The best time to set your 2026 marketing strategy was yesterday, the second-best time is now

Planning your 2026 marketing strategy can feel easy to push to the side, especially once the year is already underway. But the reality is that the best time to set your strategy was yesterday. The second-best time is now. With Q1 more than halfway through, now’s the time to lock in direction, start to build momentum, and set your business up for a strong year ahead. Here are our top 5 tips to help you lock in your strategy and move into 2026 with confidence.

1. Revisit your goals and be realistic 

Before planning tactics, get clear on what you actually want to achieve in 2026. Focus on a small number of measurable goals that align with your wider business objectives, rather than trying to do everything at once.

2. Look at what’s already working 

Review your 2025 performance and early 2026 results. Which channels, campaigns, or messages delivered the strongest return? Double down on what’s already working and be honest about what hasn’t worked so you can refine or drop it and remove some of the marketing clutter.

3. Understand your audience right now

Customer behavior changes quickly. Take time to reassess who your audience is today, what problems they’re trying to solve, and where they’re spending their time. A strategy built on outdated assumptions won’t deliver results.

4. Prioritise channels you can manage consistently 

It’s better to do a few things well than spread yourself too thin. Choose channels that fit your resources, budget, and team capacity, and focus on showing up consistently rather than chasing every new trend.

5. Turn your strategy into an action plan and get some help - contact Gecko Marketing today

A strategy only works if it’s actionable. Break it down into clear next steps, timelines, and responsibilities. Making sure you have a deliverable, achievable plan in place before the end of Q1 gives you structure, momentum, and room to adapt as the year unfolds.

Ready to get your 2026 marketing strategy up and running?

Contact us to book a free consultation with our team today or visit our website to learn more.