Mid-Year Marketing Check-Up: 12 Smart Strategies to Elevate Your Plan

by Sandy Hibbard

In today’s competitive business landscape, having a robust marketing plan is not just an option—it’s a necessity. But how do you create a marketing plan that is both smart and doable for your budget and time? In this week’s article – Mid-Year Marketing Check-Up: 12 Smart Strategies to Elevate Your Plan – I draw inspiration from insights shared in recent INSIDERS episodes and from years of experience in helping clients hustle to meet their marketing and sales goals. In this article, I did deep to provide you with actionable strategies that will elevate your marketing efforts. Let’s dive in!

1. Consistency is Key

The foundation of any successful marketing plan is consistency. Whether you’re focusing on email campaigns or social media, it’s crucial to develop a strategy that you can sustain over the long term. Don’t be tempted by expensive, complex plans that are impossible to maintain. Instead, opt for a manageable strategy that ensures regular engagement with your audience. Consistency not only builds trust but also keeps your brand top of mind.

 

“Consistency Builds Trust”

Developing a sustainable strategy is essential. Regular engagement with your audience builds trust and keeps your brand top of mind. Choose a plan you can maintain and watch your business grow.

 

2. Start Now

There’s no better time to start than now. Procrastination can be the death of a marketing plan. By launching your strategic email or social media campaign today, you give yourself a head start. Remember, it takes time to see results, so the sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll reap the benefits. As I often say, “Activity breeds results.” Get moving, and watch your efforts translate into tangible outcomes.

3. Educate with Content

One of the most powerful tools in your marketing arsenal is educational content. Sharing your knowledge positions you as an expert in your field and provides value to your audience. Whether through blogs, email blasts, or social media posts, ensure your content is informative and addresses the needs of your customers. By educating your audience, you build trust and foster deeper connections, making them more likely to choose your products or services.

 

“The Power of Educational Content”

Position yourself as an expert by sharing valuable knowledge. Educational content builds trust and fosters connections, making your audience more likely to choose your products or services.

 

4. Work on Your Marketing

Creating a marketing plan is just the beginning. Execution is where many plans falter. Dedicate time to working on your marketing initiatives regularly. This includes everything from creating content to analyzing performance metrics. Effective marketing requires ongoing effort and adjustment based on what’s working and what’s not. Remember, it’s not rocket science, but it does require consistent effort and attention.

5. Incorporate and Engage

Integrate various marketing strategies to create a cohesive plan. Choose three core tactics that align with your business goals and focus on executing them effectively. For instance, combining email marketing, social media engagement, and content marketing can create a powerful synergy. Engagement is critical; interact with your audience through comments, likes, shares, and direct messages to build relationships and drive loyalty.

6. Activity Breeds Results

Echoing the wisdom from Judge Fite, “Activity breeds results.” In marketing, inactivity leads to stagnation. Regularly update your strategies, experiment with new ideas, and keep your marketing activities dynamic. The more you engage with your audience, the more opportunities you create for conversions and growth.

7. Increasing Engagement: Be Yourself

In the era of algorithms favoring video content, authenticity is paramount. Be yourself and let your personality shine through your content. Overly polished or forced presentations can be off-putting. Instead, focus on being natural and comfortable in front of the camera. Authenticity resonates with audiences and fosters genuine connections. And by all means, have fun!

8. Keep It Simple

When creating content, especially videos, keep it simple and to the point. Short, concise messages are more effective than long, detailed ones. For example, if you’re making a reel on Instagram, focus on one clear message. This approach not only makes your content easier to digest but also aligns with the platform’s preference for brief, engaging videos.

9. Telling Stories

Storytelling is a powerful way to connect with your audience. Share snippets of your life, your passions, and your business journey. Whether it’s a day out with your dog or a behind-the-scenes look at your work, these stories humanize your brand and make it relatable. People connect with stories, and sharing yours can significantly boost engagement.

 

“Harness the Power of Storytelling”

Share your journey and passions to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Stories humanize your brand and significantly boost engagement.

 

10. Posting on Instagram: Stories, Reels, and Feed

Make sure that Instagram is in your mix! Instagram offers multiple ways to share content—stories, reels, and feed posts. Utilize all these features to maintain a vibrant and active presence. Consistency in posting across these formats helps keep your audience engaged and broadens your reach. Having the right tools and systems in place can streamline this process, allowing you to post quickly and efficiently.

11. Think Like a Marketer

To drive engagement, you need to think like a marketer. This means understanding your audience, creating content that resonates, and using the right tools to distribute it effectively. If you find this challenging, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A marketing expert can help you devise and implement a strategy tailored to your business needs. (Need help? Reach out to me at SandyHibbardCreative.com.)

12. Industry-Specific Content

Tailor your content to your industry. For instance, if you’re a Realtor, your content should revolve around real estate—showing homes, sharing market insights, and offering home-buying tips. This focused approach not only attracts the right audience but also establishes you as a knowledgeable authority in your field.

In Summary

Building a smart and doable marketing plan involves a blend of consistency, timely action, educational content, and authentic engagement. By following these strategies, you can create a marketing plan that not only meets your business goals but also resonates with your audience. Remember, the key to successful marketing is to start now, stay consistent, and continuously engage with your audience. Happy marketing!

For more insights and personalized marketing strategies, visit Sandy Hibbard Creative. Let’s work together to elevate your brand and achieve your business goals.