Strategy vs. Tactics: What’s the Diff, and Why Should You Care?

Alright, fellow small biz rockstars—it's time for a little marketing 101.

Ever feel like you're throwing out social media posts, running ads, or tweaking your website but not really getting anywhere? Like, no matter what you do, your marketing still feels as confused as your grandma trying to program a VCR?

That’s probably because you’re missing one crucial thing: STRATEGY. And no, strategy isn’t just a fancy word for “doing marketing.” It’s the big picture, the master plan, the Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure of your business growth.

Tactics, on the other hand, are the things you do to make that strategy happen. Let’s break it down in a way that’ll make sense faster than you can say "totally tubular."

Strategy = The Big Picture (A.K.A. The Mixtape of Your Marketing)

Think of your marketing strategy like the ultimate mixtape. It’s not just a random collection of songs—it’s a carefully curated journey that sets the vibe and makes people feel something.

Your strategy is the why and what behind your marketing. It includes things like:

• Your brand positioning (What makes you different? Why should people choose you?)

• Your ideal audience (Who are you actually talking to?)

• Your messaging and tone (Are you an 80s rockstar or a chill coffeehouse acoustic set?)

• Your long-term goals (Where do you want to be in 6 months, a year, five years?)

Without a solid strategy, your marketing is just a bunch of random noise. Like a mixtape with Barry Manilow, Metallica, and a whale sounds meditation track—confusing, messy, and probably not what your audience wants.

Tactics = The Play-by-Play (The Tracks That Make the Mixtape Work)

Tactics are the individual things you do to bring your strategy to life. They’re the how of marketing. Think of them as the songs on your marketing mixtape—the things that keep people engaged, excited, and ready to hit rewind (ahem, convert).

Some common marketing tactics include:

• Posting on social media

• Running Facebook or Google ads

• Sending out email newsletters

• Optimising your website for SEO

• Hosting a webinar or live Q&A

• Creating lead magnets (freebies like checklists, eBooks, or templates)

Tactics without a strategy? That’s like blasting a killer playlist with no theme. Sure, the songs might be good, but they won’t flow—and your audience won’t know what to expect from you.

Why You Need Both (Like, Seriously, You Do)

If strategy is the roadmap, tactics are the road signs that get you to your destination. You need both.

• Strategy without tactics? All talk, no action. You’ve got a vision, but nothing’s actually happening.

• Tactics without strategy? You’re spinning your wheels, throwing out content, and hoping something sticks. (Spoiler: It probably won’t.)

So, What’s Next? (Besides, Like, Total Marketing Domination)

If you’re feeling stuck in a tactical loop (posting, tweaking, experimenting but not growing), it’s time to step back and create a killer strategy. And guess what? That’s kinda our jam.

Shout Aloud can help you craft a marketing strategy that’s more epic than an 80s montage movie scene. Then, we’ll match it with the right tactics to actually get you results. No more marketing guesswork—just rad, rock-solid growth.

Drop us a line, and let’s build something totally awesome together! 🚀🎸