MARKETING STRATEGY OR MARKETING ACTIVITY? ONE OF THESE THINGS IS NOT LIKE THE OTHER.
Are you a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants type of person or someone who always plans ahead?
I fall somewhere in between.
But, after years of working in the business world, I've learned that having a solid strategy in place can save you a tonne of time, money, and energy – three critical elements when you run your own biz.
I’m a fan of the "work smarter, not harder" mentality which is why a marketing strategy is crucial for any business. As a marketer, I enjoy experimenting and expanding my knowledge, but I find that having a plan helps me stay centered and on-task. Of course, I'll admit that I occasionally succumb to the allure of a webinar!
With a strategy in place, I can confidently navigate the overwhelming sea of marketing messages out there, and politely decline well-meaning advice from friends and family.
It helps me stay the course and resist emotional impulses, knowing that everything I do is rooted in sound reasoning and a solid marketing plan.
So, if you're feeling lost in the sea of marketing noise, take a deep breath and remember the power of a well-thought-out strategy. It just might be the anchor you need to stay focused and succeed.
The Dude gets it. Strategy is the big picture.
Activity is what you do to achieve that strategy.
Activity without a strategy typically isn’t as effective as when underpinned by a clear, sustainable and scalable strategy.
Why Marketing Activities Alone Are Not Enough
When it comes to marketing, many entrepreneurs focus on immediate, short-term gains. They may post on social media every other day, create reels or webinars, and list themselves in directories or hop on a podcast. These actions can feel productive – but they also cost time and energy.
The problem with focusing solely on marketing activities is that they do not necessarily contribute to a long-term marketing strategy.
Just because you have the time and drive right now doesn’t mean you always will.
Marketing is a marathon, not a race.
Seasoned runners in a marathon have a strategy and a plan – marketing is no different.
Why A Marketing Strategy Is Essential
Understanding your long-term marketing plan allows you to respond much more effectively, efficiently, and economically.
A marketing strategy allows you to create a foundation that you can critically measure opportunities.
A marketing strategy allows you to weather storms with confidence that you know why you’re doing what you’re doing.
When something works, you know why it works. This means that you can replicate it when you need to.
Why You Need To Develop A Marketing Strategy
You need a marketing strategy if you’re:
not seeing the return on your investment with marketing activities you desire,
spending too much time on your marketing and not enjoying it or feeling overwhelmed
struggling to bring in leads consistently and feeling confident that you know how to do this again and again
Talking more about marketing strategy professionally with people in my network has made it apparent that the immediacy of marketing activities seems to outweigh the value of developing a long-term marketing strategy.
A marketing strategy is a must-have – not a nice-to-have – when you run your own business.
Marketing is not just about taking action; it's about taking the right action.
Don't fall into the trap of thinking that marketing activities alone will bring success. Take the time to develop a solid marketing strategy that will help you achieve your business goals in the long run.