As one year comes to a close, we start to think ahead to what 2016 will bring us. It’s a time for optimism and new ideas, but how many of these ideas actually come to fruition? Marketing is a subject which is talked about at great length to help firms:

• Grow their income
• Retain existing clients
• Increase value in a business with a view to selling it

However, for many firms the good intentions don’t often make it past the first couple of months!

So what can you do to make sure marketing happens the way you intend it to in 2016? Here’s some tips:

• Identify what you want to achieve from your marketing, set SMART objectives so you can track your progress.
• Set a budget – how much are you prepared to spend and on what activities, where possible can you track your return on investment from each activity?
• Set deadlines for different activities – and stick to them.
• Map out your marketing activities over the year, so there is a constant stream of activity and not just across 1 – 2 months.
• Make people accountable – get others involved, don’t just leave marketing down to you.
• Make yourself accountable – who is going to make sure you keep your focus on marketing?
• Track your progress – ideally monthly, but at the very least quarterly.
• Decide if you need additional help – are you ready to take on a marketing person, or perhaps you could benefit from the help of an external consultant to help you achieve your objectives?

Whatever it takes to make your marketing happen, now is the time to review what you’ve previously done and what you need to do to make things happen the way you intended. If you’re constantly starting off with good intentions, but then failing to deliver, perhaps now is the time to consider outsourcing some of your marketing.

Use our free marketing self-assessment questionnaire to help you decide your marketing priorities for 2016. We’ll be happy to arrange a free marketing hour (phone call or skype) to help you review your plans and to steer you in the right direction.