Unpacking Strategy Audits: A Deep Dive

Strategy audits: the not-so-sexy yet absolutely necessary step in figuring out why your marketing plans might be falling flat. At their core, they bridge the gap between what you thought would happen and what’s actually happening. They’re about realigning your strategy to get the results you want. And at co&co, we really know what we’re doing. These audits cut through the fluff, calling out bullsh*t, and bringing a fresh perspective to the table.

The Psychological Aspects of Marketing Audits

Understanding Audit Psychology

Let’s get one thing straight: marketing isn’t just about spreadsheets and stats. It’s about people—how they think, feel, and act. That’s where psychology comes in. Decision-making isn’t always logical (spoiler: it rarely is). At co&co, we factor in human behaviour to pinpoint what’s driving your results—or holding them back.

Emotional biases often play a starring role in marketing missteps. Maybe you’re too attached to an underperforming campaign because you loved the idea, or your team’s internal dynamics are a hot mess, causing muddled decisions. That’s why we take the time to dig into not just the data but the human side of it.

Here’s where we walk the walk. Our audits go beyond surface-level analytics:

👉 Emotional triggers in consumer behaviour: We identify what gets your customers to click, buy, or bounce.

👉 Internal team alignment: We’ll tell you if your team’s all rowing in different directions and if they are, we fix it. It’s about leading your team with empathy.

👉 Cognitive biases in decision-making: Are your choices based on data or just a “gut feeling”?

When you demystify the process of strategy audits, you’re setting yourself up to make informed, impactful decisions that actually move the needle. By understanding these dynamics, we’ve helped brands course-correct before their campaigns crashed and burned. It’s about being empathetic without sugar-coating the hard truths.

Quantifying Audit Results for Stakeholders

The Importance of Measurable Outcomes

Let’s face it: your stakeholders don’t give a f*ck about vague insights. They want numbers. They want proof. They want to know their investment isn’t going down the drain. You should always be measuring the success of your marketing campaigns. At co&co, we’re all about making sure our recommendations are backed by metrics so compelling even the most skeptical CEO will nod in agreement.

Tools and Techniques for Quantification

Getting those juicy numbers requires the right tools and processes:

1. Define KPIs upfront: If you don’t know what you’re measuring, what’s the point? Set clear KPIs so you know exactly what success looks like and can track your progress without guesswork.

2. Leverage analytics tools: From Google Analytics to bespoke dashboards, we’ve got the tech sorted.

3. Revisit metrics regularly: An audit isn’t a one-and-done job. Track that sh*t over time and adapt. The key word there is adapt, because the market, customer behaviour, and even your goals aren’t static—they’re constantly evolving. Regular strategy audits are key.
   
   

Presenting Results Effectively

Numbers mean nothing if they’re not presented properly. We turn data into stories that make sense to everyone. Our approach ensures stakeholders see the tangible benefits of the changes, making them far more likely to get on board with the next steps.

Strategy Audits and the Bigger Business Picture

Integrating Audits with Business Strategy

A marketing strategy audit isn’t just about tweaking a few campaigns; it’s about finding the gaps in your entire marketing ecosystem. It might just be the revamp your brand needs. We’ve seen audits uncover inefficiencies that saved clients thousands and unearthed opportunities they didn’t even know existed. It’s about playing the long game and making sure your brand’s on a trajectory that’s mega, not mediocre.

Challenges and Solutions

Of course, implementing audit findings isn’t always smooth sailing. Here’s how we tackle common roadblocks:

👉 Resistance to change: We’ll call out leadership if they’re not ready to get on board. This is just the way we do things. We aren’t going to hide behind excuses or let outdated thinking hold you back. Change is uncomfortable, but so is staying stuck.

👉 Aligning audit insights with business goals: If it doesn’t serve the bigger picture, it’s not worth doing. We take a laser-focused approach to ensure every recommendation we make ties directly back to your overarching business objectives, driving growth and efficiency in ways that matter.

👉 Tracking post-audit performance: No point in making changes if you’re not checking if they’re working. This needs to be monitored consistently, with clear checkpoints to evaluate what’s working, what’s not, and where further adjustments are needed. It’s about staying proactive, not reactive.

By keeping things grounded and practical, we make sure your audit isn’t just another file gathering dust—whether that’s on a shelf in your office or buried in your laptop’s endless maze of folders. Instead, we turn it into a living, breathing roadmap that actually drives change.

Strategy audits are the ultimate sanity check for your marketing efforts. Done right, they align your tactics with your goals, uncover new opportunities, and deliver the results your stakeholders crave. It’s about unlocking the true potential of strategy audits. At co&co, we do it differently: with a no-fluff, no-bullsh*t approach that blends psychology, data, and big-picture thinking.

Ready to revamp your strategy? Get in touch with co&co today. Let’s make it happen. We also offer other services such as bespoke marketing plans, project management, and team management to drive your marketing strategy forward.