The Difference Between Marketing Strategy and Tactics

If you’ve ever felt like you’re ‘ticking off marketing’ with a social media post, quick email blast, or sale, you’re in good company. Small business owners are the masters of action—always moving, always juggling. The problem is, marketing activity alone doesn’t equal marketing strategy. 

It’s a common trap: we equate busyness with effectiveness. Posting often, handing out discounts, or throwing money at ads doesn’t guarantee you’ll grow the business the way you want to. That’s because those are tactics. And while tactics are important, they only work when they’re anchored in a bigger plan—your strategy.