How to write a marketing plan in one hour (even if you hate planning)

Let’s be honest: the idea of “writing a marketing plan” sounds about as fun as doing your taxes while stuck in a group chat.

But here’s the good news:
You don’t need a 40-page document to get results.

You just need a clear, simple plan that helps you focus, stay consistent, and stop winging it.

And yes—you can do it in one hour. Even if you hate planning. Let’s go.

🕐 Minute 0–10: Define What Success Looks Like

Ask yourself:

• What’s the ONE main thing I want to achieve in the next 3–6 months?

  • More leads?

  • More sales?

  • More awareness?

  • Growing my email list?

🎯 Pick ONE goal. Everything else will build around that.

🕐 Minute 10–20: Know Your People

Forget vague “target audiences.” Let’s get clear.

Ask:

• Who do I actually want to attract?

• What keeps them up at night?

• What do they need from me?

• Where do they spend their time online?

Bonus tip: Write a quick customer profile. “Jane is 38, runs a small business, hates tech, loves wine, wants more clients without burning out.”

Now you’re talking to someone, not everyone.

🕐 Minute 20–30: Choose Your Channels (and Ditch the Rest)

Don’t try to do all the things. Pick 2–3 platforms max that suit you and your audience.

✅ Website
✅ Instagram
✅ Facebook
✅ LinkedIn
✅ Email newsletter
✅ Google Business
✅ Blog

Only keep what serves your goal. Ignore the rest—yes, even TikTok.

🕐 Minute 30–45: Plan Your Content Pillars

These are your go-to themes that make posting easier (and give your audience what they care about).

Pick 3–5 content pillars that align with your brand and your audience’s needs.

Example:

• Tips & education

• Behind-the-scenes

• Testimonials or success stories

• Product highlights

• Your personal journey or values

You’ll rotate through these each week or month. Instant structure = no more blank-page panic.

🕐 Minute 45–55: Map Out a Simple Content Calendar

Now that you’ve got themes, sketch out a quick posting rhythm:

Example Weekly Plan:

• Monday: Tip or FAQ

• Wednesday: Product or service post

• Friday: Behind-the-scenes or client story

• Monthly: Email newsletter

Don’t overthink it. Consistency wins over perfection every time.

🕐 Minute 55–60: Add Calls-to-Action + Metrics

Ask:

• What do I want people to do when they see my content?
  👉 Book a call
  👉 Join your list
  👉 Send a DM
  👉 Buy now
  👉 Share or save

Add a call-to-action (CTA) to every piece of content.
Then, pick 2–3 metrics to track so you know what’s working:

• Website visits

• Email signups

• Bookings/enquiries

• Engagement (comments, DMs, saves)

✅ Done!

You now have:

• A clear goal

• An audience to speak to

• The right platforms

• Content themes

• A basic calendar

• Calls to action

• Success metrics

All in under an hour. 🙌

💡 Final Thought

Marketing doesn’t need to be overwhelming.
A simple plan, followed consistently, will always outperform random posting and wishful thinking.

So… ready to stop guessing and start growing?

Let’s map it out together in a 1:1 strategy session—coffee optional, results guaranteed.

Feel like you’re doing a lot but not getting anywhere? Let’s build a step-by-step Tactical Marketing Plan so you know exactly what to do—and what to stop doing.