It's that time of year where marketers need to start thinking ahead about plans for the upcoming quarters. We’re actively working with our clients to dream big, optimize for ROI, and help them get their marketing budgets approved.
Sidetrekked is a B2B podcast where Trekk’s Emilee Christianson and Shayne Terry, joined by special guests, give you industry insights and practical strategies you can put to work today. Here are four episodes you can watch to guide you through your 2027 strategic planning.
What channels am I missing in my 2027 annual marketing plan?
One of the biggest considerations when creating your yearly strategic plan is which channels to include. Every channel targets a different audience in a different way, and a combination of channels is crucial to target customers at different stages in the buyer’s journey.
In Season 4 Episode 1 of Sidetrekked, Emilee and Shayne are joined by Account Manager Jess Koltz to break down which specific channels you might want to consider for your 2027 plan. They also explain what an annual marketing plan is and what should happen in annual planning sessions. From print marketing to social media, we’ve chosen channels to help your brand extend its reach.
Print — as a channel, how to measure it, how to do it well
Even in the digital age, print marketing still packs a punch, and its relevance is even growing. With the increase of digital content, much of it low quality, consumers are craving something physical, something analog. Print marketing allows you to reach your target audience in a tangible, memorable, and creative way.
In Season 1 Episode 5 of Sidetrekked, Emilee and Shayne are joined by Art Director Chris Brown to chat about all things print. They break down why print marketing connects with people, how designing for print is different from digital, and how print can pair with digital marketing for an even more powerful, cohesive message.
Where should I be putting my digital ad dollars?
When planning and executing digital advertising, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different platforms will work better for different brands based on goals, budget, and audience. Not all platforms work all the time, and knowing what different platforms can do for you and experimenting with your advertisements is a key part of digital ad success.
In Season 4 Episode 2 of Sidetrekked, Emilee and Shayne are joined by Sean Burke to discuss platforms you may want to try for your next digital ad campaign, and why they may or may not be the best fit for your business and campaign goals.
How do I find an agency partner who is also a strategic consultant?
Doing your annual strategic planning can make it clear how important it is to have a marketing partner who thinks in a strategic way. You need an agency who not only understands your goals but knows how to get there. While your own internal marketing team can strategize what campaigns would be the most effective, an external consultant can give you new ideas and a fresh, tactical perspective.
In Season 2 Episode 9 of Sidetrekked, Emilee and Shayne are joined by Senior Account Manager Madison Brudi to dive into what “strategic” really means in marketing today and how to tell if your marketing agency is working in a strategic way. They also discuss the benefits of working with an agency who prioritizes a strategic, purposeful approach.
For more marketing insights, check out the rest of Sidetrekked Season 4. With new episodes every other week, you can keep up with the latest in B2B marketing, from emerging channels and artificial intelligence to traditional tactics that are making a comeback in 2027.
