As we enter the final quarter of 2025, it’s easy to get caught up in the last-minute pushes and quick pivots that often define year-end. But while closing strong is important, it shouldn’t be the only focus. With just one month until the holiday season, this is also the ideal moment to pause, reflect, and set the stage for building momentum—ensuring you start 2026 in an even stronger market position.
An office desk with coffee, a computer and a business to-do list for planning everything that needs to happen before the holidays start in Q4 2025. Photo credit: Chelfoto Digital Media
A Quick 5 Key Marketing Strategy Questions to Jumpstart Your Q4 2025/ Q1 2026 Planning
Did any top competitors change or make major shifts in recent months?
What was the strongest trend to date in 2025 that carried my business?
What strategy drove the majority of online lead conversions?
Are there ways to find any overlooked customers from within this set of active engagers?
Could additional follow-up messaging be sent NOW to suggest how to meet their customer needs in January to get ahead of the competition?
1. Did any top competitors change or make major shifts in recent months?
Examine whether competitors launched new campaigns, products, or partnerships that may alter the competitive landscape. Look for signs of rebranding, pricing changes, or technology adoption that could impact customer expectations. Assess whether these shifts are temporary experiments or long-term strategic moves—and consider how your business should respond to stay relevant or differentiate further.
2. What was the strongest trend to date in 2025 that carried my business?
whether it was a surge in customer behavior (e.g., mobile-first engagement), a channel outperforming others (e.g., TikTok ads, SEO traffic), or a new product/service that resonated with your market. Pinpoint why this trend worked so well and how you can amplify it in Q4 to finish the year strong and set up a repeatable framework for early 2026.
3. What strategy drove the majority of online lead conversions?
Go beyond vanity metrics and focus on what delivered the most qualified leads with the lowest cost per acquisition.
4. Are there ways to find any overlooked customers from within this set of active engagers?
Review your CRM and engagement data to uncover “warm but dormant” contacts—people who interacted with your content, attended events, or clicked through emails but never converted. A thoughtful outreach could revive interest without the high cost of new lead generation.
5. Could additional follow-up messaging be sent NOW to suggest how to meet their customer needs in January to get ahead of the competition?
Plan proactive communications that help customers envision their 2026 goals—before competitors start their own Q1 campaigns. Trying to position your business as the first-mover might create stronger customer loyalty before other budgets are finalized.
If you’re looking for ways to strengthen your marketing strategy or want a fresh perspective on where to focus next, I’d be happy to help. Feel free to connect with me directly—I offer tailored advice, practical frameworks, and hands-on guidance to help brands grow with clarity and confidence. Let’s talk about how you can position your business for success in 2026 and beyond.
Are you ready for 2026?
Strategic marketing for business owners, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.