Before we sprint into another year of events, campaigns, seasonal peaks and all the joys (and chaos!) of running a rural business, it’s worth taking a short pause.
Reflection isn’t indulgent, it’s essential.
The smartest farm shops, attractions and rural businesses take time every January to analyse what worked, what didn’t, and where they can grow. Here’s how to do it simply but effectively.
1. Look back at your 2025 Highlights
Start with the wins.
Ask:
- What sold out?
- What created queues?
- Which events were fully booked?
- What content went viral?
- What products flew off shelves?
These successes are clues so repeat what worked, expand what boomed, and transform highlights into strategy.
2. Review Your Footfall Fluctuations
Plot month-by-month visitor numbers.
Look for:
- Peaks
- Slower weeks
- Surges after certain posts
- Weather-based changes
- Event impacts
Most businesses assume December is the most important month. Actually, it’s your best source of audience insight.
3. Analyse your Marketing channels
Rate each channel from 1–5 for:
- Effectiveness
- Ease
- Cost
- Engagement
- Return
For example:
- Facebook: 5 (high reach, easy to update)
- Instagram: 4 (visual, great for stories)
- Email: 5 (huge return potential)
- Google Ads: 3 (needs support)
- TikTok: 4 (great for family attractions)
This tells you where to invest your time in 2026.
4. Gather Team Feedback
Your team sees things you don’t.
Ask them:
- What did customers mention?
- What events felt stressful / smooth?
- What caused bottlenecks?
- What did they enjoy most?
Their insight is gold.
5. Survey your Customers
A quick survey can reveal:
- What people want more of
- What they’d change
- Whether prices feel right
- What new products they’d love
- What events they’d attend
Customers love being asked and their answers are rarely what you expect.
6. Spot the Gaps in Your 2025 Marketing
Be honest:
- Did your social go quiet in summer?
- Did you forget to collect emails?
- Did Google Business get neglected?
- Did you skip paid ads?
- Did some events get little promotion?
These gaps are opportunities.
7. Create clear, simple 2026 goals
Try choosing:
- One footfall goal
- One social media goal
- One revenue goal
- One email growth goal
- One event goal
Keep it simple – Focus wins.
8. Build a 12-Month Marketing Roadmap
This is where Talking Tortoise clients thrive.
Plan:
- Key seasonal events
- Product launches
- Content themes
- Paid ad bursts
- Half-term and holiday peaks
- Email campaigns
A roadmap prevents last-minute scrambles and 2026 will then be stronger because you took time to reflect. Reflection is how you get better and planning is how you get ahead.
So, pour yourself a cuppa, sit down with your numbers, and let your 2025 successes guide your 2026 strategy.
Your future customers will thank you for it!
