How to Use a SMART Goal Template to Transform Your Goals into Achievable Results

Now, let’s walk through the process of filling out a SMART goal template step by step. For this example, we’ll use HubSpot’s free SMART Goal Template (which you can try for yourself if you’d like!). This framework is widely used because it transforms vague aspirations into actionable, results-driven plans. By following these steps, we can ensure our goals are clear, measurable, and attainable.

Step 1: Write Your Initial Goal

To begin, we start with a simple and clear goal. For instance, “We want to build an email list.”

This initial statement sets the foundation but lacks detail. That’s where the SMART framework comes in to refine it. Without structure, goals often remain vague and unachievable. The first step is crucial because it provides direction and clarity for the rest of the process. Think of this as the starting point—a rough idea that will soon be polished into a well-defined objective.

Step 2: Make It Specific

The next prompt encourages us to craft a concise goal that could be shared with our CEO in just 10 seconds. This ensures clarity and minimizes the need for follow-up questions.

Our refined, specific goal becomes:

“We aim to build an email list of qualified leads from our blog to promote our upcoming Black Friday sales.”

Being specific helps eliminate ambiguity. It ensures everyone involved understands the exact purpose of the goal and reduces the chances of misinterpretation. For example, instead of saying “We want to grow our business,” we specify the method and target audience, such as “We aim to generate 50 qualified leads per month from our blog.” Specificity also helps align team members around a shared vision, making collaboration smoother and more effective.

Step 3: Make It Measurable

Here, we’re asked to attach a number to the goal so progress can be tracked effectively. Quantifying the objective helps us gauge how much effort is required and measure success along the way.

Our measurable goal now reads:

“We aim to collect emails from 50 qualified leads per month from our blog to add to an email list of prospects for promoting our upcoming Black Friday sales.”

Adding numbers transforms abstract ideas into concrete targets. For instance, instead of saying “We want more website traffic,” we say “We aim to increase website traffic by 20% in three months.” This makes it easier to track milestones and celebrate small wins. Measurability also allows us to identify when adjustments are needed. If progress stalls, we can reassess strategies and pivot accordingly.

Step 4: Make It Attainable

This step prompts us to evaluate whether the goal is realistic based on past performance and current capabilities. The goal should be challenging yet achievable to keep motivation high.

Our attainable goal becomes:

“Since we currently generate around 200 leads per month from our blog, we aim to collect emails from 50 qualified leads per month to build an email list specifically for our upcoming Black Friday sales.”

Setting attainable goals prevents frustration and burnout. If a goal feels too far out of reach, it can demotivate the team. On the other hand, a realistic target pushes us to stretch our abilities without feeling overwhelmed. Attainability also considers available resources, such as time, budget, and manpower. For example, aiming to double revenue in one month might not be feasible, but increasing it by 10% over six months could be realistic.

Step 5: Make It Relevant

Next, we clarify why this goal matters and how it aligns with broader business objectives. This step ties the goal to its larger purpose, providing context and reinforcing its importance.

Here’s our relevant goal:

“We aim to collect 50 qualified leads per month from our blog to build an email list for promoting our upcoming Black Friday sales. This is because a recent targeted promotion converted at 3x our typical rate compared to campaigns targeting our general email list.”

Relevance ensures the goal contributes to the bigger picture. A relevant goal answers the question, “Why does this matter?” and connects individual efforts to organizational success. For example, increasing email subscribers might directly impact revenue growth or customer retention. When goals are relevant, they resonate more deeply with the team, fostering greater commitment and accountability.

Step 6: Make It Time-Bound

Finally, we set a timeline to ensure accountability and keep tasks aligned with the ultimate objective. Adding a deadline creates urgency and structure.

Our final SMART goal is:

“We aim to collect 50 qualified leads per month from our blog to build an email list for promoting our upcoming Black Friday sales. This is because a recent targeted promotion converted at 3x our typical rate compared to campaigns targeting our general email list. We’ll have 250 leads on our email list within five months from today.”

A time-bound goal prevents procrastination and keeps momentum going. Deadlines create a sense of urgency and help prioritize tasks. For instance, “We aim to launch the campaign by Q4” is more actionable than “We’ll launch it someday.” Time constraints also encourage efficiency, ensuring that efforts remain focused and productive.

Step 7: Evaluate the SMART Goal

The third tab in the template is designed for reflection. It prompts us to answer key questions about the goal:

• Do we feel this goal is realistically attainable within the set timeframe?
• How many hours per week can we dedicate to inbound marketing efforts?
• What is the biggest marketing challenge preventing us from achieving this goal?
• What are three steps we can take to reduce or remove that challenge and succeed in reaching this goal?

Evaluation is critical for continuous improvement. By reflecting on the goal, we identify potential roadblocks and brainstorm solutions. This step ensures the goal remains flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances. For example, if unexpected challenges arise, we can adjust the timeline or reallocate resources without losing sight of the end objective.

Practice Smarter Goal Setting

Time is a precious resource, which is why following the SMART goal framework is so valuable. It ensures goals are effective, efficient, and achievable.

To save even more time, consider using one of the templates mentioned in this post:

• HubSpot’s template is ideal for marketers.
• Miro’s template works well for visual learners with busy schedules.
• Smartsheet’s template emphasizes practicality and actionability.
• Adobe Express’s template offers simplicity and speed.

Ultimately, any of these tools will help reframe and contextualize goals, making them more attainable. By adopting the SMART framework and leveraging templates, we can turn aspirations into actionable plans and, ultimately, tangible results.

Additionally, remember that SMART goals aren’t just for work-related objectives. They can also be applied to personal goals, such as fitness, learning new skills, or managing finances. For example, instead of saying, “I want to get healthier,” a SMART goal would be, “I will exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week, for the next three months to improve my cardiovascular health.” The versatility of the SMART framework makes it a powerful tool for all areas of life.

By consistently practicing SMART goal setting, we develop a habit of clarity and intentionality. Over time, this approach not only boosts productivity but also enhances decision-making and problem-solving skills. Whether you’re leading a team, managing a project, or pursuing personal growth, SMART goals provide the structure needed to achieve meaningful outcomes.