develop a strategy

Meaning

This phrase means to plan a detailed course of action to achieve a specific long-term goal. It is commonly used in business meetings, marketing discussions, and project planning when a team needs a structured approach to solve a problem or grow.

Examples

• We need to develop a strategy to increase our online sales next quarter.

  We need to develop a strategy to increase our online sales next quarter.

• The marketing team spent all week trying to develop a strategy for the new product launch.

  The marketing team spent all week trying to develop a strategy for the new product launch.

• Before entering the new market, it is crucial to develop a strategy that considers local competitors.

  Before entering the new market, it is crucial to develop a strategy that considers local competitors.

• Our manager asked us to develop a strategy for improving customer retention.

  Our manager asked us to develop a strategy for improving customer retention.

• They managed to develop a strategy that reduced operational costs by fifteen percent.

  They managed to develop a strategy that reduced operational costs by fifteen percent.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We need to make a strategy for our next campaign.

  ✓ We need to develop a strategy for our next campaign.

  While 'make' is understood, 'develop' is the standard, professional collocation used in business contexts.

• ✗ The team is developing a strategy of how to win.

  ✓ The team is developing a strategy to win.

  'Strategy' is typically followed by an infinitive verb ('to do something') or the preposition 'for' + gerund ('for doing something'), rather than 'of how to'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The board met yesterday to ___ for the upcoming merger.

  💡 Create a plan of action.

  Show answer

  develop a strategy

• It's hard to succeed in business if you don't ___ first.

  💡 Plan your steps before starting.

  Show answer

  develop a strategy