Let’s be honest, marketing can be exciting. New logos! Shiny websites! Glossy brochures! Social posts with all the bells and whistles! It’s very easy to get swept up in the doing. But hold your horses, because diving into activity before you’ve nailed your strategy is like galloping off without checking the destination.

We call it “putting the cart before the horse.” And in marketing terms, it can lead to wasted time, money, and a very confused audience.

The Risk of Jumping Ahead

We’ve seen it before (and if we’re honest, we’ve all done it). A new business launches and immediately commissions a website. They set up Instagram, whip up a flyer, maybe even throw some cash at Google Ads. But… to what end?

• What’s the message?
• Who are they actually talking to?
• What’s the goal?

Without answering those questions first, you’re just making noise—not impact.

Strategy First, Tactics Second

Before you touch Canva, type a tweet, or brief your web designer, you need to ask:

• Who is your audience? Not just “anyone who’ll pay,” but your ideal customer.
• What’s your message? What do you want to be known for?
• Where do you want to go? (aka your goal). More leads? Bigger reach? Better conversions?
• What’s your budget and timeline? Not everything needs to happen all at once.

That’s your marketing horse. Once that’s in place, then you can load up the cart.

Activities Without Strategy = Ticking Boxes

Social media without direction becomes a scroll of randomness. A website without clarity turns into a digital shrug. Ads with no targeting? That’s just money down the drain.

Think of strategy as the sat nav for your business. It shows you where you’re going, helps avoid the potholes, and keeps everything moving in the right direction.

Start Smart with a Power Hour or Strategy Session

At Marketing Doris, we’re big fans of making marketing make sense. That means working with you to create a tailored strategy before you invest in materials or marketing channels. Whether it’s a one-off Power Hour or a full-blown strategy roadmap, we’ll help you rein in the chaos and focus on what truly matters.

Because when your horse is leading the way? That’s when marketing really gallops.

Want to make sure your marketing horse is in the right place?

Let’s talk strategy.

Email us at info@marketingdoris.co.uk or trot over to our contact page.