6 steps to craft a savvy 2019 marketing budget

Determining how much you can (and should) spend on your marketing budget can be overwhelming.

Platforms and preferences frequently shift and pivot, and it’s difficult to predict which ways the marketing winds will blow. However, it doesn’t have to be a shot in the dark. Here are six tips for a pain-free budgeting process that will help you reach your goals—without breaking the bank:

1. Be strategic.

Should you start a blog? Is it time to invest in PPC ads? Does your website need a facelift?

Before deciding on tactics, finalize a strategic marketing plan. To create an effective plan, make sure you understand sales team goals and the organization’s overall vision for growth. Then, identify marketing initiatives that align with and support these broader goals.

Finally, craft your plan, and then create a budget around it. If you do any of these steps out of order, you’re shooting at an invisible target.

2. Keep it simple.

The sheer magnitude of platforms, tools and technologies available can be intimidating. Keep things simple by choosing an all-in-one platform that your team finds easy to use.