As we head into the fourth quarter, your company’s goals for the upcoming year are top-of-mind, which means it’s time to consider the marketing plan and budget that will help you achieve them.
While the economic uncertainty may have you contemplating a more conservative marketing budget for the new year, the truth is that now is the time to do the exact opposite. It’s quite possible, actually, that your competition will decide to reduce its marketing budget, which makes now the perfect time for you to stay the course and gain an edge over others in your industry.
At MJ2 Marketing, we have years of experience, including helping our clients navigate the 2008 recession. As a result, we have developed a few tips for navigating unpredictable times, while also setting your company up for success.
1. Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible
While you may still create an annual marketing plan and budget, build in monthly or quarterly reviews to provide opportunities to pivot, if necessary. A “set and forget” annual plan is no longer feasible in our rapidly changing world.
2. Understand Your Priorities
Create high-level goals, regardless of whether you know exactly how you are going to get there. Enlist the guidance of professionals, whether it is your in-house marketing team or an outsourced agency, to help you get there. Again, keep in mind that the “how” may change throughout the year.
3. Invest In Your Business
Now more than ever it is essential to invest in your business and how you market it. Short-term budget cuts can result in a reduction of brand visibility, which is critical during a period of economic uncertainty. Create a plan that includes both organic and paid content to amplify your brand, maintain your audience’s trust, and keep you top of mind.
4. Stay Ready, So You Don’t Have To Get Ready
Brands that work to position themselves in a way that is most valuable to their customers now, as well as in the future are more likely to create brand loyalty and come out ahead as we move past this time of uncertainty.
How MJ2 Can Help
At MJ2 Marketing, we don’t have a Magic 8 Ball with an “exact” answer, but we do have more than 75 years of marketing and sales expertise among us. And – if we may say so ourselves – we do social media, content, and digital marketing extremely well. Just ask our current customers, as 95% repeat projects with us year over year. Results? KPI’s? We got this!
The best part, you don’t have to embark on this uncertain journey alone. Marketing strategy and planning can feel overwhelming, especially when it is unclear what the next few months will bring. And, truthfully, even if you think you can just stick with the same old thing, you may be missing amazing opportunities as markets evolve and the digital rules change.
Make Marketing in the Coming Year Different for Your Brand. Make It…
Innovative.
Thoughtful.
Strategic.
There are unique challenges ahead of all of us, but we think our team of blended resources can help you not only survive but thrive in the coming year. Contact us today and sleep a little better tonight.
