How to create a marketing plan for startups

Launching a startup is not just about having a good idea and waiting for magic to happen. It doesn't work like that. If you want your project to grow, connect and sell, you need more than just enthusiasm: you need a startup marketing plan that is well thought out, well executed and adapted to your reality. And no, we're not talking about presentations full of fancy words that go nowhere. We're talking about understanding your business, your market and your people, and building a strategy that makes sense, that you can put in place now and adjust as you go along without going crazy. In this article we are going to guide you step by step so that you can design this plan with your head, with focus and with your feet on the ground. Because marketing, when done well, doesn't just sell: it creates value. Why is it important to have a marketing plan for your startup? OK, first of all: without a marketing plan, you're going in blind. And in the startup world, going aimlessly is not an option. It's not just about "making noise" or being on social media because everyone else is doing it. It's about being clear about who you're targeting, how you're going to reach those people and what you want them to do when they find you. A good marketing strategy will help you: Think of it this way: launching a startup is chaotic enough as it is. Having a marketing plan not only sorts out your ideas, it gives you a solid foundation to build on. And that, believe me, makes the difference between growing in a meaningful way or getting burnt out. The step-by-step to create the marketing plan for your startup Now that we are clear on why you need a plan, let's get down to business. We're not here to complicate things with endless theories or models that only big consultancies understand. This is what you really need to build a solid marketing strategy from scratch. Define your purpose and objectives 2. Know your audience 3. Analyse the market and your competition 4. Choose your channels and tactics 6. Design an action plan 7. Measure, learn and adjust And having a marketing plan for your startup is not an "extra", it is a necessity. It is what allows you to stop improvising, make decisions with criteria and build something that not only works today, but also has a future. And yes, getting it right takes time, head and focus... but you don't have to do it alone. At Lebowski we work as Fractional CMO, which means we get into the kitchen of your business to help you build and execute a marketing strategy as if we were part of your team (because we are). No jargon, no posturing, no remote consulting: side by side, with strategy, experience and real commitment. If your startup is ready to stop shooting in the dark and start growing in a meaningful way, you know where to find us. We help you move from intuition to plan, and from plan to results.

5 Success stories of startups in Spain

In the startup ecosystem in Spain, every success story has something in common: vision, courage... and a marketing strategy that does not take the motorway, but dares to take the back roads to find its own path. From that idea you jot down on a napkin to becoming a benchmark in the sector is a long road full of obstacles. Believe me, we know it well. In this article we didn't want to focus on impossible unicorns or spectacular investment rounds (although some do fall). We want to talk about Spanish startups that have managed to make marketing a real tool for growth. Teams that understood that branding is not just a pretty logo, and that a good narrative can be worth more than a thousand ads. If you're looking for real inspiration, examples that combine strategy with humanity and creativity with results, stick around. Here are some startups that are making it big... And how they're doing it. What is a startup? But before we get into the subject, let's take it step by step... What exactly is a startup? What differentiates it from a traditional company? A startup is an early-stage company that seeks to grow fast, usually with an innovative and scalable business model. It does not follow the beaten track: it experiments, learns and adapts in record time. Unlike a traditional company, it lives in trial and error mode, with limited resources but a lot of ambition. And in this journey, marketing is not a decoration, it is the essential part. 5 Examples of successful Spanish startups 1. Bamboo Energy Sector: Energy Why it stands out:In a sector as technical as the energy sector, Bamboo Energy has managed to find its own voice. Its proposal is powerful: to help manage energy demand in a more intelligent, flexible and sustainable way. But what is really interesting is how they communicate it. Far from a cold or hyper-technological discourse, Bamboo has opted for an approachable, clear and human narrative, without losing depth. They know that their audience is not only engineers, but also business decision-makers, institutions and citizens who want to understand what the energy transition is all about. Marketing in action: Bamboo Energy is an example of how marketing can be a tool for education and positioning, even in highly technical sectors. 2. Playtomic Sector: Sport Why it stands out: In the midst of padel fever, Playtomic did not limit itself to being an app for reserving courts: it built a digital sports community. They understood that amateur sport is not just about sweating and competing, but also about socialising, organising plans and feeling part of something. Their growth has been unstoppable in Spain and Europe, and a lot has to do with how they have approached their marketing. Marketing in action: Playtomic doesn't just make it easy to play, it makes you want to play. Their marketing understands sport as a social plan, and that makes them more than just a booking app. 3. Freshly Cosmetics Sector: ecommerce Why it stands out: What started as a natural cosmetics brand sold online is now one of the major DTC (direct-to-consumer) benchmarks in Spain. Freshly Cosmetics has been able to build not just a shop, but a loyal community, with marketing based on transparency, sustainability and an aesthetic that appeals to the eye. In a saturated sector, Freshly did not shout louder, but spoke louder. And it worked. Marketing in action: Freshly shows that doing things well also sells. With honest, visually powerful and customer-focused marketing, they have created a brand that is not only liked, but recommended. 4. Heura Foods Sector: Foodtech Why it stands out: If marketing were a martial art, Heura would be a black belt. This startup doesn't just sell plant-based products: it sells a cause, a community and a food revolution. It's not just branding; it's activism. They have achieved what many brands dream of: to be loved and discussed in equal parts, with a brand identity that enters the public conversation without fear and without asking permission. Marketing in action: Heura is not a brand that tries to be liked by everyone. It is a brand with an identity, with clear values and a marketing strategy that is not afraid to be uncomfortable if it means moving forward. 5. Platano Melón Sector: eCommerce Why it stands out:Talking about pleasure without taboos and selling sexual products without falling into clichés and clichés is not easy. But Plátano Melón has managed to do it with naturalness, humour and a lot of brand intelligence. They have positioned themselves as a benchmark brand in sexual wellness, breaking barriers and generating conversation in networks, media and environments where this was not talked about before... at least not so openly. Marketing in action: What all these Spanish startups have in common is not just innovation or growth. It is that they have understood that marketing is not just the icing on the cake, it is an essential part of the cake. So if you are setting up a startup, or you are already up and running and you feel that your message is not getting through... don't look for magic formulas. Look for clarity, consistency and a story worth telling. And if you need someone to help you tell it without smoke and jargon, you know where to find us.

Why a Fractional CMO can be your best investment in pre-seed and seed phase?

In the early stages of a startup, every euro counts. You have a product you are developing or testing in the market, a team that is growing and a budget that doesn't seem to be enough for everything you need. In this exciting chaos, marketing is often one of the most neglected areas. This is where a Fractional CMO comes in. This flexible leadership model gives you access to a senior marketing director without having to pay the cost of a full-time salary. But why is it so key for pre-seed and seed startups? The importance of marketing in early-stage startups Growth challenges with limited resources Early-stage startups need traction and growth, but often lack the budget for a robust internal marketing team. The impact of a solid marketing strategy A well-designed marketing strategy accelerates product validation, improves customer acquisition and strengthens the brand, laying the foundation for scalability. What you need in the pre-seed and seed stages In the early stages, marketing needs often focus on: How does a Fractional CMO boost your startup in Pre-Seed and Seed? A Fractional CMO not only executes marketing strategies, but defines the vision and roadmap for sustainable growth. Here are some of their key roles: 1. Develop a compelling brand story: Define your narrative, highlighting what makes you unique and ensuring that it connects emotionally with your audience. 2. Create an effective awareness strategy: Design strategies that include digital campaigns, relevant content and key partnerships, ensuring your brand reaches the right audience and stands out from the start. 3. Explore new market opportunities: Research, define entry strategies and tailor your value proposition to maximise impact in each market. 4. Build an engaged community: Lead strategies to create relevant content and manage communities, increasing engagement and strengthening your relationship with customers. 5. Leverage digital channels: Optimise your presence on digital platforms, ensuring that every effort is aligned with your business objectives. 6. Align your value proposition: Review and adjust your value proposition to connect with market expectations. 7. Create customer acquisition and retention strategies: Design ROI-focused acquisition campaigns, while implementing retention strategies such as loyalty programmes and personalised communication. 8. Optimise the conversion funnel: Analyse and adjust each stage of the funnel to improve conversion and reduce friction points. Fractional CMO vs. Internal CMO in Early-Stage Startups Many startups consider hiring an internal CMO to lead their marketing strategy. However, a Fractional CMO may be a better option for several reasons: A Fractional CMO offers the same expertise and leadership as an internal CMO, but with greater flexibility and at a much lower cost. Why is a Fractional CMO key at this stage? In pre-seed and seed stages, every strategic decision has an enormous impact: The first few months of a startup are critical: without a clear strategy, you can waste time and money on ineffective tactics.How to get started? Consult with startup marketing experts Is your startup ready to grow strategically from day one, and do you want your marketing to be aligned with your business goals from the start? At Lebowski, we specialise in working with early stage startups, combining strategic expertise with practical execution. Let's talk!

The rise of Fractional Marketing: 5 Facts startups can't ignore

Did you know that 60% of startups are opting for more flexible marketing models? Fractional Marketing is changing the rules of the game, combining flexibility with high expertise. If you haven't yet considered this option, here are five key facts that will demonstrate why this approach is vital for your business.Here are five key facts that will demonstrate why Fractional Marketing is VITAL for your business. Read on! 1. The Fractional model is growing by leaps and bounds Over the past five years, the adoption of Fractional CMOs has increased by more than 60%, according to a survey by Chief Outsiders. This growth reflects how more and more companies are opting for flexible solutions to access strategic marketing expertise without the commitment of a full-time CMO. It allows access to senior leadership without a fixed commitment. If other companies are adopting this model, it's time to consider how it can benefit your growth strategy. 2. More impact, lower costs Hiring a Fractional CMO costs between 30% and 60% less than the annual salary of a full-time CMO. This means you can access world-class strategic leadership without breaking your budget. More strategy, less fixed costs. You can redirect investment into acquisition and growth campaigns. 3. A Fractional CMO accelerates revenue growth Companies that work with Fractional CMOs see an average revenue growth of 29%, compared to 19% for those that don't, according to a Harvard Business Review study. This shows that it is not only a flexible model, but also a catalyst for impact. Why is this happening? If you are looking to grow faster and sustainably, a Fractional CMO is a strategic investment. 4. Fast and adaptable strategies In a constantly changing market, companies need leaders who are able to adapt. According to The CMO Club, 82% of executives say Fractional CMOs provide unique insights that allow them to adjust strategies nimbly to emerging trends and market changes. Benefits of this adaptability: If you operate in a dynamic market, you need marketing leadership capable of reacting quickly to emerging trends. 5. Faster to market, faster ROI A Fractional CMO doesn't just define strategy; he executes it. This translates into 48% less time to bring products and services to market, according to DemandMetric. The result: a faster and stronger return on investment. Key impact: If you need immediate results, this model allows you to move forward without the delays of an internal learning curve. Fractional Marketing is not just a trend, it's the future of startup growth The Fractional CMO model is not just a trend; it's a strategic solution that is transforming the way startups approach their marketing. From accelerating results to optimising costs, the numbers speak for themselves. If you want to take advantage of this competitive advantage, the time to act is now. At Lebowski, we specialise in bringing this approach to Spain, helping startups unlock their potential with tailored strategic marketing leadership. Don't wait any longer to take advantage of Fractional Marketing. Contact us today and find out how we can help your startup grow.

Fractional CMO: Which is the best option for your startup?

When your startup is ready to grow, outsourcing marketing and hiring an agency to manage campaigns often seems like the obvious solution. But is it really what you need? Often, these actions lack a strategic vision that connects marketing efforts to real business goals. This is where a Fractional CMO can make a difference. More than executing campaigns, this model combines strategy and action to align marketing with business growth. Agency or Fractional CMO? The answer depends on where you are and what you want to achieve. Let us help you decide. Level of involvement and strategic leadership How does a marketing agency work? Marketing agencies tend to work externally and rely on you already having an internal leader (a CMO or yourself as founder) to set the direction. Their focus is more limited to executing specific tasks that you ask them to do. What does a Fractional CMO bring to the table? On the other hand, a Fractional CMO is not just another external consultant; they are part of your team. They work closely with sales, operations and product development, ensuring that marketing is aligned with the company's overall objectives. This level of integration ensures that every decision makes sense in the overall context. Strategy vs execution Agencies are specialists in execution: advertising campaigns, social media, content production... all the tactical stuff. If you know exactly what you need to do but don't have the team to carry it out, an agency can be useful. A Fractional CMO doesn't just execute; they build from scratch a comprehensive strategy that connects all the dots in your business. They identify market opportunities, define priorities and coordinate actions, making sure everything works together as one. Personalised relationship vs. standardised services Agencies often operate standardised processes to handle several clients at once. While they are efficient and consistent, they don't always have the flexibility or time to delve into the specifics of your business. A Fractional CMO is deeply involved in your business. They understand your culture, your goals and your challenges. They don't come with a "standard package", but design solutions specific to what you really need, adjusting to changes on the fly. Cost vs. value Is it cheaper to hire an agency? Hiring an agency may seem cheaper at first, but costs can quickly escalate if you need additional services or specific campaigns. Also, without a solid strategy to guide your actions, you could end up wasting resources. Is it worth investing in a Fractional CMO? A Fractional CMO, although it may seem like a larger investment at first, focuses on maximising ROI. Every euro you invest has a clear purpose and measurable results. Moreover, by combining strategy and execution, it optimises your resources in the long term. When to choose a Fractional CMO? At Lebowski we are the first consultancy firm in Spain specialising in Fractional CMO. We offer strategic marketing leadership, tailored to the pace and real needs of your startup. Ready to transform your marketing? Let's talk.

Top signs that your startup needs a Fractional CMO

As founder or CEO, your focus is on growing your startup, securing funding and developing a solid product. However, there comes a point where marketing becomes an obstacle: campaigns don't deliver results, your team lacks strategic leadership or you struggle to balance costs with expertise. In this article, we'll explain the key signs that your startup needs a Fractional CMO and how this model can deliver impact without the high costs of a full-time hire. 1. You don't have time to manage marketing yourself As a founder, your time is more valuable leading the business, developing your product or talking to investors, not managing day-to-day marketing tasks. A Fractional CMO takes responsibility for your marketing strategy and execution, allowing you to focus on the essentials. 2. You lack a clear marketing strategy If your marketing seems more reactive than strategic-following trends, executing scattered campaigns or lacking a clear plan-it's time for an experienced leader. A Fractional CMO can align your marketing efforts with your business objectives, ensuring that every step has purpose and measurable results. 3. You're struggling to generate consistent leads Your campaigns are active and your social media is working, but the leads aren't coming in, or worse, they're not converting into customers. A Fractional CMO can identify the weak points in your sales funnel, optimise acquisition strategies and improve conversion rates. 4. You invest in marketing, but don't see a clear ROI Startups often invest significant resources in tools, ads and campaigns, but if those investments don't translate into measurable growth, something is going wrong. A Fractional CMO focuses on ROI, ensuring that every euro invested generates tangible results. 5. Your startup is growing or has just closed a funding round Growing and closing a funding round involves pressure to meet targets and investor expectations. A Fractional CMO brings the necessary experience to navigate this critical stage, maximising opportunities and avoiding common mistakes. 6. You can't justify hiring a full-time CMO Hiring a permanent CMO involves high salary costs. For your startup, this investment may not be viable. A Fractional CMO offers senior leadership without the long-term financial commitment, allowing you to access high-level expertise for a small investment. 7. Your marketing team lacks senior leadership If your marketing team is comprised primarily of juniors, they may lack the direction needed to execute advanced strategies. A Fractional CMO can guide the team, set clear priorities and ensure that everything is aligned with business objectives. If you identify one or more of these signals, your startup could benefit from a Fractional CMO. Ignoring these alerts can lead to wasted resources, missed opportunities and slower growth. A Fractional CMO is not just a temporary solution, it's a strategic decision to unlock impact and growth. Ready to take the next step? At Lebowski, we specialise in offering CMO Fractional services tailored to the specific needs of startups and SMEs. Book a free consultation here and find out how we can boost your business.

Fractional CMO: The strategic solution for the Marketing of the Future

In a world where agility and efficiency are key, companies face the challenge of maintaining strategic and effective marketing without compromising their financial resources or operational flexibility. This is where Fractional CMO comes in: a revolutionary concept that is transforming the way organisations approach marketing leadership. At Lebowski CMO, we understand that not every company needs (or can afford) a full-time CMO, but every company deserves access to high-level strategic leadership. That's why the Fractional CMO model is a powerful and adaptable solution for companies of all sizes. What is a Fractional CMO? A Fractional CMO is an executive-level marketing professional who works part-time with a company, providing the same strategic leadership and expertise as a traditional CMO, but in a flexible and accessible way. This model allows companies to benefit from years of experience and expertise without committing to the costs and responsibilities of a full-time hire. What does a Fractional CMO do? The role of a Fractional CMO is tailored to the needs of each company, but typically includes: Why hire a Fractional CMO? The Fractional CMO model is a strategic solution that responds to specific needs, such as: Who needs a Fractional CMO? The Fractional CMO model is perfect for: How does the Fractional model work? The Fractional model is designed to fit the business, not the other way around. This means you can hire a Fractional CMO for a few hours a week, to lead a specific project, or as part of a larger, multi-month engagement. At Lebowski CMO, we work with a personalised approach: The Future of Marketing is Here At Lebowski CMO, we believe that the Fractional CMO model is not just a trend, but the future of marketing leadership. Companies of all sizes and industries can leverage this solution to achieve results that once seemed unattainable. To learn more about how a Fractional CMO can benefit your business, visit our Fractional CMO Services page. If you're ready to transform your marketing strategy with flexible, high-impact leadership, let's talk!