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Thanksgiving Special: A Look Back on Your Year in Marketing

The end of the year is traditionally a time for introspection, appreciation, and growth. Many of us spend a considerable amount of time in the field of marketing, and this field can be an exceptional educator. So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, let’s reflect back on 2023’s marketing successes and failures. 

1. It was challenging to launch this year. 

In 2023, it got far more difficult to introduce a new product or service to the market. When trying to get their businesses off the ground, many entrepreneurs ran into unforeseen roadblocks. Even established launch companies had to pause briefly and reevaluate their offerings as the landscape of launching changed. 

These difficulties had various causes, including the economy and the altered post-pandemic environment. Launching can be difficult, but you are not alone if you have trouble doing it this year. It’s crucial to keep an open mind and a willingness to change as the circumstances demand. 

2. Tracking is the key to successful marketing. 

It’s crucial to track your marketing results and pay attention to the sources of your visitors. This year, Google Analytics proved to be an invaluable ally by revealing previously hidden data on our website’s traffic. 

Analyze your traffic sources thoroughly before making any judgments. Don’t just guess; let the data inform your marketing decisions. Don’t be afraid to change course and focus your energy where it will do the best. 

3. Keep your content consistent. 

Consistency is the key to marketing success; I learned this year. I made it a point to produce content regularly, keep up an active online presence, and set up a systematic approach to interacting with possible openings. 

This is easier with Smart Marketing Tools such as Cabana which can help you consistently produce quality content with a consistent, familiar tone. 

4. Quality over quantity clients count! 

In the world of marketing, not every partnership with a customer will last. There are ups and downs in every partnership just like any other relationship. This year was no exception.  

There were clients who were previously our biggest accounts who had to hit pause this year, and there were small businesses we took on that had an unexpected boom. The funny thing is, if we accepted any more clients we wouldn’t have been able to take the best care of this (initially) small account.  

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket but also just focus on nurturing a few relationships that will lead you to success. 

5. In marketing, systems and preparation are essential. 

Quarterly planning and methodical methods to marketing were particularly helpful in my contacts with clients. For clarity, focus, and progress monitoring, I recommended quarterly planning to my retainer clients. The more time we spend thinking and plotting, the clearer our objectives will become. 

The development and improvement of systems, in addition to careful planning, was crucial. Effective marketing strategies included using content production tools, social media calendars, lead generation tools, and website funnels. These tools helped us get our work done faster and more efficiently. Consistency and long-term success in marketing depend on well-established systems and meticulous advance preparation. 

6. The results page of a Google search is a marketing channel worth exploring. 

In 2023, I was pleasantly delighted to see that Google was responsible for sending over half of my website’s visitors. It proved how important it is to maintain a blog and work on SEO on a regular basis. Clients who found me through an online search were not only numerous, but also eager to take the next step and schedule consultations.  

7. You need a lot of time to be successful on social media. 

The social media ecosystem changed drastically in 2023. Oversaturation, increased background noise, and algorithmic shifts all contributed to making engaging with a platform more difficult. This meant that effective participation on social media platforms necessitated more time and energy. The incessant clamor for my attention was wearing me down. 

Social media is, at its core, a social platform, and your material will have less success if you don’t take the time to engage with your audience on that level. That begs the question, though: is social media really the most efficient way to get your message out, or are there other options? 

8. We only notice very remarkable pieces of writing. 

In a sea of information, only the truly remarkable stand out. What really stuck out to me this year was the stuff that generated the most engagement. Engaging material was the key to success, whether it be in the form of an intriguing email subject line, an attention-grabbing headline, a strong remark, or the guts to confront delicate problems. 

9. Don’t be afraid to turn down business from customers who can’t appreciate your value. 

Pricing should be commensurate with the value we offer. Some clients don’t fully comprehend or value our assistance. Sometimes it’s better to leave rather than try to negotiate a cheaper price or change their mind. It’s important to have patrons that recognize and value your expertise. Remember that the correct customers will appreciate your worth, and never lower your standards. 

Conclusion 

Let us pause in the final days of 2023 to consider the marketing insights we have gained. All of these experiences help prepare us to be better for the coming year. Don’t be shy about getting in touch if you want to ramp up your advertising in the year 2024. As a team, we have a better chance of adapting to the ever-changing marketing landscape and emerging victorious. The Thanksgiving holiday is upon us! 

If you want to speed up your content marketing in 2023, partnering with SwaysEast to grow your audience is a smart move. Are you ready to expand your brand’s reach and increase your audience? Schedule a FREE APPOINTMENT today.