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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryMeasurement & AttributionBudget Optimization (Scenario Planning)

Measurement & Attribution

Budget Optimization (Scenario Planning)

Using model outputs such as MMM response curves to simulate spend scenarios and reallocate budget across channels for the best expected return.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

Budget optimization, or scenario planning, is the use of model outputs, such as marketing mix model response curves, to simulate different spend scenarios and reallocate budget across channels for the best expected return. It helps marketers answer what-if questions, such as how results might change if spend in one channel rises or falls.