Roadblocks to roadmaps: What’s really holding marketers back

Martyna Cieslinska - 30th June 2025

The forecast? A few storms – but plenty of sunshine if you know where to look. 

In The Marketing Forecast 2025, over 200 marketing leaders told us what’s keeping them up at night. The verdict? The usual suspects: team silos, patchy brand awareness, and audiences that just aren’t biting.  

These challenges aren’t new, but they’re still slowing down progress. The good news? Once you spot what’s getting in the way, you can start to clear a better path forward.  

1

Sales and marketing: still not quite in sync

58% of the people we spoke to said getting sales and marketing properly aligned is their biggest hurdle. It’s a familiar one – and one that’s often easier said than done.

The fix doesn’t have to be complicated. Shared goals, open communication, and a bit of structure go a long way. When both teams know what they’re aiming for (and why), things start to click.  

2

Brand awareness: more clarity, less noise

Nearly half of our respondents said improving brand awareness is high on their list for the next three years. But getting noticed isn’t about turning up the volume – it’s about being clear, consistent, and relevant.  

Too often, brands try to be everything to everyone. The ones that stick are the ones that know what they stand for and show up in a way people recognise and trust.  

3

Reaching new audiences: start with listening

45% said reaching new audiences is one of their top priorities – but also one of the toughest parts of their job. Data helps. So does targeting. But the real progress happens when you take the time to understand who your audience is and what matters to them. That means listening first, then tailoring your message around what they actually need.  

The takeaway?

You’re not alone. Most marketing teams are dealing with the same challenges in one form or another. But small shifts – in how you collaborate, how you communicate, and how you connect – can make a big difference. 

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