A List of Marketing Goals to Choose From

Just in case you were afraid to ask

Let’s face it marketing can be a bit of a circus today.

We juggle data, perform acrobatics with social media algorithms, and sometimes it feels like we’re taming lions just to get that perfect conversion rate.

But amidst all the chaos, we do have goals - lofty, ambitious, and sometimes a tad ridiculous goals.

However, believe it or not - sometimes we don't

For the performance marketer reading this, without a goal you might as well quit everything you're doing now and just give up.

Because without an objective there is no sense of purpose in the strategy - which begs the question, "Without a goal, what are you doing?"

And yet, after working with a string of clients this year, some of which are everyday household names, you wouldn't believe me if I told you that many of them had no goal behind any of their marketing or advertising.

As a matter of fact, one client who was the Marketing Director of one of the most well known brands in their category sector asked me during a call, "What is an impression?"

So, while I'd love to dive into AOV's and LTV's for my fellow geeks out there - as a note for the marketer who's stuck in a pickle and lost on where to start- believe it or not, you're not alone.

Therefore, if you're just starting off (and before we jump into the rocket science) here's a list of goals to start with that'll have you looking more competent than ever next time your hyped-up intern who's read every Gary V novel asks, "Boss, what's the plan?"

1. Increasing Sales

Sales, sales, sales! Let’s not kid ourselves; this is the number one priority. Without sales, we’re just glorified content creators. Increasing sales is the ultimate goal, the holy grail, the Mount Everest of marketing. Everything else is just a means to this end. Whether it’s through clever campaigns, irresistible offers, or just sheer determination, getting those sales figures up is what keeps the lights on and the bosses happy.

2. Increase Brand Awareness

Ah, the classic. The idea is to get everyone, from your grandma to your neighbor’s dog, to know your brand exists. It’s like a popularity contest, but with more data and fewer homecoming crowns. We want our brand to be as recognizable as a pop star at a concert, and that requires some serious effort in spreading the word far and wide.

3. Boost Website Traffic

Who wouldn’t want a digital stampede rushing to their website? It’s the online equivalent of a Black Friday sale, minus the elbows. The goal is simple: get more eyes on your site. How? With a mix of SEO magic, compelling content, and maybe a little bit of luck. Just remember, with great traffic comes great responsibility – make sure your site can handle it.

4. Generate Leads

Leads, glorious leads! They’re like gold nuggets in the river of digital marketing. The mission here is to attract potential customers and convince them to give you their precious contact information. It’s a delicate dance of persuasion, kind of like asking someone for their number at a bar but with fewer awkward silences.

5. Increase Conversion Rates

This is where the real action happens. Turning those curious visitors into paying customers. It’s like converting water into wine, except instead of a miracle, it’s a result of meticulous optimization and A/B testing. Every percentage point feels like a victory because it is.

6. Enhance Customer Engagement

Engagement is the marketing equivalent of being the life of the party. You want people to not just show up, but to stay, chat, and maybe even dance a little. Social media, emails, blogs – it’s all about creating a conversation that keeps your audience hooked. Think of it as being an entertaining host at a never-ending dinner party.

7. Improve Customer Retention

Getting new customers is great, but keeping them? That’s the real challenge. It’s like dating – you don’t just want to go on one date; you want a long-term relationship. Loyalty programs, personalized content, excellent customer service – it’s all about making them fall in love with your brand over and over again.

8. Increase Social Media Followers

Because nothing says success like a bunch of strangers on the internet deciding you’re worth a follow. It’s the digital age’s version of collecting stamps, only these stamps like, comment, and share. Side note: I don't recommend this as a primary goal because the way algorithms work, having followers doesn’t guarantee your content will be seen. It’s more about engagement than sheer numbers.

9. Boost Email Open Rates

In the world of marketing, getting someone to open your email is like winning a mini-lottery. It’s all about crafting that perfect subject line – a tantalizing teaser that promises value inside. Just remember, avoid the all-caps shouting and excessive exclamation marks. Nobody likes a screamy email.

10. Expand Market Reach

This is the ambitious goal where you take your brand global. Or at least, beyond your current audience. It’s like being a rock band and deciding to go on a world tour. You’ll need to understand new markets, tweak your messaging, and maybe learn a new language or two. But hey, the world is your oyster.

11. Develop Brand Authority

Finally, the goal of becoming the go-to expert in your field. It’s like being the wise sage on top of the marketing mountain. This involves creating high-quality content, getting featured in reputable publications, and maybe even speaking at a conference or two. It’s about being seen as the authority – the Gandalf of your industry, if you will.

So there you have it, a list of marketing goals that we, as marketers, chase with the fervor of a dog after a squirrel.

It’s a lot of hard work, a bit of luck, and yes, a touch of madness.

But at the end of the day, it’s what makes marketing such an exciting field to be in.

Now, go forth and conquer those goals – and don’t forget to laugh a little along the way.