Creating a marketing plan for your small business is easier than ever in 2025.
The key: taking a strategic approach toward marketing and SEO.
Meeting this challenge requires understanding the importance of prioritizing activities and developing a cohesive strategy before jumping into tactical execution.
Last but not least: learning to position your brand effectively amid the competition.
The Power of Ruthless Prioritization
According to marketing consultant RJ Licata, the key to success for small business owners lies in "ruthless prioritization."
With limited resources, it's vital to focus on what truly moves the needle.
Whether it's time, money, or team resources that are in short supply, Licata emphasizes that the real challenge is often not about executing campaigns.
but deciding which campaigns to skip.
This boils down to focusing energy only on the most impactful efforts.
Marketing Strategy Before Tactics
Licata drives home the point that strategy should always precede tactics.
He notes that while many marketers acknowledge the importance of strategy, they frequently find themselves bogged down in tactical details without a clear strategic direction.
Drawing an analogy from Alice in Wonderland, he emphasizes that without a strategic goal, any marketing tactics might result in wasted effort.
To navigate this, business owners need to establish clear objectives and initiatives that align with business outcomes.
This alignment ensures that every tactical move contributes effectively to broader business goals.
The Significance of Positioning in Crowded Markets
In crowded markets, standing out requires clarity about your brand's identity and positioning. Licata advises companies to identify their unique differentiators to create a category of one, even in well-saturated industries.
By accentuating what sets your company apart, whether it's your service approach, boldness, or confidence, brands can position themselves as the essential option for potential customers.
Building and Maintaining Assets to Support Marketing Efforts
For long-term success, businesses should focus on creating valuable assets and adopting a channel-agnostic approach.
Owned assets, like a well-maintained website or a robust email list, provide stability against fluctuating market dynamics.
Licata underscores the need for marketers to control their narrative and audience interactions through assets that aren't at the mercy of third-party platform changes.
Embracing Networking and Real-World Engagement
Licata also touches on the importance of networking and maintaining presence both online and offline.
Even digital-first brands can benefit from real-world interactions, whether through physical marketing efforts or personal networking.
Building relationships and engaging directly with consumers and peers can enhance brand visibility and trust.
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For businesses aiming to thrive in a competitive digital arena, it's paramount to develop a clear strategy, prioritize ruthlessly, and understand your unique positioning.
Simultaneously, building robust owned assets can safeguard against unforeseen disruptions, while real-world engagement remains an invaluable tool for fostering growth.
As Crystal Waddell and RJ Licata suggest, these tactical approaches form the bedrock for successful, sustainable business growth.
Whether you're a solopreneur or a marketer in a larger organization, embracing these strategies can guide your brand toward standing out and thriving.
Become Part of My SEO Squad
If you're ready to refine your brand story and leverage it to connect more deeply with your audience, I invite you to join "The SEO Squad."
Our SEO small group is dedicated to helping you, my fellow small business owner, build a brand that stands out and resonates.
As a member of the SEO Squad, you'll gain access to valuable tools, insights, and community support.
Let’s work together to craft a story that not only captures attention but also builds lasting relationships.
Join "The SEO Squad" today, and let's start this exciting journey together!
Looking forward to welcoming you and helping you share your unique brand story!
Crystal Waddell
Founder, Simple and Smart SEO Podcast
The SEO Squad
Visit RJ's website at mefirst.marketing!