Setting goals isn't exactly a difficult task, but setting goals that drive results? That's where you need to get SMART. Whether you're a fortune 500 company, or a small business just figuring things out, using SMART goals is a must. Read our latest blog to learn more about SMART goals, and why you should be using them.
What Are SMART Goals?
SMART is an acronym that stands for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
Let’s break down each component:
Specific
Your should be setting clear and well-defined goals. Avoid vague statements like “get more followers” or “increase sales.”
- Instead of: “Get bigger on social media”
- Try: “Gain 500 new Instagram followers”
Measurable
If you haven't set a measurable, you can't track your progress. Use numbers, percentages, or other quantifiable metrics.
- Instead of: “Get more website traffic”
- Try: “Increase website traffic by 20% in 3 months”
Achievable
Your goal should be realistic based on your resources and current performance. Of course you want to stretch your goals, but if they're not even a slim possibility, they do nothing for your business.
- Instead of: “Double revenue in 30 days”
- Try: “Increase monthly revenue by 15% over the next quarter”
Relevant
Make sure your goal aligns with your broader business objectives. Don’t chase vanity metrics that don’t move the needle.
- Instead of: “Have a social media video go viral"
- Try: “Generate 50 leads from a LinkedIn campaign”
Time-Bound
Set a deadline for your goals. If you add a date to what you're trying to achieve, you create a sense of urgency which will help you stay focused.
- Instead of: “Start a newsletter”
- Try: “Launch a monthly email newsletter by September 1st”
Why SMART Goals Matter in Marketing
Without clear goals, your marketing can feel like guesswork. SMART goals help you:
- Stay focused on what matters
- Allocate your time and budget effectively
- Measure success and adjust when needed
- Motivate your team with clear targets
They turn your marketing from reactive to proactive, and that’s a game-changer for small businesses.
Examples of SMART Marketing Goals
Here are a few examples to inspire your own:
- Email Marketing: Grow your email list by 500 subscribers in 90 days using lead magnets and social media promotions.
- Content Marketing: Publish one blog post per week for the next 6 months to improve SEO and drive organic traffic.
- Social Media: Increase Instagram engagement rate by 10% in 60 days by posting daily and using interactive stories.
- Sales Funnel: Convert 5% of website visitors into leads using a new landing page and lead capture form by the end of Q3.
How to Create Your Own SMART Goals
Follow these steps to set your first SMART marketing goal:
- Start with your business objective → e.g., “I want to increase online sales.”
- Drill down into specifics → What product? What channel? What timeframe?
- Apply the SMART framework → “Increase online sales of Product X by 20% through email campaigns over the next 90 days.”
- Write it down and share it → Use a goal-setting template to track progress and keep your team aligned.
Final Thoughts
SMART marketing goals aren’t just a buzzword, they’re a proven way to bring structure, clarity, and momentum to your marketing efforts. Whether you’re launching a campaign, growing your audience, or improving conversions, SMART goals help you stay on track and measure what matters.