We just hit one of our own marketing goals last week.
We’ve been working for months to grow the AI-Fueled Growth newsletter. Testing new strategies, refining our message, and tracking the results carefully. Last week, we finally hit that number.
It would’ve been easy to stop and celebrate. But that’s not how growth works.
When we hit a goal, we don’t stop — we double down.
So, right after reaching that milestone, we set a new one:
Grow our email list 100% in the next 6 months.
That’s not just a wish. It’s specific, measurable, and time-bound — the kind of goal that gives every tactic a purpose.
How We Turn a Big Goal Into a Clear Plan
We use the same six-step framework we share with others:
Goal → Strategy → Tactics → Tools → Measure → Refine
That framework keeps us from drifting. For this new growth goal, here’s what it looks like in practice:
Goal: Grow our email list 100% in 6 months
Strategy 1: Use Meta lookalike audiences to reach new readers like our current subscribers
Strategy 2: Partner with other Main Street newsletters and organizations to share content
Tactics: Weekly story swaps, paid tests, and AI-optimized social snippets
Tools: ChatGPT, Beehiiv, Notion & Meta.
Measure: Track new subscriber sources weekly and shift ad spend toward what’s working
We could build strategies without defining these goals — but then we’d have no idea when to shift, or how to measure success.
Because the goal is clear, our decisions are clearer too.
When to Shift, When to Shut Down
The key to good marketing isn’t just setting goals — it’s knowing when to move.
Some strategies will fail. That’s normal.
We’ve already decided how long we’ll test each one and what numbers tell us it’s time to pivot.
If something performs well, we’ll shift resources there. If not, we’ll shut it down and move on.
That kind of clarity only comes from knowing exactly what you’re aiming for.
How We Use AI to Make It All Work Faster
AI doesn’t replace the work — it helps us do it smarter.
Here’s how we use it at each stage:
Sharpen our goals:
“Help me make this goal more measurable and time-bound.”
Brainstorm strategies:
“List five creative ways to reach this goal with limited time and budget.”
Analyze results:
“Here’s our last campaign performance — what patterns or insights do you notice?”
Benchmark expectations:
“What are average growth rates for newsletters like ours?”
AI helps us stay focused and make better decisions — fast.
Try It in Your Business
You don’t need a marketing department to use this.
Whether you’re running a boutique, café, or service business, the same rule applies:
When you hit a goal, set the next one.
Use AI to help you define, refine, and adjust as you go.
Here are a few prompts you can try right now:
Clarify your goal
“I want more customers. Help me turn that into a specific, measurable goal I can reach in 60 days.”
Plan your strategy
“Give me five realistic strategies a Main Street [type of business] could use to reach this goal.”
Stay accountable
“Based on these results, should I keep this campaign running or shift strategies?”
Prompt of the Week
“I just hit one of my business goals. Help me write the next one — something measurable, challenging, and achievable within 90 days.”
That’s how you keep the momentum going.
Because hitting the goal isn’t the end — it’s proof that your system works.
Ready for What Comes Next?
Once your goals are set, the next question is: what kind of content will actually move you toward them?
That’s exactly what we cover in our latest vlogcast:
👉 Watch: The 3 Types of Content Every Business Needs
And if you missed it, go back to the episode that started it all:
👉 Watch: How to Build a Marketing Plan That Actually Gets Results
Together, they’ll walk you through the same process we use every week — from setting goals to building content that actually drives results.