2026 Journey Journal
approx 8 minute read
Grow with intention
As the year winds down, ask yourself – where do you want your business to be in 12 months’ time? And, what would you need to achieve to reach that goal?
Important questions to ask if you can find time between eggnog and festive parties!
Business goals usually include growth. Which means more customers. Or getting them to spend more.
Which means more marketing.
Right message, right people, right time
Marketing is about getting the right message in front of the right people at the right time.
There are hundreds of ways in which you could do this. Thousands, in fact.
It’s all about finding the right mix for your business.
Below, we’ve listed 12 marketing strategies, with examples, to give you some inspiration.
Cherry-pick a couple to complete each month and jot them down in your very own 2026 Journey Journal to help keep you on track.
1. Website Optimization
Product/Service Landing Pages
Create dedicated landing pages to highlight specific offerings.
Customer-related Landing Pages
Personalize landing pages for specific customer segments, enhancing relevance.
Optimize Above the Fold
Ensure key information is prominently placed on your website’s initial view.
Seasonal Content
Align your web banners with the latest announcements to boost freshness and relevance
Online Bookings
Simplify things by enabling online booking for stays, hires, reservations, and appointments.
Simplify Messaging
Convey your message clearly and concisely for better audience understanding.
CTAs
Add CTAs to sections and pages. Direct visitors with compelling calls-to-action for increased engagement.
Live Chat
Provide instant support and enhance user experience with real-time communication.
360 Tours
Immerse your audience with virtual tours showcasing your business or products.
2. Print & PR
Flyer Drop
Target specific areas with low-cost promotional literature, like flyers, for direct outreach.
Postcards
Send personalized postcards for direct and tangible marketing with a punchy message and offer.
Letters
Craft personalized letters on branded stationery to create high-touch, high-value connections with prospects or customers.
Thank You Cards
Express gratitude and build customer loyalty with personalized thank-you cards.
Magazines
Create your own magazine for a tangible presence in front of a targeted audience.
Newsletters
Keep your audience informed and engaged with regular printed newsletters or newspapers.
Editorials
Contribute insightful articles to industry publications for thought leadership.
Press Releases
Share company news and updates through press releases for local and national media coverage.
Awards
Leverage awards to build credibility and showcase your excellence in the industry.
3. Search
Onsite SEO
Optimize your website’s content and structure for search engine visibility and relevance.
Offsite SEO
Optimize your credibility, online presence and trustflow score improving your website’s backlink profile.
Directory Listings
Ensure your business is visible on relevant online directories for local SEO.
Google Ads
Boost online visibility and drive targeted traffic or product sales with paid search efforts on Google’s advertising platform.
Optimize Google Business Profile
Maximize your Google Business Profile to better serve customers and enhance local search visibility.
Add products to
Google Business Profile
Boost visibility and attract local customers searching for your offerings.
Remarketing
Re-engage website visitors with targeted ads based on their previous interactions with your website
4. Signs & Displays
Banners
Capture the attention of passers by with strategically placed roadside banners.
Billboard
Amplify brand visibility with large-scale outdoor advertising in high-traffic areas.
Use Flags Outside
Make a bold statement and increase main-street visibility with eye-catching customized flags.
Lamp Post & Bollard Signs
Utilize outdoor space for extremely eye-catching localized advertising on road side bollards or lamp posts.
Sidewalk Signs
Attract foot traffic with strategically placed signage on sidewalks with engaging messaging.
Point of Purchase Signage
Capture attention and promote last-minute purchases with in-store signage.
Posters
Utilize posters for eye-catching displays in high-traffic areas with a short compelling message.
Update Shop Signage
Make your storefront stand out and look inviting with effective and attractive signage.
Strut Cards
Display promotional messages effectively on table tops with freestanding strut cards.
Vehicle Graphics
Turn your company vehicles into mobile advertisements with custom graphics.
Window Graphics
Transform your windows into eye-catching displays with custom graphics.
Wall Graphics
Often your largest canvas. Utilize wall space for impactful branding and messaging.
Floor Graphics
Use floor space for eye-catching graphics, guiding customers and enhancing branding.
5. Social Media
Social Media Ads
Try boosting posts or advertising on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin.
Influencers
Collaborate with relevant social-media influencers to reach their audience and leverage authority.
Host a Q&A
Engage your audience and build connections through interactive Q&A sessions.
Behind-the-Scenes Content
Humanize your brand by sharing the inner workings of your business to add character and grow your following.
Competitions or Giveaways
Boost engagement and attract new customers with contests that also provide great content.
Social Media Takeovers
Allow influencers or employees to take control of your social media for a day.
UGC (User-Generated Content)
Encourage customers to create content showcasing your products or services.
6. Wearables & Gifts
Workwear
Turn your team into walking brand ambassadors with custom clothing.
Promotional Giveaways
Increase brand visibility with innovative and useful branded items as giveaways. There are lots of fun and interesting ideas!
Printed T-Shirts
Help your team stand out in a crowd with fun and memorable custom printed t-shirts.
7. Content Marketing
Blogs & Articles
Share valuable content to establish authority and connect with your audience.
Ebook/Guide Downloads
Provide valuable resources to enhance credibility while capturing leads and building an audience.
White Paper
Showcase industry expertise by publishing authoritative white papers. Great for building lists and SEO.
Surveys
Gather and share valuable user feedback to create an engaging, noteworthy and shareable piece of content.
Guest Blogs
Expand your audience by contributing guest posts to relevant blogs.
Medium & LinkedIn
Extend the reach of your content by republishing on popular platforms.
Revamp Old Posts
Update and repurpose existing content to stay relevant and maximise value.
Podcasts
Share insights, interviews, and discussions through podcast platforms tailored to your audience.
Promotional Videos
Showcase your brand or products through engaging explainer video content.
YouTube Channel
Add a series of engaging videos to reach a vast and diverse online audience. Think about helpful content or behind the scenes footage.
8. Direct Outreach
Nurture leads, build relationships, and promote sales through targeted emails.
Invitations
Personalize invitations to events, creating an exclusive and engaging experience.
Lumpy Mail
Send attention-grabbing mail that offers value and novelty for a memorable connection.
Samples
Allow customers to experience your product through free samples or trial periods.
Phone Calls
No, we’re not a fan of cold calls either. However, we are a fan of care calls. Checking in with customers to make sure they’re happy can be a relationship-focused way to increase loyalty and sales.
9. Events
Exhibit
Showcase your products, exhibit, make connections, and stay updated on industry trends.
Backpack Flags
While there, use backpack flags at events to turn your brand into a walking advertisement.
Attend a Trade Show
Participate in shows aligned with your audience for targeted exposure and connections.
In-Store Events
Bring customers into your physical space with events or product demonstrations.
Workshops
Host hands-on workshops or training sessions to engage with your audience.
VIP Event
Host exclusive events for valued customers or influencers.
Open Day
Invite potential customers to explore your business or products with an open day event.
Pop-up Shop
Create a temporary retail presence to engage with customers in different locations.
Shopping Mall Stands
Position your brand in high-traffic areas within shopping centers for on-demand footfall.
Host a Webinar
Showcase expertise, generate leads, and connect with a wider audience.
10. Non-social Ad Placements
Print Ads
Place targeted advertisements in relevant print publications for wider exposure.
Newspaper Ads
Advertise in local or industry-specific newspapers for targeted exposure.
Radio Ads
Reach a broad audience with targeted radio advertisements or competitions in your area.
Spotify Ads
Target a specific audience with audio ads on the popular music streaming platform.
Waze Ads
Increase local visibility with advertising on the popular navigation app.
TripAdvisor Ads
Capitalize on travel-related visibility with targeted advertising on TripAdvisor. Perfect for hospitality businesses.
Team Sponsorships
Support local teams or events for community engagement and exposure.
11. Networking
LinkedIn Premium
Unlock additional features on LinkedIn for enhanced networking and visibility.
BNI
Network and generate referrals through your local BNI meetings.
Chamber of Commerce
Join your local Chamber of Commerce to network and collaborate.
Speaking Opportunities
Establish authority by speaking at industry conferences or events.
12. Ambassador Marketing
Affiliate Program
Harness the power of influencers and partners to expand your reach and sales.
Collaborations
Collaborate with other businesses to create mutually beneficial partnerships for cross-promotion.
Customer Testimonials
Encourage reviews and testimonials to build trust and credibility. Use video testimonials where possible.
Loyalty Cards
Encourage repeat business with a card designed to boost sales and reward loyal customers.
Referral Scheme
Incentivize customers to refer others, expanding your customer base through a trusted network.
