Mid-Year Marketing Strategy Check-in: Prep Now for a Strong 2026 with this Checklist

As we enter the second half of 2025, now is the perfect time to pause, refocus, and prepare your marketing strategy for 2026. At M7 Social Project, we believe that intentional mid-year planning is the difference between simply “showing up” and building momentum that lasts.

Below is a practical, results-driven checklist to help your team align goals, sharpen messaging, and maximize ROI as you head into Q3 and Q4.

1. Review Your Year-to-Date Performance

Before looking forward, assess where you stand:

• Have you hit 50% of your 2025 KPIs?

• What channels are driving the most qualified leads?

• Which campaigns underperformed—and why?

• Where are you spending too much (or not enough)?

Look at your analytics with curiosity, not blame. Let the data guide your Q3/Q4 decisions.

2. Refine Your Value Proposition

Markets shift fast. What resonated in January might not land the same way today. Ask these questions:

• What makes us different right now?

• What problems are our ideal clients trying to solve today?

• Is our messaging still aligned with those pain points?

3. Segment and Prioritize Your Audience

If your team is chasing “everyone,” you’re reaching no one. Use this time to:

• Identify your best-performing customer segments

• Build or update personas

• Tailor content and offers to each group

4. Audit Your Content Ecosystem

Content fuels your marketing engine—but only if it’s strategic. Take stock of the following:

• Blogs, newsletters, lead magnets

• Webinars, workshops, events

• Case studies, testimonials, video

• Social Media posts

Plan new content that positions your brand for 2026.

5. Plan for Q4 Campaigns Now

If you’re waiting until November to plan your end-of-year push, you’re already behind.

Start planning now: Holiday campaigns, Year-end reviews or “look ahead” thought leadership and Client appreciation or referral programs

Build excitement now to close the year strong—and carry that momentum into January.

6. Explore AI and Automation Tools

Don’t wait for 2026 to experiment with AI. Mid-year is a great time to:

• Automate repetitive marketing tasks

• Use AI tools for content suggestions, data analysis, and A/B testing

• Research agentic AI trends that can enhance customer experience (CX)

7. Revisit Your Strategic Partnerships

Who’s in your network that could amplify your efforts?

• Align with complementary businesses or influencers

• Plan joint webinars, bundles, or social campaigns

• Support women-led or mission-driven initiatives to reflect M7’s values

8. Create Space for Innovation

Innovation isn’t a luxury—it’s your long-term competitive edge. As you plan for 2026, ask:

• What new services, products, or programs could set you apart next year?

• Are you testing new formats (e.g., interactive content, micro-events, or AI-driven personalization)?

• What’s one “safe-to-fail” experiment your team could launch in Q3?

Dedicate time each month to brainstorming, prototyping, or testing new ideas—even if they’re outside your current roadmap. Innovation fuels relevance.

Let’s Make the Second Half Count

Marketing isn’t just about running ads—it’s about running aligned, adaptive, and innovative strategies. Use this checklist to reset, refocus, and prepare your brand for 2026 with clarity and confidence.

Need help implementing this strategy? Contact the M7 Social Project to design a custom marketing roadmap that reflects your goals, values, and growth potential.