Marketing strategy is the road map, and marketing tactics are the vehicles that get you there.

Strategy defines where you want to go and how you're going to get there. It involves understanding your target audience, your competition, and the best way to reach them.

Tactics are the specific actions you take to execute your strategy. They include the specific marketing channels you use, the messages you send, and the offers you make.

Here is a simple analogy:

• Marketing strategy is like planning a road trip. You decide where you want to go (your destination), how you're going to get there (your route), and what you need to bring (your supplies).
• Marketing tactics are like the specific cars, buses, or planes you use to get to your destination. They are the specific marketing channels you use to reach your target audience.

For example, if your marketing strategy is to increase brand awareness among young professionals, your tactics might include running social media ads, creating blog posts, and sponsoring events.

Marketing strategy and tactics are both important, but they serve different purposes. Strategy provides the overall direction for your marketing efforts, while tactics are the specific actions you take to execute that strategy.

The aha! Marketing System is a step-by-step process that helps marketers create winning plans for their clients and quickly move to retainer engagements.

The System focuses on "Strategy Before Tactics," which means that marketers first develop a comprehensive plan to reach their target audience and achieve their marketing goals. Once the plan is in place, marketers can then quickly move to execution, using the System's blueprint to guide their engagement.

A well-crafted marketing strategy is essential for any small business. It helps you focus your efforts on the right audience and channels, leading to increased revenue and profit.

Without a strategy, you're just throwing money at different advertising tactics and hoping for the best. But with a clear strategy, you can be more surgical and succinct in your approach, minimizing waste and maximizing profit.

Your marketing strategy should be based on a deep understanding of your target market, your competition, and the marketing mix (product, price, place, and promotion). It should also be aligned with your overall business goals.

Once you have a strategy in place, you can start to develop and implement specific marketing tactics. This may include things like advertising, social media marketing, email marketing, and public relations.

By following a strategic approach, you can ensure that your marketing efforts are effective and efficient. This will help you grow your small business and achieve your desired results.