SEMrush just dropped an updated go-to-market (GTM) strategy checklist, and it’s the kind of thing content creators and digital marketers should be bookmarking.
Want to steal the template? SEMrush has the full checklist right here, and it's easy to adapt even if you’ve never touched a pitch deck in your life.
A go-to-market strategy is a step-by-step plan for how to launch something new and get it in front of the right people.
This doesn't just mean a product or service, in can also be used for posting a new kind of content on social media, or even a collab with a brand or sponsor.
But the real value isn’t in the list itself — it’s in how you can use this to move from content chaos to launch clarity without guessing your way through strategy.
For creators launching a product, a paid subscription, a new channel, or even just a bigger brand play, having a repeatable GTM strategy means you stop relying on vibes and start leaning on structure. SEMrush can you help you build this.
Same goes for digital marketers trying to actually get ROI on campaigns beyond boosting a Reel and hoping for the best.
SEMrush’s guide lines up eight key phases that map to what actually works across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X — especially when you’re juggling content schedules, audience growth, and campaign launches at once.
Make sure you’ve got the infrastructure, tools, and capacity to launch something without breaking your entire workflow.
For creators, this means stuff like email list tools, monetization setup, and community management plans.
Product-market fit isn’t just for SaaS startups. It’s about knowing your offer — whether it’s a newsletter, merch line, or masterclass — actually hits what your audience needs.
If they’re not asking for it (or clicking on it), it’s not a fit.
If you’re targeting different regions or platforms, learn what flies and what flops.
A strategy built for LA might bomb in London if you ignore cultural nuance or time zone behaviors.
The same goes for platform shifts — what works on TikTok might need reworking for YouTube Shorts.
Not all followers are buyers. Figure out who’s just here for aesthetics and who’s primed to convert.
Build your marketing with segments in mind so you’re not shouting into the void.
People should be able to tell what you’re offering and why it’s different within a few seconds. “DM me to collab” isn’t a strategy.
Nail your pitch in creator bios, pinned posts, and landing pages.
Will you go direct-to-fan through social? Use a platform like Shopify or Gumroad? Partner with another creator or newsletter?
SEMrush calls this your market entry strategy — you just need to know what path makes sense for your energy and your audience.
It’s not just about getting seen. What’s the path from swipe to sign-up? Build a journey from content teaser to email list to purchase, and keep track of what works (and what’s just noise).
GTM isn’t GTM without a marketing plan.
That means aligning your launch around trends, platform behaviors, and even paid ads if needed. Don’t wing it — plan your drops and repurpose smart.
The takeaway: this isn’t just for tech brands and B2B teams.
Creators are their own businesses now, and whether you’re dropping a new product or building a campaign for a client, a real GTM strategy is the difference between a one-off post and an actual launch.
Want to steal the template? SEMrush has the full checklist right here, and it's easy to adapt even if you’ve never touched a pitch deck in your life.
We’re in an era where creators are brands — so if you want to launch like one, you’ll need more than content. You’ll need a playbook.
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