Strategic Marketing Director Skill

strategic-marketing-director-skill

Skill by ara.so — Marketing Skills collection.

This skill transforms AI agents into strategic marketing directors, equipped with 50+ classic marketing and business models organized into a 4-stage workflow: Diagnose → Strategy → Execute → Review. It provides structured frameworks for marketing decision-making, from market analysis to campaign execution.

What This Project Does

Strategic Marketing Director is a comprehensive decision-making system that:

• Integrates 20+ classic analysis models across 9 categories (strategic, thinking, brand, marketing, growth, psychology, data, operations, sales)
• Provides a structured workflow for marketing decisions: diagnosis → strategy → execution → review
• Automates model selection based on business scenarios and triggers
• Enables evidence-based marketing moving from experience-driven to data-driven decisions

Installation

This is a knowledge-based skill system, not a code library. To use:

1. Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/hoho-X/strategic-marketing-director.git
cd strategic-marketing-director

2. Review the main skill file:

cat SKILL.md

3. Access reference models:

ls references/
# strategic-models.md, thinking-models.md, brand-models.md, etc.

Project Structure

strategic-marketing-director/
├── SKILL.md                    # Core marketing director skill
├── references/                 # Model library (9 categories)
│   ├── strategic-models.md     # Porter's Five Forces, SWOT, PESTEL, BCG, etc.
│   ├── thinking-models.md      # MECE, Pyramid Principle, Six Thinking Hats
│   ├── brand-models.md         # Positioning Triangle, Kapferer, Aaker
│   ├── marketing-models.md     # 4P, STP, AIDA, PAS, GTM, ICP
│   ├── growth-models.md        # AARRR, AIPL, AISAS, North Star Metric
│   ├── psychology-models.md    # BJ Fogg, COM-B, EAST, Nudge Theory
│   ├── data-models.md          # RFM, HEART, NPS, LTV/CAC
│   ├── operations-models.md    # PDCA, OKR, RACI, Agile Marketing
│   └── sales-models.md         # Sales Funnel, MEDDIC, Pricing Models
├── evals/                      # Evaluation modules
└── scripts/                    # Utility scripts

Core Workflow

The system follows a 4-stage marketing decision workflow:

1. Diagnose (诊断阶段)

Analyze the current situation using strategic and thinking models:

## Market Analysis Example

**Scenario**: Entering a new market segment

**Models to Apply**:
- Porter's Five Forces (competitive intensity)
- PESTEL Analysis (macro environment)
- SWOT Analysis (internal/external factors)
- 3C Analysis (Company, Customer, Competitor)

**Output**: Comprehensive market diagnostic report

2. Strategy (策略阶段)

Develop strategic direction using brand and marketing models:

## Brand Positioning Example

**Scenario**: Rebranding a B2B SaaS product

**Models to Apply**:
- Positioning Triangle (Target, Differentiation, Support)
- Value Proposition Canvas
- STP (Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning)
- ICP (Ideal Customer Profile)

**Output**: Clear positioning statement and target audience definition

3. Execute (执行阶段)

Implement campaigns using growth and operations models:

## Campaign Execution Example

**Scenario**: Launch a user acquisition campaign

**Models to Apply**:
- AARRR Funnel (Acquisition, Activation, Retention, Revenue, Referral)
- AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action)
- OKR (Objectives and Key Results)
- PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act)

**Output**: Detailed execution plan with metrics and responsibilities

4. Review (复盘阶段)

Evaluate performance using data and optimization models:

## Performance Review Example

**Scenario**: Quarterly marketing performance review

**Models to Apply**:
- NPS (Net Promoter Score)
- LTV/CAC Ratio
- RFM Analysis (Recency, Frequency, Monetary)
- A/B Testing Framework

**Output**: Data-driven insights and optimization recommendations

Model Selection by Scenario

Market & Competitive Analysis

Triggers: "analyze market", "competitive landscape", "industry trends"

Models:

• Porter's Five Forces
• SWOT Analysis
• PESTEL Analysis
• BCG Matrix
• 3C Analysis (Company, Customer, Competitor)

Brand Strategy & Positioning

Triggers: "brand positioning", "brand strategy", "value proposition"

Models:

• Positioning Triangle (Target, Point of Difference, Reason to Believe)
• Kapferer Brand Identity Prism
• Aaker Brand Equity Model
• Value Proposition Canvas

Marketing Campaign Design

Triggers: "marketing campaign", "go-to-market", "promotional strategy"

Models:

• 4P Marketing Mix (Product, Price, Place, Promotion)
• STP (Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning)
• AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action)
• PAS (Problem, Agitate, Solution)
• GTM Strategy (Go-to-Market)

User Growth & Retention

Triggers: "user growth", "increase conversions", "retention strategy"

Models:

• AARRR Pirate Metrics (Acquisition, Activation, Retention, Revenue, Referral)
• AIPL (Awareness, Interest, Purchase, Loyalty)
• North Star Metric
• Growth Flywheel
• Hook Model

Consumer Psychology & Behavior

Triggers: "customer behavior", "user motivation", "behavior change"

Models:

• BJ Fogg Behavior Model (Motivation × Ability × Prompt)
• COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation - Behavior)
• Nudge Theory
• KANO Model
• Customer Journey Map

Data Analysis & Metrics

Triggers: "analyze data", "measure performance", "track metrics"

Models:

• RFM Analysis (Recency, Frequency, Monetary)
• HEART Framework (Happiness, Engagement, Adoption, Retention, Task Success)
• NPS (Net Promoter Score)
• LTV/CAC Ratio
• Cohort Analysis

Operations & Execution

Triggers: "project plan", "execution framework", "team coordination"

Models:

• PDCA Cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act)
• OKR (Objectives and Key Results)
• RACI Matrix (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed)
• Agile Marketing
• SOP (Standard Operating Procedure)

Sales & Revenue

Triggers: "sales process", "pricing strategy", "revenue optimization"

Models:

• Sales Funnel
• MEDDIC (Metrics, Economic Buyer, Decision Criteria, Decision Process, Identify Pain, Champion)
• Pricing Strategies (Value-based, Competition-based, Cost-plus)
• Customer Success Framework

Practical Usage Examples

Example 1: New Product Launch Analysis

# New Product Launch Analysis

## Phase 1: Diagnose
**Question**: Should we launch this product in market X?

**Apply Models**:
1. PESTEL Analysis → Identify macro environmental factors
2. Porter's Five Forces → Assess competitive intensity
3. SWOT → Internal capabilities vs. external opportunities

**Tools Needed**: Market research data, competitor intelligence, internal capability assessment

## Phase 2: Strategy
**Question**: How should we position this product?

**Apply Models**:
1. STP → Define target segments and positioning
2. Value Proposition Canvas → Map customer pains and gains
3. Positioning Triangle → Craft positioning statement

**Output**: "For [target], who [need], our [product] is [category] that [benefit], unlike [competitors]"

## Phase 3: Execute
**Question**: How do we launch to market?

**Apply Models**:
1. GTM Strategy → Channel and timing plan
2. AIDA → Customer engagement funnel
3. OKR → Set measurable objectives
4. RACI → Define team responsibilities

**Deliverables**: Campaign brief, content calendar, budget allocation, KPI dashboard

## Phase 4: Review
**Question**: Is the launch successful?

**Apply Models**:
1. AARRR Metrics → Track acquisition and activation
2. NPS → Measure customer satisfaction
3. LTV/CAC → Evaluate unit economics
4. PDCA → Identify improvements

**Outcome**: Performance report with optimization recommendations

Example 2: Brand Repositioning Project

# Brand Repositioning Project

## Diagnose Current State
**Models**: Brand Equity Audit (Aaker), Customer Perception Study, Competitive Positioning Map

**Key Questions**:
- What is current brand perception?
- How do we compare to competitors?
- What is our authentic brand truth?

## Strategy Development
**Models**: Positioning Triangle, Brand Identity Prism (Kapferer), Archetype Framework

**Deliverables**:
- Brand positioning statement
- Brand personality definition
- Visual and verbal identity guidelines

## Execute Rebrand
**Models**: Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC), Change Management, Stakeholder Mapping

**Phases**:
1. Internal launch (employees first)
2. Stakeholder communication (partners, investors)
3. Public launch (customers, market)

## Review & Optimize
**Models**: Brand Health Tracking, Social Listening Analysis, NPS Monitoring

**Metrics**:
- Brand awareness (aided/unaided)
- Brand preference vs. competitors
- Customer sentiment shift

Configuration

This is a framework-based system without code configuration. To customize:

1. Select Relevant Models: Choose models that fit your industry and business stage
2. Define Triggers: Map business scenarios to appropriate model categories
3. Create Templates: Build reusable templates for common analyses
4. Set Standards: Establish data collection and reporting standards

Example model selection configuration:

# Marketing Decision Configuration

## Our Business Context
- Industry: B2B SaaS
- Stage: Growth (Series B)
- Team Size: 15 marketers
- Primary Goal: Enterprise customer acquisition

## Priority Models by Stage
### Quarterly Planning:
- OKR (goal setting)
- SWOT (situation analysis)
- BCG Matrix (portfolio prioritization)

### Campaign Planning:
- ICP (target definition)
- Value Proposition Canvas
- GTM Strategy
- RACI (team alignment)

### Campaign Execution:
- AIDA (content strategy)
- AARRR (funnel optimization)
- Agile Marketing (sprint planning)

### Performance Review:
- LTV/CAC
- NPS
- Cohort Analysis
- PDCA (continuous improvement)

Common Patterns

Pattern 1: Quarterly Strategic Review

1. **Environmental Scan** (PESTEL, Industry Trends)
2. **Competitive Analysis** (Porter's Five Forces, Positioning Map)
3. **Performance Review** (OKR retrospective, Metrics Dashboard)
4. **Strategic Planning** (SWOT → Strategy Selection → OKR Setting)
5. **Resource Allocation** (BCG Matrix for portfolio prioritization)

Pattern 2: Campaign Development Workflow

1. **Define Target** (ICP, Customer Personas, Jobs-to-be-Done)
2. **Craft Message** (Value Proposition, Positioning Triangle, PAS Framework)
3. **Design Funnel** (AIDA, AARRR, Customer Journey Map)
4. **Plan Execution** (GTM Strategy, Channel Mix, Content Calendar)
5. **Set Metrics** (North Star Metric, OKR, Attribution Model)
6. **Launch & Optimize** (A/B Testing, PDCA, Growth Loops)

Pattern 3: Customer Insight Development

1. **Quantitative Analysis** (RFM Segmentation, Cohort Analysis)
2. **Qualitative Research** (Customer Interviews, Journey Mapping)
3. **Behavioral Analysis** (BJ Fogg Model, Jobs-to-be-Done)
4. **Synthesis** (Persona Development, KANO Model)
5. **Application** (Targeting Strategy, Message Development)

Troubleshooting

Issue: "Too many models, don't know which to use"

Solution: Start with the 4-stage workflow

• Diagnose → Use SWOT or 3C
• Strategy → Use STP or Positioning Triangle
• Execute → Use PDCA or OKR
• Review → Use Key Metrics Dashboard

Focus on 5-7 core models initially, expand as needed.

Issue: "Models feel too theoretical"

Solution: Always connect models to concrete business questions

• Bad: "Let's do a SWOT analysis"
• Good: "To decide if we should enter market X, let's analyze our Strengths in this context, Weaknesses we need to address, Opportunities unique to this market, and Threats from competitors"

Issue: "Analysis paralysis - too much planning, not enough action"

Solution: Set time limits for each phase

• Diagnose: 20% of project time
• Strategy: 30% of project time
• Execute: 40% of project time
• Review: 10% of project time

Use "good enough" decision-making for low-stakes decisions.

Issue: "Team doesn't understand the models"

Solution: Create visual templates and worksheets

• One-page model summaries
• Fill-in-the-blank templates
• Example case studies
• Facilitation guides for workshops

Issue: "Data not available for quantitative models"

Solution: Start with qualitative frameworks

• Use SWOT instead of BCG Matrix
• Use Customer Journey Maps instead of RFM
• Use expert judgment with structured frameworks
• Build data collection into execution phase

Advanced Usage

Combining Models for Complex Decisions

# Example: Market Entry Decision

## Layer 1: Market Attractiveness (Strategic Models)
- PESTEL → Macro environment assessment
- Porter's Five Forces → Industry structure analysis
- TAM/SAM/SOM → Market size estimation

## Layer 2: Capability Assessment (Internal Analysis)
- SWOT → Fit analysis
- Value Chain Analysis → Competitive advantage sources
- Resource Audit → Capability gaps

## Layer 3: Strategic Options (Thinking Models)
- Ansoff Matrix → Growth strategy options
- Blue Ocean → Differentiation opportunities
- Decision Tree → Risk-weighted scenarios

## Layer 4: Go/No-Go Decision
- Scoring matrix combining all inputs
- Risk mitigation plan
- Resource allocation plan

Creating Custom Model Combinations

# Custom Framework: SaaS Product Launch Playbook

## Pre-Launch (Weeks -8 to -1)
- ICP Definition + Jobs-to-be-Done → Target clarity
- Value Proposition Canvas → Message foundation
- Positioning Triangle → Competitive differentiation
- GTM Strategy → Channel and timing plan

## Launch Week (Week 0)
- AIDA Framework → Content sequence
- Hook Model → Engagement triggers
- RACI Matrix → Team coordination

## Post-Launch (Weeks 1-12)
- AARRR Metrics → Funnel tracking
- Cohort Analysis → User behavior patterns
- NPS → Customer satisfaction
- PDCA → Weekly optimization cycles

## Quarterly Review (Week 13)
- OKR Review → Goal achievement
- LTV/CAC Analysis → Unit economics
- SWOT Update → Market position reassessment
- Strategy Refinement → Next quarter planning

Reference Materials

All detailed model explanations are in the references/ directory:

• strategic-models.md - Market and competitive analysis frameworks
• thinking-models.md - Problem-solving and decision-making methods
• brand-models.md - Brand strategy and positioning tools
• marketing-models.md - Campaign and communication frameworks
• growth-models.md - User acquisition and retention models
• psychology-models.md - Consumer behavior and motivation theories
• data-models.md - Analytics and measurement frameworks
• operations-models.md - Execution and project management tools
• sales-models.md - Revenue and sales process models

Best Practices

1. Always start with the business question, not the model
2. Use 2-3 complementary models rather than applying all models
3. Involve stakeholders early in model selection and application
4. Document assumptions when data is limited
5. Create visual outputs (frameworks are easier to discuss visually)
6. Iterate quickly - models are thinking tools, not final answers
7. Teach the team - shared mental models improve collaboration
8. Customize for context - adapt models to your industry and stage

Contributing

To extend this skill system:

1. Add new models to appropriate references/*.md files
2. Update trigger scenarios in main SKILL.md
3. Create example applications for new models
4. Add evaluation criteria in evals/ directory

Version

• Version: v1.0.0
• Model Count: 50+ mental models, 20+ decision heuristics
• Last Updated: 2026-06-23

This skill empowers AI agents to provide strategic marketing guidance using proven frameworks and structured workflows, enabling evidence-based decision-making for marketing professionals.