Intro to Marketing Strategy for Small Business - What Is Strategy, Really?

Generally when I start talking strategy to the enthusiastic new entrepreneur, I see the light gradually dim… the sparkle fades from their eyes. They’re currently in doing mode, and stopping to consider the why part of the equation feels like going back to school at 7am on a Monday morning after summer vacation. But honestly, strategy is where mindset meets momentum. And you've done the mindset work - so it’s time to take that inner transformation and turn it outward.

The next evolution of your growth as an entrepreneur is not about working harder — it’s about working strategically. You thought I was going to say “smarter”? Yep. So it’s that too. I’m glad you’re thinking that way.

Welcome to the Strategy section of The Ember Method.

This is where vision meets action. Where clarity becomes consistency. And where your marketing — from social media to email campaigns, content marketing, and website strategy — starts pulling together into one cohesive, powerful plan. That’s a pretty kickass stage to be in. So let’s go.

What Strategy Really Means

Most people think of strategy as blueprints, launch calendars, or a to-do list of marketing tactics. But real strategy is deeper than that. It’s the art of solving problems over time — using focus, clarity, and intention.

At its simplest: Strategy is a plan of aligned action. It’s how you decide what to do, why you’re doing it, and how you’ll sustain it. It’s the map that takes your big ideas and translates them into measurable momentum.

Intro-ing Two Kinds of Marketing Strategy

There are two types of strategy that drive every successful small business:

1. Business (External) Strategy. This covers everything you do out in the world — your marketing, social media, SEO, content marketing, pricing, funnels, web strategy, and email campaigns. There’s the business side too; vision & direction, operations, leadership, finance, business development, product strategy, data & decision-making, sustainability & scalability. We’re going to focus on the Marketing strategy here but they’re all a part of your external strategy.

2. Personal (Internal) Strategy

This is how you work best — your learning style, systems, focus, and creative rhythm. It’s what helps you stay consistent, organized, and resilient enough to execute your plans.

When both align, everything clicks. Because even the smartest marketing strategy won’t work if your personal systems don’t support it. And even the best productivity routine won’t grow your business if it’s not backed by solid marketing tactics. So you need both. They’re equally as important, particularly as a small business owner.

“It’s not just what you do — it’s how you think, prioritize, and adapt when things change.”

How to ‘Do’ Strategy

So how do you actually do strategy? I love this question. I feel like too few people know the answer.

First of all, you don’t need a fancy framework or 100-step plan. You just need to think before you act — and act with intention. There’s a simple 6-step process you can start applying today:

1. Clarify the Goal – What are you actually trying to achieve? (More clients? Better visibility? Stronger brand presence?)

2. Assess Your Resources – Time, tools, skills, and support — what’s realistic for you?

3. Choose the Right Methods – Social? SEO? PR? Partnerships? Don’t do all the things. Do the right ones.

4. Embed Strategy into Every Project – Before you act, pause to ask: Why am I doing this? Who is it for? What outcome do I want?

5. Create a Repeatable System – Turn what works into workflows or checklists.

6. Review + Adjust – Track, learn, and refine. Strategy isn’t static — it evolves with you.

   
   

When you start embedding strategy into everything you do, it becomes second nature — not a separate task. That’s where real growth begins.

Strategy in Marketing: Bringing It All Together

Your marketing ecosystem — social media, website, email marketing, content creation, and digital strategy (and so on) — all rely on the same foundation: clarity and alignment.

Strategy connects them. It’s what helps your Instagram post ladder up to your SEO goals. It’s what makes your website call-to-actions match your email funnel. It’s what keeps your content aligned with your customer journey — so every message feels intentional, not accidental.

Whether you’re refining your brand story, optimizing your web copy, or planning next quarter’s campaign — a clear strategy makes it work together instead of working harder.

Just like chess, strategy is essential for your small business marketing to make an impact.

The Takeaway

You’ve done the mindset work. You’ve learned to think differently, make decisions intentionally, and rewire those patterns that hold you back. Now it’s time to take that inner transformation and turn it outward. The next evolution of your growth as an entrepreneur isn’t about working harder — it’s about working strategically.

“Strategy turns wishes into goals — and goals into results.” 🔥— Rose + Ember Foundry

You don’t need a perfect plan — you need a plan that’s aligned. Right? (Louder in the back!) You now know strategy is what gives your ideas structure, your marketing direction, and your goals momentum. It’s how you make consistent progress in your business, no matter what platform, trend, or algorithm changes next.

So pause, reflect, and ask yourself: “Where do I need more strategy — and where can I simplify to move forward with purpose?” Once you think strategically, every action becomes intentional - and that’s when your vision truly starts to take shape. That's a true intro to marketing strategy.

• Define what “strategy” means to you right now.

• Reflect on a time when having (or lacking) a strategy changed your results.

• Identify one area of your business that needs a stronger strategy — maybe your social media, content planning, or email flow.

• Then, share your reflection on social media and tag @RoseEmberFoundry If this sparked something for you, share it with another small business owner ready to move from ideas to action.

👉 Access all resources in the Ember Learning Channel and start earning Fire Points and badges. These free lessons are designed to make branding, strategy, and marketing accessible to every entrepreneur — no matter your stage or budget. And if you’re ready for the full experience — all 42 lessons, downloadable templates, strategy journals, and the chance to earn badges and rewards — they’re just a click away (and still all 100% free).

If you’d like help developing your mindset and your strategy, you don’t have to do it alone. Book a free Spark call to gain clarity, or go deeper with a Firestarter session for personalized one-on-one coaching. Subscribe to our weekly emails for mindset tips, strategy insights, and inspiration to keep you on track.

And if you have questions or want to share your progress — reach out here. As always, I read (and reply to) every message personally.