5 Research-Backed Marketing Moves That Fuel Growth

Byjchick62


Whether you’re scaling a startup or wearing all the hats in a small business, marketing isn’t about being everywhere—it’s about being effective. These five data-supported fundamentals help emerging companies create focus, build trust, and grow sustainably.

1. Lead with Strategy – Not Just Tactics

Too many businesses jump straight into execution—posting on social, running ads—without a clear plan. But documentation is a game-changer. According to CoSchedule’s State of Marketing Strategy report, marketers with a documented strategy are 313% more likely to report success than those without one.

What to do:
Clarify who you’re marketing to, the problems you solve, and what success looks like. This alignment improves ROI and prevents wasted effort.

Source: CoSchedule, 2022 State of Marketing Strategy Report

2. Clarify Your Message to Build Trust

Customers don’t choose the most complex solution—they choose the one they understand and trust. The Edelman Trust Barometer found that 88% of consumers say trust is a key factor in their buying decisions, and 67% say they need to trust a brand before buying.

What to do:
Create a simple positioning statement, repeat it often, and make sure your messaging speaks directly to your customer’s pain points and aspirations.

Source: Edelman, 2022 Trust Barometer

3. Let Data Steer the Ship


Data isn’t just for enterprise brands. Companies that track marketing performance see stronger results across acquisition, retention, and spend efficiency. According to HubSpot’s 2023 Marketing Trends Report, marketers who track ROI are 1.6x more likely to receive higher budgets—because they can prove what’s working.

What to do:
Start with a few core metrics:

  • Customer Acquistion Cost (CAC)
  • Lifetime Value (LTV)
  • Lead conversion rate
  • Top-performing channels or content


Source: HubSpot, 2023 Marketing Trends Report

4. Focus Your Channel Strategy


It’s tempting to be active everywhere—but spreading too thin reduces impact. Research by Hootsuite shows that brands that focus on 1–2 core platforms and tailor content accordingly experience higher engagement rates than those trying to manage 4–5 platforms simultaneously.

What to do:
Choose your top 1–2 channels based on where your audience already spends time. Go deep, be consistent, and optimize before expanding.

Source: Hootsuite, Social Trends 2023 Report

5. Test, Learn, and Improve Continuously

Experimentation drives growth. According to McKinsey & Company, businesses that adopt agile marketing practices—prioritizing rapid iteration and continuous learning—grow revenue 2.5x faster than their peers.

What to do:
Run small tests (e.g., subject lines, CTAs, landing pages), analyze results, and adapt quickly. You don’t need to overhaul everything—just refine it.

Source: McKinsey, The Agile Marketing Organization, 2021

Final Note


The fastest-growing businesses treat marketing like a system—not a side hustle. With the right strategy, clear messaging, and a few key metrics, you’ll create marketing that scales with your growth—and earns your customer’s trust along the way.

Need help making your marketing foundation stronger?


Let’s connect. Marketing Insights Group works with growing businesses to build data-supported strategies that drive results.