New Year, New Goals: 11 Key Questions for Marketing Writers to Kickstart 2025

 

The start of a new year is the ideal time to evaluate your strategies, assess your growth, and set powerful intentions for the months ahead. To help you start strong, here are 11 key questions to ask yourself and answer to refine your approach and make 2025 your best year yet.

WARNING: Although the following exercise is simple, it's difficult and time consuming. If you're up for that, it's rewarding and well worth your time and effort. If not, before you say, "This is too much of a pain in the backside, I'll pass," re-read the question in the graphic above.

 

2024 PERFORMANCE 

1. What Worked Last Year?

• Which campaigns, strategies, or types of content performed exceptionally well?
• What metrics supported this success (e.g., engagement rates, conversions, or ROI)?
• How can I replicate or scale these successes in the new year?

2. What Didn’t Work Last Year?

• Were there projects or tactics that didn’t meet expectations?
• Was the challenge in the strategy, execution, or something external like timing or audience?
• How can I pivot or experiment to address these gaps?

3. How Did Work Feel Last Year?

• Did my typical workday energize or drain me?
• What tasks or projects did I look forward to and which ones did I dread?
• Did I manage my time effectively? Where did I spend too much time and energy, and where could I have streamlined or delegated? 

 

CLIENT OUTREACH & RELATIONSHIPS

1. Is My Client List a Good Fit?

• Did my clients have realistic expectations around goals, budgets, and timelines?
• Do I like working with them? Did they foster a positive, collaborative working relationship? Were they receptive to my feedback and insights?
• Did they pay on time?

2. Who Are My Best Prospects Today?

• Has my target customer evolved? If so, how?
• Are there new segments or niches I can connect with this year?
• What outreach (platforms and formats) resonates most with my customers/prospects right now?

3. How Can I Stand Out?

• What’s trending in marketing writing in my industry/niche?
• How can I bring fresh perspectives?
• What unique voice or value can I amplify in my client outreach this year?
  
  

PERSONAL

1. What Were My Top Challenges in 2024?

• What were my three biggest obstacles to success last year?
• Which of these challenges are within my control to change or influence?
• What small, actionable steps can I take to address them this year?

2. Am I Growing as a Writer?

• Have I challenged myself to explore new formats or platforms?
• Are there skills (SEO, data storytelling, multimedia content, etc.) that I’d like to master?
• What opportunities can I create to refine my craft and expand my expertise?

3. What Were My Biggest Wins and Lessons?

• What business achievements am I most proud of from last year?
• What personal achievements brought me the most joy or growth?
• What was my single biggest lesson or learning moment from 2024?

 

THE FUTURE

1. What Does Success Look Like in 2025?

• What are my personal and professional goals for the year?
• How will I measure these goals qualitatively and quantitatively?
• What milestones will keep me motivated and aligned?

2. What Win Would Transform My Business?

• If I could land one dream project, client, or opportunity this year, what would it be?
• What’s holding me back from pursuing it?
• What’s one small step I can take today to move closer to that goal?

 

Put This Exercise to Work: Take some quiet time this week to journal your answers. Then, identify 2-3 actionable steps to implement in January. Whether it’s refreshing your content calendar, identifying new approaches to generate clients, scheduling time for skill-building, or whatever direction this exercise leads you. Small shifts now can create lasting impact. Review your answers monthly and pick a couple of actionable steps to implement that month.

I wish you a year of purposeful work, bold ideas,

meaningful connections, creative breakthroughs, 

and unstoppable growth.