Can you believe we’re already halfway through the year?!?! If your January marketing plan is collecting dust along with your best intentions and your gym membership, you’re not alone! The good news? The year is not over. There’s still time to make small shifts that can impact the rest of the year.
I’ve always said that managing marketing is like a hamster running on a wheel, juggling a dozen fireballs. If you don’t have a regular check-in in place, it’s easy to lose track of your marketing goals.
Mid-year is a great time to pause, reflect, and recalibrate for the rest of the year. It’s a natural transition time that lends itself well to this.
This is not ONE MORE THING to add to your overwhelming to-do list. This is about taking a deep breath and an intentional look at what’s going on in your business.
Here are FIVE things to do during a mid-year marketing check-in:
- Look at the big picture
- Check the data
- Review what you’ve actually done
- Identify what’s working
- Adjust the plan
Let’s dive in!
Section 1: Look at the Big Picture
Are you still solving the right problems?
- Revisit your original goals (or set some if you never did)
- Were you aiming for more consults, better-quality leads, or better retention?
- Have your goals changed since January?
Tip: Don’t judge—just notice. Data > drama.
Section 2: Check the Data (Without Going Cross-Eyed)
You don’t need to be a metrics wizard – just look at a few simple indicators.
- Website traffic (is it steady, dropping, growing?)
- Google Business activity (calls, clicks, map views)
- Referral sources (where are your leads really coming from?)
Optional Bonus:
If you’re running ads or SEO, pull performance snapshots and compare them to what you were hoping for.
(Check out our free SEO audit checklist here!)
Section 3: Review What You’ve Actually Done
It’s easy to let things slide when you’re running a business! Take an honest look at the facts.
- How many blogs, newsletters, or social posts have you created/sent?
- Are you keeping up with your Google Business updates?
- Is your messaging consistent or scattered?
Prompt: What’s been working? What’s been ignored? What makes you want to run for the hills?
Section 4: Identify What’s Working
Not everything’s broken—find the bright spots and build from there.
- What content or campaigns got real engagement or referrals?
- What feedback have you gotten from clients or colleagues?
- Where are you seeing traction—no matter how small?
Tip: If you’ve been doing less but getting more results, that’s a clue.
Section 5: Adjust the Plan
Tweak, don’t torch—it’s not too late to shift gears.
- Drop what’s not working (or simplify it)
- Refocus on 1–2 key goals for the next 6 months
- Decide where to invest time, energy, and/or budget
- If needed: bring in help (hint: that’s us 👋)
Don’t be afraid to let go of stuff that’s not working. Marketing is always evolving. It’s not etched in stone.
Progress Over Perfection
I know what it’s like to be a small business owner. (Because I am one!) There are always a million and one things vying for your attention and brainpower. But taking even an hour to intentionally look at your marketing plan mid-year is a good use of your time. It’s not too late to get back on track. A few smart shifts can still impact Q3 and Q4.
Ready to make your second half of the year stronger than your first? Let’s talk about what’s working, what’s not, and what to do next. It’s no pressure, and we love helping small businesses! Book a free check-in here.