Plan for Ecommerce Success: Writing Goals Boosts Achievement By 33%
Jan 09, 2026
If you’re running an ecommerce business, whether it’s a side hustle or something you want to grow seriously, it’s easy to feel busy all the time.
There are orders to fulfil, emails to answer, content to post, ads to manage, invoices to pay, products to source and a to-do list that never seems to end. Many business owners mistake this constant activity for progress.
But here’s the truth: busy does not equal successful.
Real, sustainable growth in ecommerce comes from clarity, focus and intentional planning. Without those, even the most motivated business owner can spend months - or years - working hard without seeing the results they want.
The Hidden Cost Of “Winging It”
Most ecommerce businesses don’t fail because the owner isn’t capable or committed. They fail because there’s no clear direction.
When you don’t have defined goals or a plan:
- You jump from one tactic to another
- You react instead of leading your business
- You chase quick wins instead of long-term growth
- You second-guess every decision
This leads to frustration, overwhelm and burnout - and often causes talented entrepreneurs to give up too soon.
Planning isn’t about restriction or rigidity. It’s about giving your effort a purpose.
The Science Behind Writing Goals Down
There’s a strong psychological reason planning works so well. According to a study conducted by Dr Gail Matthews, a psychology professor at Dominican University in California, people who write down, share and track their goals are 33% more likely to succeed.
Research consistently shows that people who write down their goals and plans are significantly more likely to achieve them than those who keep them in their heads. Writing things down forces clarity. It turns vague ideas like “I want more sales” into defined objectives you can actually work towards.
When goals are written:
- Your brain treats them as commitments, not wishes
- You’re more likely to notice opportunities that align with them
- You make better decisions about what not to do
In ecommerce, where there are endless distractions and “shiny new strategies”, this clarity is invaluable.
If you don't know where to start, there are lots ot tools available, like The Ecommerce Planning Kit to get you set up for success.
Big Goals Need Structure To Succeed
Most business owners are ambitious and that’s a good thing. But ambition without structure can be paralysing.
Saying “I want to grow my business this year” sounds motivating, but it’s not actionable. Growth needs to be defined.
For example:
- Increase revenue by a specific percentage
- Improve customer retention
- Diversify traffic sources
- Improve profit margins
Once you know what success looks like, the next step is breaking those big goals into smaller, manageable actions.
Research shows that people who break large goals into smaller tasks are far more likely to follow through. Why? Because progress feels achievable. Each small win builds momentum and confidence.
This is especially important in ecommerce, where results often compound over time rather than appearing overnight.
Why 90-Day Planning Works So Well
One of the most effective planning methods for business owners is working in 90-day cycles, this breaks down annual goals into smaller quarterly ones. Annual goals give you direction. Quarterly (90-Day Plans) give you focus.
Research shows that breaking big goals into smaller steps makes them feel doable and keeps you motivated - which means you’re much more likely to actually follow through and get results.
When you narrow your attention to the next 90 days:
- You stop trying to do everything at once
- You prioritise actions that move the needle
- You reduce overwhelm and decision fatigue
For example, if your annual goal is to increase sales, your next 90 days might focus on:
- Improving email marketing
- Increasing website conversion rate
- Driving more qualified traffic
This approach allows you to work strategically, review what’s working and adjust before months slip by.
Planning Creates Confidence
One of the biggest benefits of planning that people don’t talk about enough is confidence.
When you know:
- Where your business stands today
- What you’re working towards
- What actions matter most
- You stop second-guessing yourself.
Confidence leads to better decisions, more consistent action and a stronger belief in your ability to succeed. That belief is crucial - especially when growth feels slow or challenges arise.
Planning Doesn’t Have To Be Complicated
A common misconception is that planning takes hours, days or endless spreadsheets. It doesn’t.
Effective planning is about asking the right questions:
- What do I want my business to achieve?
- What’s holding me back right now?
- Where should I focus my time and energy?
With the right structure, planning can be done quickly and the clarity it creates can save you countless hours later.
Success Starts With Intention
Every successful ecommerce business you admire didn’t grow by accident. It grew because the owner made intentional decisions, backed by a clear plan.
Planning won’t remove every obstacle, but it will:
- Keep you focused when things get busy
- Help you measure progress realistically
- Ensure your effort is aligned with your goals
If you want your ecommerce business to grow, planning isn’t optional - it’s essential.
Ready To Plan Properly?
If you want help creating clarity, focus and a realistic growth plan to turn your side hustle or stalled sales into a growth plan for your business, The Ecommerce Planning Kit is designed to guide you step by step.
In under an hour, you’ll:
- Understand exactly where your business stands
- Define clear, achievable goals
- Create a focused action plan you can actually follow
- Know what to prioritise and what to ignore
Get the Ecommerce Planning Kit and start planning with intention today.
Because success doesn’t come from doing more, it comes from doing the right things, on purpose.
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