Your 2024 Marketing Wrapped: What a Year It Was!
2024 was a whirlwind—a mix of learning curves, surprising wins, and a few moments that made us say, "We did what?". Wrapping up the year is like checking your car’s mirrors before merging onto a new highway—you need to look back before charging forward.
This isn’t just a recap; it’s your blueprint for 2025. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and see how those 2024 milestones can shape your strategy for the coming year.
You spent 10,452 minutes wondering if your business needs a social media account… ok maybe not really
Spoiler alert: Yes, you do. But here’s the kicker—it’s not about being everywhere; it’s about being where it matters. Picking the right platform is like picking the right restaurant for a first date—get it wrong, and no one’s coming back.
One luxury pool builder I spoke with had been casting a wide net, marketing to “anyone in California.” After a candid conversation, we realized their true audience was much narrower: high-income homeowners with large properties, often professionals with disposable income for six-figure backyard resorts. While they didn’t become a client, if they took the advice to heart and started focusing their efforts on the platforms where their dream clients spent time—Instagram for visual appeal and LinkedIn for referrals. The shift could not only save them money on marketing but also bring in more qualified leads.
Pro Tip: Start small—choose one or two platforms where your audience already hangs out. Post intentionally and consistently. Quality trumps quantity, every time.
Your top search this year: ‘What is a CRM and why do I need it?’
If CRMs had a tagline, it’d be: “Because sticky notes on your monitor won’t scale.” One contractor I spoke with shared their hesitation about investing in a CRM. Their team was constantly juggling leads and follow-ups manually, and they were losing opportunities as a result. I explained how a CRM could streamline their sales process—automating reminders, tracking interactions, and ensuring no lead slipped through the cracks.
A good CRM can increase lead response time from days to hours. Suddenly, your business is not losing leads to competitors just because someone forgot to follow up.
Quick Insight: A good CRM doesn’t just organize; it optimizes. A good CRM can transform chaos into clarity. But don’t just take my word for it—give it a try and watch your client retention skyrocket.
Your most popular marketing tactic: ‘Post and hope’
Ah, the classic “post and hope”—posting content and praying it lands somewhere productive. Trust me, this strategy works about as well as shooting darts blindfolded. What you need is a content strategy—a roadmap for what you post, why you post it, and who you’re talking to.
For example, one of our clients had been sporadically blogging about anything under the sun. After introducing a structured content calendar, aligned with their ideal client’s questions and pain points, they went from 500 site visits a month to 5,000 in less than a year.
Take Action: Don’t just post for the sake of it. Create a content calendar tied to your business goals. And when in doubt, remember this rule: One more post than you planned. Blog once a month? Make it twice. This simple tweak can exponentially grow your reach. Explore our guide, Your Business Needs a Plan, to craft a marketing calendar tailored to your goals.
Your About page hasn’t been updated since 2017
Your About page is like an online first impression. Neglect it, and potential clients might assume you’re stuck in the past—or worse, out of business. I’ve seen businesses miss opportunities simply because their website felt outdated. Worse, outdated content can confuse visitors, leading to unnecessary calls about services you no longer offer. Regular updates ensure that your visitors know exactly what you do and can find the right information without frustration.
Simple Fix: Schedule a quarterly website review. Even a few tweaks can make your site feel alive and relevant.
You let visitors wonder if your business was still open
There’s a reason businesses with outdated websites make people nervous. It’s like walking into a restaurant with no lights on—you’re not sure if you should wait for service or run for the door.
We worked with a brick-and-mortar business that was spending thousands on ads but hadn’t updated their site in years. Prospects left the site unsure if they were still operating. A few targeted updates turned those visits into bookings.
Pro Tip: Keep your site dynamic. Seasonal promotions, fresh visuals, and a functional design signal that you’re open for business and ready to help.
You spent $5,000 on Google Ads but didn’t track a single lead
Throwing money at ads without tracking is a classic mistake. One client we onboarded had spent over $90,000 on Google Ads over several years without geo-targeting. Once we optimized their campaigns and reallocated some of their budget to SEO and Facebook, their lead volume tripled.
Next Steps:
- Set up conversion tracking in Google Ads.
- Use UTM parameters to monitor campaigns.
- Review performance weekly. Don’t let your budget drift off course like a ship without a compass.
Planning for 2025: A Fresh Start
As 2024 winds down, it’s time to ask the big questions: What did we nail? What missed the mark? And how do we aim higher in 2025?
Here’s my starter kit:
- Refresh your website—often your first handshake with a client.
- Adopt a CRM—it’s your backstage manager for customer relationships.
- Build a targeted content strategy to connect, educate, and convert.
With the right tools and a clear vision, 2025 can be your best year yet. Let’s make it happen together.
Need Help? Explore our Services to jumpstart your 2025 game plan.
Ready to Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet?
Your Marketing Wrapped isn’t just about what happened—it’s about where you’re headed. The lessons of 2024 are stepping stones to greater success. With a clear plan, the right tools, and support from the 95Visual team, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
Let’s make it happen. From website updates to strategic marketing solutions, we’re here to help you hit every goal. Ready to get started? Visit 95Visual.com/Plan and take the first step toward your best year yet.
