Strategy vs Tactics: What’s the Difference and Why Does it Matter?

All too often, we confuse strategy with tactics. We think that the way we’re doing something (tactic) is the plan that will achieve the outcome (strategy). But that’s not the case.

Strategy is a long-term plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal.

​Tactics are what you do to execute your strategy.

Without a clear strategy, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds and end up wasting time and money on tactics that don’t actually work.

A good strategy is simple and easy to understand while tactics should leave room for experimentation so that you can learn and refine your approach as you go.

Taking the time to develop a solid strategy will pay off in the long run by helping you focus your efforts on activities that are more likely to lead to success.