“You should be posting to social media every day”
“You should send out email marketing twice a week”
“You should regularly write new blog posts”
“You should spend 30 mins a day networking”
“You should keep up with all the latest digital marketing trends”
*SIGH*
Are you feeling overwhelmed by marketing as a small business owner? You’re not alone. Marketing can often feel like an extra burden on top of running your business, but there are steps you can take to avoid getting bogged down and make the process more manageable.
Is there another reason marketing is overwhelming?
Firstly, it’s important to determine whether marketing is the root of the problem or if there are other factors causing stress. Sometimes, personal or family concerns, staffing issues, financial worries – or just being bloody burnt out – can take precedence over marketing efforts. If this is the case, it’s okay to step back and give yourself time to address these challenges before diving back into marketing.
Saddle up for the brand strategy looooooong haul.
Remember that marketing is a long-term game. Consistency is key, and it takes time, patience, and commitment to see results. It’s easy to spend a week creating really great content, not see immediate floods of people at your door, and decide to throw in the towel. But give yourself permission to prioritise marketing by booking regular dedicated time in your diary. Whether it’s three hours per week as a solopreneur or two hours per full-time employee in a larger team, having a set schedule can help you stay on track and avoid procrastination.
Keep your marketing efforts sustainable by starting at a manageable pace and gradually adding more to your marketing strategy as you feel comfortable. It’s better to be consistently average than sporadically brilliant, so focus on maintaining a steady presence rather than overwhelming yourself with too much too soon.
No, you don’t need to jump on every single new marketing trend.
Avoid falling into the trap of shiny object syndrome by critically evaluating new marketing trends or platforms before jumping on board. Ask yourself whether it aligns with your current plan, if your clients will benefit from it, do they actually use it, and if is it a priority for your business right now.
Avoid having too many information sources.
Limit your information sources to avoid feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice. Everyone’s circumstances are different, and what works for others may not necessarily work for you. Choose sources that align with your values and goals, and don’t be afraid to seek help or advice when needed. Another consideration is many of the “marketing gurus” you might follow online are likely overseas. New Zealand, and Southland in particular, has a very unique social landscape and a lot of the advice that might work in the likes of the US can actually put off a lot of your local clientele.
How can you offload the marketing burden and see better results?
Outsourcing your marketing tasks can be a game-changer in lightening your workload and improving your outcomes. By delegating marketing responsibilities to professionals, you can reclaim valuable time and ensure that your marketing efforts are both consistent and impactful. Whether it’s content creation, social media management, or graphic design, outsourcing allows you to tap into the expertise of specialists who can execute tasks efficiently and effectively. This not only frees you of the burden of handling every aspect of marketing but also allows you to focus on other areas of your business, leading to better overall results.
Believe it or not, marketing doesn’t have to be a source of stress. By taking a strategic and proactive approach you can streamline your efforts, stay focused on your goals and ultimately – grow your business with confidence.
