The early bird gets the worm, as does the marketer get the success that plans ahead. While it seems like 2022 is a distant dream, it’s actually coming sooner than you think. We’re talking a mere three months until the New Year comes bursting through the door. Luckily, with some proper planning, you’ll be ready to take on the marketing world in 2022. Why should you begin planning your strategy so early? We’re glad you asked. Check out these reasons to stop delaying and start planning today.

You Have the Data

If you’ve been tracking your campaigns like the amazing marketer that you are, you have loads of data from the past year. However, if you’ve been slacking on truly analyzing the data to determine which marketing campaigns were a success from the past year, starting now gives you the proper time to assess what worked well. Funnel your efforts into your most successful strategies and techniques for an even more fruitful 2022. 

Everything Takes Longer Than Expected

Let’s be real. If you put the meeting on your calendar to discuss your marketing plans this week, it may happen within the month. Or maybe you’re more punctual than the rest of us! Either way, at least getting the idea of planning your marketing tactics now will get your team thinking about new and creative ways to refresh in the new year. Even if you can’t meet to discuss your strategies at the moment, bring it up in your next team meeting so that the seed is planted. Then, watch the ideas grow!

You’ll Need to Review and Make Revisions

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your yearly marketing plan. You’ll need to run it up the chain, ensure you have the budget for all of the amazing ideas you want to produce (like killer signage or a direct mail piece!) and so much more. Ensuring that you start today means you’ll leave enough time for revisions and review instead of scrambling at the last minute. 

You Have Time to Research

You know what worked well for you and what didn’t do so great within the past year. However, have you considered the trends you didn’t have time to try? By starting your marketing planning early, you have time to research what some of your competitors have been doing and what the hottest trends are in the marketing industry. Make sure to look at both overarching trends, as well as those that worked well for your specific industry. For example, brands jumping onto Tik Tok was a huge marketing trend of 2021, but maybe your audience isn’t necessarily using the social media platform. Find what works well for your organization.

You Can Seek Outside Opinions

There’s a little bit of bias that goes on when you’re too close to a project. Or in this case, when you’re too close to a marketing plan. Consider reaching out to an outside party to review your plans and point out the strengths and weaknesses. While it’s hard to put your feelings aside when you’ve worked so hard to make them happen, it’s important to open up your mind to what an outsider may be able to see that you couldn’t because you were so close to the project. Since you’re starting early, seek the help of others.

Now is the time to decide what you’re ready to try or continue with in 2022. While you can’t predict everything that will happen, (like, say… a global pandemic?) you can be as prepared as possible by planning ahead. Figure out where your marketing budget will be best spent, and focus on new and innovative ideas you haven’t yet tried. You’re sure to set your team up for marketing success in the new year.