startup-marketing-checklist

🥇Gold

A comprehensive checklist of marketing tactics for startups. Benefits marketing teams by providing a structured approach to launch and grow their startup. Integrates with existing marketing tools and workflows to streamline campaign planning and execution.

5,6005350Updated 1mo ago

Intermediate30min to implementmarketing

Saves ~30 min per use

Quick InstallView Source

git clone https://github.com/draftdev/startup-marketing-checklist.git

Works with:

Claude

Overview

About This Skill

The Startup Marketing Checklist is a comprehensive, chronologically ordered list of marketing tactics and ideas designed for startup founders and marketing teams. Originally created to address the challenge of forgetting marketing ideas and executing inconsistently, it provides a structured framework for planning and tracking marketing activities. The checklist allows teams to customize tactics based on their specific project and customer needs, then mark off completed items to maintain progress visibility. Available as a free, open-source resource, it helps startups move from random marketing efforts to systematic execution. The tool supports iterative refinement—users can add, remove, or modify tactics throughout their growth journey.

How to Use

1. **Customize the Checklist**: Replace [STARTUP_NAME], [INDUSTRY], [MARKET], [BUDGET], [TEAM_SIZE], and [KEY_GOALS] with your startup’s details. Use the example output as a template for structure and depth. 2. **Prioritize Tasks**: Use the checklist to identify high-impact, low-effort tasks (e.g., setting up social media profiles) versus high-effort, high-impact tasks (e.g., securing partnerships with suppliers). Flag dependencies (e.g., "Brand identity must be finalized before launching ads"). 3. **Assign Ownership**: Break the checklist into actionable items and assign each task to a team member or tool (e.g., "Marketing Manager: Set up Google Analytics 4"). Use project management tools like Trello or Asana to track progress. 4. **Set Deadlines**: Add realistic deadlines to each phase (e.g., "Pre-launch tasks completed by Week 8"). Use the checklist to create a Gantt chart or timeline for visual planning. 5. **Iterate and Optimize**: After each phase, review the checklist to identify what worked and what didn’t. Update the checklist based on new data (e.g., if TikTok drives the most signups, allocate more budget there).

Use Cases

Quickly identify and implement marketing strategies tailored to your startup's needs.

Track the effectiveness of various marketing tactics to optimize future efforts.

Modify the checklist to fit specific project goals and customer demographics.

Collaborate with team members by sharing the checklist for collective marketing efforts.

Setup & Installation

Quick Install

No install command available. Check the GitHub repository for manual installation instructions.

Alternative Install (Git Clone)

git clone https://github.com/draftdev/startup-marketing-checklist

Requirements

Claude Code or compatible AI agent
Works with: Claude

Quick Start Guide

Install the Skill

Copy the install command above and run it in your terminal.

Open Your AI Agent

Launch Claude Code, Cursor, or your preferred AI coding agent.

Try It Out

Use the prompt template or examples below to test the skill.

Customize

Adapt the skill to your specific use case and workflow.

Usage Examples

Prompt Template

Generate a startup marketing checklist for [STARTUP_NAME], a [INDUSTRY] company launching in [MARKET]. Include pre-launch, launch, and post-launch phases. Prioritize tactics based on [BUDGET] and [TEAM_SIZE]. Flag dependencies between tasks and suggest tools for automation where applicable. Focus on [KEY_GOALS] like brand awareness, lead generation, or user acquisition.

Example Output

### Startup Marketing Checklist for GreenCart: A Sustainable Grocery Delivery Service (Los Angeles, CA)

**Pre-Launch Phase (8-12 weeks before launch)**
1. **Brand Identity & Messaging**
   - Finalize brand name, logo, and tagline ("Fresh, Fast, Sustainable").
   - Develop brand voice guidelines (friendly, eco-conscious, transparent).
   - Create a one-page brand story document for team alignment.

2. **Market Research & Validation**
   - Conduct surveys with 200+ LA residents on grocery delivery pain points (results: 68% want organic options, 42% cite cost as barrier).
   - Analyze competitors (Instacart, Thrive Market) using SWOT analysis. Identify gaps: lack of hyper-local organic suppliers and transparent pricing.
   - Define target personas: Eco-conscious millennials (25-35), busy parents (30-45), and health-focused seniors (50+).

3. **Digital Foundation**
   - Secure domain (greencartdelivery.com) and set up Google Analytics 4.
   - Launch a coming soon page with email capture (goal: 5,000 signups by launch).
   - Set up social media profiles (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn) with consistent branding.

4. **Product Prep**
   - Partner with 15 local organic farms for exclusive supply deals.
   - Develop a referral program: "Refer 3 friends, get $20 credit."
   - Create a waitlist incentive: First 1,000 users get 20% off first order.

**Launch Phase (Weeks 1-4)**
1. **Launch Campaign**
   - Host a virtual launch event with local influencers (5 micro-influencers, 10K-50K followers each).
   - Run a targeted Facebook/Instagram ad campaign ($5K budget, 3-week duration) focusing on organic produce and convenience.
   - Secure press coverage in *LA Weekly* and *EcoWatch* (pitch angle: "LA’s First Hyper-Local Organic Grocery Delivery Service").

2. **Customer Acquisition**
   - Offer a limited-time launch discount: 30% off first order for first 2,000 users.
   - Partner with 3 local gyms to offer exclusive discounts to members.
   - Launch a TikTok challenge (#GreenCartChallenge) encouraging users to share their first organic haul (prize: $500 grocery credit).

3. **Operations & Feedback**
   - Set up a Slack channel for customer support to track common issues (e.g., delivery delays, product substitutions).
   - Send a post-purchase survey to 500 early users to refine product-market fit.

**Post-Launch Phase (Months 2-6)**
1. **Retention & Growth**
   - Implement a loyalty program: "Buy 10 orders, get $50 credit."
   - Launch a user-generated content campaign: Feature customer photos on Instagram (hashtag #MyGreenCartHaul).
   - Host a monthly "Farmers Market Tour" live stream on Instagram to showcase suppliers.

2. **Data & Optimization**
   - Analyze customer lifetime value (LTV) and churn rate (goal: LTV > $120, churn < 15%).
   - A/B test email subject lines for higher open rates (current average: 22%).
   - Retarget abandoned cart users with a 15% discount offer via Google Ads.

3. **Scaling**
   - Expand to Orange County based on demand (pilot with 500 users).
   - Explore partnerships with meal kit services (e.g., HelloFresh) for cross-promotion.

**Dependencies & Tools**
- **Canva** for brand assets (pre-launch).
- **Mailchimp** for email campaigns (pre-launch and retention).
- **HubSpot** for CRM and lead tracking (post-launch).
- **Trello** for task management (all phases).

**Red Flags to Monitor**
- Customer acquisition cost (CAC) exceeding $30 per user.
- Delivery time averages above 45 minutes.
- Social media engagement dropping below 3% per post.

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