December isn’t just for winding down – it’s one of the most strategic times to look up, look back, and plan forward. The smartest businesses use this time of year to reflect, audit, and realign their digital marketing strategy. Because what you don’t measure now could cost you momentum in 2026.
Here are five powerful questions to ask before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st.
1. What Actually Drove Results This Year?
Let’s start with the good stuff. What worked?
Dig into your data across key platforms: Google Ads, Facebook Ads, SEO, email campaigns, and social media. Identify what channels delivered leads, sales, or meaningful engagement – not just clicks or likes.
Look for:
- Which campaigns had the best ROI?
- What content got shared, saved, or responded to?
- Where did your highest-quality leads come from?
This isn’t about gut feel. It’s about data-led confidence so you can double down on what actually moves the needle.
2. What Wasted Time, Money, Or Energy?
Now for the hard truth. What didn’t work?
Not every post, ad, or strategy is a winner. Look for patterns of low performance, high cost, or constant effort with no payoff.
Ask:
- Were you spreading your marketing too thin?
- Did you try to master too many channels at once?
- Did certain "vanity metrics" distract you from results?
This is your chance to cut the fluff. Marketing clutter drains budgets and bandwidth – and stopping just one underperforming effort can free up serious focus.
3. Is Our Brand Showing Up Consistently And Clearly?
Strong brands win. But only when they show up the same way everywhere.
Audit your brand presence across your website, social media, Google Business, email marketing, and ads. Does your tone of voice, design, messaging, and value proposition feel unified?
Think about:
- Are we recognisable and consistent from channel to channel?
- Are we still speaking to our ideal customer?
- Is our content aligned with where we want to go in 2026?
A fragmented brand confuses people. A consistent one builds trust.
4. Where Are We Leaving Money On The Table?
Often, the biggest wins come from plugging the holes.
Opportunities to consider:
- Are we following up on leads fast enough?
- Are our retargeting audiences active and growing?
- Are we ignoring repeat customers while chasing new ones?
- Are abandoned carts being nurtured?
End-of-year reflection isn’t just about past performance – it’s about spotting missed potential and turning it into future wins.
5. What Do We Need To Own, Elevate, Or Change In 2026?
This is the big one. Based on everything you’ve learned this year, what do you want your marketing to look like next year?
Use our Own It, Elevate It, Celebrate It framework:
- Own It: What areas need more accountability or clarity?
- Elevate It: What’s already working that you could optimise, scale, or systemise?
- Change It: What mindsets, habits, or strategies do you need to shift?
Don’t roll into 2026 without a plan. The smartest businesses choose focus over FOMO, strategy over scramble.
Take Time To Reflect – Then Build Your Plan For 2026
Before you log off for the holidays, take one hour to run through these questions with your team (or even just yourself). What you uncover might shape your best marketing year yet.
And if you want a clear, outside perspective on how to move forward – our High-Performance Review & Strategy Session is built for exactly this moment.
In 90 minutes, we’ll sit down with you to unpack your brand, marketing, and growth goals. Then, we deliver a tailored strategy report that includes:
- A clear plan aligned to your business goals
- An honest audit of your current marketing performance
- Messaging and content recommendations
- Channel and budget priorities
- Practical, prioritised next steps
No fluff. No long-term commitment. Just real clarity and a smart strategy to start 2026 strong.
Ready to create a strategy that actually delivers results in 2026? Enquire about a strategy session with our team today.
