SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals that help businesses and individuals plan and achieve their objectives. The acronym was first introduced in the 1980s as a way to guide goal setting and ensure that goals were clear and attainable. Here is a breakdown of each element of a SMART goal:

1. Specific: A specific goal is clear and specific, and answers the questions "what," "why," and "how."

2. Measurable: A measurable goal can be quantified, so progress can be tracked and measured.

3. Achievable: An achievable goal is realistic and attainable given the resources and constraints of the business or individual.

4. Relevant: A relevant goal is aligned with the overall business or personal objectives and meets the needs of the target audience.

5. Time-bound: A time-bound goal has a specific timeline for completion, which helps to create a sense of urgency and accountability.

SMART goals can be helpful in guiding goal setting and ensuring that goals are clear and attainable. By following the SMART criteria, businesses and individuals can develop a roadmap for success and track progress towards achieving their objectives.

 

How does this apply to Marketing?

SMART goals can help with marketing in several ways:

1. SMART goals provide a clear roadmap for success: By setting specific and measurable goals, businesses can understand exactly what they need to achieve and how to track their progress. This helps to create a clear roadmap for success and ensures that marketing efforts are focused and aligned with business objectives.

2. SMART goals help businesses stay on track: Setting time-bound goals helps businesses stay on track and ensures that they are making progress towards achieving their objectives. This helps to create a sense of accountability and ensures that marketing efforts are consistently moving forward.

3. SMART goals help businesses make informed decisions: By setting relevant goals, businesses can ensure that their marketing efforts are aligned with their target audience and business objectives. This helps to make sure that marketing resources are being used effectively and efficiently.

4. SMART goals help businesses measure the effectiveness of their marketing efforts: By setting measurable goals, businesses can track progress and understand what is and isn't working. This helps to identify areas for improvement and optimize marketing efforts for maximum impact.

Overall, setting SMART goals can help you stay focused and achieve success with your marketing efforts. It's important to review and adjust your goals regularly to ensure that they are still relevant and achievable.

 

For more contact JT Scarpelli at Big Rapids Media: scarp@bigrapidsmedia.com