Why Your Small Business Needs a Marketing Plan & How To Get Started


Running a small business is no easy feat, and marketing often feels like one of the most overwhelming aspects. Many small businesses lack the resources to tackle every facet of marketing. However, a well-crafted marketing plan can be your guiding star, whether you aim to attract new customers, retain loyal ones, or enhance visibility in a crowded marketplace. As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry wisely said, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”


5 Reasons Why

  1. A marketing plan provides clarity and direction
  2. A marketing plan helps build brand consistency and continuity
  3. A marketing plan promotes data driven decisions
  4. A marketing plan saves time and money
  5. A marketing plan holds team members accountable and aligns productivity.



10 Steps to Build Your 2025 Marketing Plan

  1. Review and Define Your Target Audience
  2. Analyze Your Data
  3. Set Achievable Goals
  4. Prioritize Your Most Impactful Strategies
  5. Know Your Budget
  6. Break Your Marketing Plan Into Owned, Earned, and Paid Media
  7. Create a Consistent Schedule for All Marketing Activities
  8. Communicate and Collaborate with Key Team Members
  9. Allocate Time for Planning and Execution
  10. Measure Success and Adjust as Needed


If you’re part of the 50% of small businesses without a marketing plan, now is the time to act. Whether you’re launching a new product, entering a new market, or growing your brand presence, a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference.


At Brand Strides, we specialize in helping small businesses establish foundational best practices for long-term success, tailoring our services to meet each client’s unique needs. From one-off projects to comprehensive strategies, we work to make a meaningful impact. Some of the ways we could support your efforts include:


  • Organic Social Content
  • Creative Design
  • Video & Animation Production 
  • Reputation Management
  • Brand Strategy
  • Marketing Audits
  • Marketing Plans


If any of these align with your goals, we'd love to meet for a coffee chat or a virtual meeting to discuss how we can collaborate. Please let us know what works best for your schedule—I’d happily accommodate.