When startup founders talk strategy, they obsess over product, funding, and hiring. But marketing? That often gets pushed down the priority list — until it’s too late.
Marketing isn’t a luxury — it’s a growth engine
Yet, the numbers tell a different story. According to research from IPA and Brand Finance, analysts rank brand strength and marketing as more important than leadership quality, technological innovation, and even reported profit when evaluating companies. In other words, your ability to build a strong brand and market effectively isn’t just a growth play — it’s a survival strategy.
If you’re a startup founder wondering whether marketing should be on your radar from day one, here’s the short answer: yes. And here’s why.
Quick navigation:
🟢 Why investors and analysts care about marketing
🟢 Your value proposition: the foundation of your marketing strategy
🟢 A startup marketing strategy that grows with you
🟢 Struggling to work out how much to spend — or what to spend it on?
🟢 Why waiting to invest in marketing is a mistake
🟢 Final thoughts: Don’t play catch-up
Why investors and analysts care about marketing
Hint: It’s all about growth
As Ian Whittaker, MD and Owner of Liberty Sky Advisors points out, CEOs live and die by their ability to drive revenue growth.
“For analysts and investors, their number one concern – far more than cost cutting, corporate strategies and so on – is what is happening with top-line growth….And this is where marketing comes in.”
Companies with powerful brands and strategic marketing are consistently able to:
- Push through price increases without losing customers
- Expand their market share ahead of competitors
- Build long-term investor confidence
The lesson? If you don’t prioritise marketing from the start, you’re leaving money — and long-term stability — on the table.
Your value proposition: the foundation of your marketing strategy
Before you can market your startup effectively, you need to be crystal clear on one thing: why should people care?
Your value proposition is what sets you apart — it’s the reason customers choose you over competitors. Without one, even the best marketing strategies will struggle to gain traction.
🔎 Need help crafting a powerful value proposition? Check out our full guide on startup value proposition creation.
Once you have a strong value proposition in place, your marketing can do what it’s meant to: amplify your unique strengths, connect with the right audience, and drive sustainable growth.
A startup marketing strategy that grows with you
Marketing isn’t just about flashy campaigns. A smart, well-built strategy should do two things:
- Position you strongly from day one – helping you carve out a space in your market and build credibility with customers, investors, an partners.
- Scale with your business – adapting as you grow, enter new markets, and face new challenges.
At Bravoed, we help startups build insight-driven, flexible marketing strategies that do just that. Instead of waiting until you hit a plateau, you can start strong, build momentum, and create a brand that actually fuels your growth.
And when you’re ready to take things further, here’s how to scale your startup marketing without losing focus.
Struggling to work out how much to spend — or what to spend it on?
We’ve put together a complete guide to building a startup marketing budget that actually delivers. From benchmarks and breakdowns to tools, templates, and common mistakes to avoid, it’s everything you need to get your spending focused and firing.
Why waiting to invest in marketing is a mistake
One of the biggest myths in the startup world is that marketing is something to “figure out later.” The problem? By the time founders realize they need it, they’re often playing catch-up.
- Your competitors have already established their presence.
- Potential investors don’t see enough differentiation.
- Growth stagnates because your audience doesn’t know (or trust) your brand.
Strong marketing isn’t just about driving leads — it’s about building credibility, pricing power, and long-term competitive strength.
Final thoughts: Don’t play catch-up
If you’re a startup founder looking to play the long game, it’s time to make marketing a priority — not an afterthought. The strongest brands aren’t built overnight, but they are built with intention from day one.
So, what’s your next move?
🚀 Need a marketing strategy that sets you up for long-term success? Let’s talk.
