Marketing Planning: Time To Prep for 2025
by Debbie Arata
As October rolls in, the air grows crisp, and the holiday season looms just over the horizon, it’s the perfect time for small businesses to start planning for the coming year. The fourth quarter offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the year’s successes and challenges and use these insights to build an even stronger strategy for next year.
At Spoke, we have already begun to review our wins and (more importantly) some losses that will help us gain wisdom we can apply in 2025. Based on this process, here are a few things that can help you make the most of this critical planning period.
Review your performance.
Begin by conducting a thorough review of your performance over the past nine months. Analyze your financial statements, sales data, and customer feedback. Identify trends, both positive and negative. Which products or services performed well? Where did you fall short? Understanding these patterns will help you make informed decisions moving forward.
Set clear, achievable goals.
Based on your analysis, set clear and achievable goals for the coming year. Goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Whether it’s increasing your customer base, launching a new product line, or improving your online presence, having well-defined objectives will provide direction and motivation.
Budget for success.
Developing a budget is essential for financial planning and resource allocation. Take into account your revenue forecasts, fixed and variable expenses, and potential investments. Be sure your budget aligns with your goals and includes a buffer for unexpected expenses. Regularly review and adjust your budget as needed to stay on track.
Enhance your marketing strategy.
October is a great time to evaluate your marketing efforts. What campaigns brought the most ROI? Which channels proved most effective? Use these insights to refine your marketing strategy. Consider integrating new trends such as influencer partnerships, video content, or advanced targeting techniques in social media advertising. Plan your marketing calendar in advance, especially for major holidays and sales events.
Invest in technology.
Technology continues to be a driving force for business efficiency and growth. Assess your current tech stack and identify areas for improvement. Whether it’s upgrading your website, adopting customer relationship management (CRM) software, or exploring automation tools, investing in technology can streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. For example, we’ve found HubSpot to be a hugely valuable tech tool and are planning ways to apply it even more effectively in the coming year.
Focus on employee development.
Your employees are your most valuable asset. Invest in their development by providing training opportunities, fostering a positive work environment, and encouraging open communication. Happy, well-trained employees are more productive and committed, which translates to better customer service and business outcomes. We have a “Shoutout” channel on Slack where we consistently recognize achievements by our team members.
Strengthen customer relationships.
Prioritize strengthening relationships with your customers. Personalize your interactions, seek feedback, and show appreciation through loyalty programs or special offers. Building strong customer relationships fosters loyalty and can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Planning for the coming year is not just about setting new goals; it’s about leveraging the lessons learned from the current year to build a more resilient and successful business. By taking the time to review, plan, and invest in key areas, small businesses can set themselves up for a prosperous year ahead. Start now, and make 2025 your best year yet!
Questions or comments? Contact me at Spoke – I’m always available to talk.
Debbie Arata is Creative Director, Account Manager, at Spoke Marketing. Spoke Marketing (www.spokemarketing.com) provides fully-integrated marketing and sales programs that define and activate the customer buyer journey.