about others’ businesses.

3. Engaging Booth Experiences: Capturing Attention

Your booth is your storefront at trade shows and conferences, and it should be designed to captivate attendees’ attention. Create interactive experiences that allow visitors to engage with your products or services firsthand. Incorporate multimedia elements such as videos, demonstrations, or virtual reality experiences to showcase your offerings in an engaging and memorable way. Remember to train your booth staff to be knowledgeable, approachable, and proactive in engaging with visitors.

4. Thought Leadership Opportunities: Sharing Expertise

Trade shows and conferences often include speaking opportunities, panel discussions, or workshops where industry experts can share insights and expertise. Seize these opportunities to position your business as a thought leader in your field. Prepare engaging presentations that offer value to attendees and demonstrate your industry knowledge. Be sure to promote your speaking engagements beforehand using email and social media to attract attendees to your sessions.

5. Post-Event Follow-Up: Nurture Relationships

The real work begins after the trade show or conference ends. Follow up with leads promptly, whether through personalized emails, phone calls, or social media connections. Reference specific conversations or interactions to demonstrate your attentiveness and interest. Continue to nurture these relationships by providing valuable content, addressing any questions or concerns, and staying top of mind until conversion.

Driving Growth Through Strategic Engagement at Trade Shows and Conferences

Trade shows and conferences represent more than just opportunities for businesses to showcase their offerings; they are catalysts for growth and innovation. By approaching these events strategically, small and mid-size B2B enterprises can expand their networks, establish thought leadership, and ultimately drive business growth. By investing time, resources, and creativity into maximizing trade show and conference participation, businesses can unlock new opportunities and propel their success forward.

Our wish is that everyone’s marketing initiatives are rockin’ in 2024. As we step into the new year, the marketing landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with businesses across industries embracing innovative strategies to drive growth and engagement. Right now we are seeing marketing initiatives already producing tangible results for our clients in 2024.

From leveraging emerging technologies to refining content strategies, these initiatives underscore the importance of staying agile and adaptable in today’s dynamic market. Consistently re-evaluating and evolving your marketing approach is paramount for staying ahead of the curve and maximizing long-term success in an ever-changing business environment.

Strategies that are shaping success as marketing initiatives this year

1. Back to Brand Basics — Brand strategies remain paramount. And getting back to those brand strategies resonates with clients and consumers. Stay true to your brand!
2. Team Members as Brand Influencers — This marketing initiative is marketing from the inside out. Again, tried and true brand strategies like this work. Team members share real stories,  and this gains client and consumer trust.
3. Working the Marketing Plan — Focus on consistency with your marketing plan. Staying on budget is a huge plus. Overall, being proactive versus reactive wins. These are a few of the benefits our clients have shared. Recently, one client said our marketing plan not only helped with these things but helped them stay away from new opportunities that would drain resources — namely time and money.
4. LinkedIn Organic Reach Rules — With consistent posting frequency, engaging content and strong creative graphics, our clients’ LinkedIn organic reach is increasing in 2024. This contradicts overall trends found in marketing benchmark surveys.
5. Retention Rate vs. Engagement — With so many shiny objects, social media engagement is waning. So if you are retaining followers, you are winning with this marketing initiative.
6. Blogging — Our clients benefit in search by utilizing consistent blog posting. This is a bonus for B2B, as clients and consumers are also engaged. Conversion rates continue to increase as well with consistent blogging.
7. Video — Whether short-form or long-form, our clients are partnering with us to create video content. These videos result in deeper client and consumer connections. Time spent on websites has increased. And signups for newsletters and blogs have increased.
8. Paid Digital — Strategic paid social and Google search and display ads rock our clients’ topline. Equally important, a minimum three-month campaign is needed to build momentum and demonstrate consistency of message.

Adapting and Being Consistent: The Key to Successful Marketing

Overall, we’ve witnessed different initiatives our clients are implementing with success so far in 2024. Strategies like working the marketing plan, harnessing LinkedIn organic reach, investing in strategic blogging, and leveraging paid digital channels all work. In this ever-evolving landscape of marketing, one thing remains constant though: the need for businesses to stay agile yet consistent in their approach.

Adaptability is key to staying ahead of the curve. However, this adaptability must be balanced with consistency, as maintaining a cohesive brand presence across various channels is essential for building trust and credibility with your audience. By consistently re-evaluating and evolving your marketing strategies but staying true to your brand, you can not only capitalize on emerging trends and technologies but also ensure that your efforts remain aligned with your overarching business goals.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of the marketing landscape this year, we remember that success lies in our ability to innovate, iterate, and adapt to the ever-changing needs and preferences of our clients’ audiences. Let’s rock 2024 together!

The holiday season is in full swing, and chances are you have already finalized the details for any holiday appreciation gifts you plan to send to your clients, but have you thought about how you are going to celebrate your team this season? If the answer is no, there is no reason to push the panic button just yet.

How to Show Appreciation During the Holidays

Showing appreciation doesn’t have to mean grand gestures or gifts. In fact, sometimes, a small act of kindness means the most. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.

1. Handwritten Cards
   Don’t overlook the simple act of a personalized note to celebrate your team members. We live in a world where texts and emails are our main form of communication. And typically, what lands in our home mailboxes are bills and advertisements. What if your team open their mailboxes to a card just for them expressing your gratitude for their hard work and commitment and closing with a happy holiday message?
2. Thoughtful Gift
   You may want to think about adding a small gift to your handwritten note. Remember to take into consideration what your team members like to do outside of the office. An avid reader may enjoy a new book or a gift card to purchase the newest read from their favorite author. Don’t forget to incorporate the meaning of the gift into your note.
3. Extra Time Off Work
   What is there never enough of during the holidays? Time! This season can be stressful, and giving your team an extra day or afternoon off from work may help ease their physical or mental load. Maybe it means they can spend extra time with a loved one, finish up last-minute shopping or decorating, or just take a few hours to themselves to recharge.
4. Celebrate Your Team With a Team Luncheon
   No, this is not a potluck team luncheon. We just talked about how time is a valuable commodity during the holidays. No one wants to add to their evening activity a last-minute trip to the store or an extra hour in the kitchen. They want to enjoy the holidays with less stress! Consider catering a meal at the office or a trip to a nice restaurant with a reserved room. If your team works remotely, a restaurant gift card or a gift basket delivery with their favorite holiday treat is a great option too.

Celebrate the Team That Supports Your Business

As you start to assemble your own ideas, keep in mind that we all want to be appreciated, especially around the holidays. Your small gesture can make a big difference. And it may create a team tradition for years to come. Happy Holidays from your Front Porch Team!

On the Porch, we are honored to market brands at different stages, from marketing plan to exit plan. We partner with businesses in start-up, growth, established and exit stages. Our team recently celebrated a business owner whose brand we evolved. This business owner sold the business to a larger company. When this happens, we take great pride in the role we had on the journey. We tangibly helped that owner and business reach their end game.

So how does marketing change at the different stages of a business? Just like a person growing from a baby to an adult, your business has different needs at every age to thrive.

Start-up Stage Marketing

Branding is paramount in this phase. Brand architecture and identity development are critical out of the gate. Once that is complete, the rest flows from there. The foundational collateral, like business cards, letterhead, and the like are developed. After that, website development and digital strategy follow.

Growth Stage Marketing

Businesses in the growth stage come to us as they are looking to target a new demographic or geography. They may expand their product or service offerings. Or the business owner wants to grow existing business. Typically, a new marketing strategy and execution are developed. This involves increasing existing marketing spend. Sometimes, rebranding is needed.

Established Stage Marketing

Your brand is established. But growth is still a desired outcome. How can you market differently at this stage to stay relevant? Updated market research and consistent data analysis are critical. Now may be the time to take risks. What haven’t you done? How can you push the envelope on creative or campaigns? Are your current marketing initiatives consistent? Do you need a brand audit?

Exit Stage Marketing

Ready to position your brand for living on its own, without you at the helm? Although it may seem counterintuitive, now is the time to invest in your brand. First, revamp your marketing strategy. Next, follow industry best practices. It is critical to be the brand authority. Then, increase brand awareness, all the while increase sales. Finally, audit marketing content. How is your website UX/UI? Do you have technical gaps? Make sure sales and marketing are aligned.

What stage is your business in?

Don’t know which one of the different stages your business is in? Let us help. However, if you do know, we can also be your branding and marketing partner. We take pride in our relationships with brands. And we are honored to work with smart, innovative business owners and leaders. So let us help you reach your end game however you define it.

Establish the 2024 Marketing Plan for Your Business

The fourth quarter is 2024 marketing plan time. And there is still time to accomplish this important business exercise to cultivate growth in your business. Are you ready for 2024? On the Porch, marketing plan meetings are set with clients through early December to get ‘er done. It keeps the business and team focused. Save valuable resources — time and money — by creating yours now. Holler if Front Porch Marketing can help!

Marketing Plans 101

So, where to start? We would be happy to help, of course. But, if you want to tackle it on your own, let us help entertain you.

1. Start by asking yourself the question “What are your 2024 business goals?” Marketing plans should align with what your business is trying to achieve.
2. Then, based on projected 2024 revenue, budget a percentage of that revenue for marketing to meet growth targets. Research shows that on average companies are budgeting 9–10% for this purpose, for the second year in a row, for a variety of marketing activities. Protip: companies trying to gain market share are allocating more even in these uncertain times.
3. Once the marketing budget has been inked, set your marketing goals. Goals should always be measurable and be able to be tracked on a monthly or quarterly basis. Measuring your progress is important! Define how success will be measured.
4. Next, analyze your company’s situation and create or update the SWOT analysis. And then, analyze where competitors sit within the space. Then, define or redefine the target clients or customers.

Bring Your Marketing Plan to Life

Now that you have the start of a marketing plan written, think about how you will fulfill it. Set your marketing strategies. Strategies are long-term and create the pathway through to the business’s mission. They drive all of the marketing activities.

Next, define your marketing tactics. Will you be using advertising? Social media? Media relations? How will you execute against your strategy? Tactics are more detailed and have a shorter time frame. And tactics are action oriented. Think of tactics as the answer to how strategies will come to life. Are there tools in place for reporting on your company’s tactical success? Who is responsible for reporting and measurement? Set your structure in place for next year.

Finally, create a marketing timeline for all these activities. What needs to be completed and when? Make notes on who is responsible for tactical execution and when.

Review What Worked and What Didn’t in 2023 to Make 2024 Better

Make sure to revisit the marketing plan from time to time. Audit last year’s efforts, and this year’s efforts to gain insight on what to do better next year. Some folks do it quarterly, some more frequently. And cheers to your business success through strategic, thoughtful branding, marketing, advertising and marketing communication in 2024!