Marketing for Small Businesses 101: How to Grow Your Brand

Marketing for small businesses in short:

Digital marketing involves using online platforms and strategies to promote your business and connect with potential customers. The steps to grow in digital marketing include defining your target audience, creating valuable content, optimizing your website, leveraging social media, and tracking your performance to continuously improve your strategy. By following these steps, small businesses like yours can effectively boost their brand visibility and drive growth.

Table of Contents

• Marketing for Small Businesses: Why It’s So Important

• Market Research: Who’s Your Audience?

• Building a Strong Brand: How to Stand Out and Connect with Your Audience

• Building a Marketing Strategy for a Small Business

• Digital Marketing for Small Businesses: Where to Begin

• Social Media Marketing for Entrepreneurs

• Budgeting for Marketing: How to Make the Most of Your Money

• Managing and Automating Marketing Projects: How to Get Organized and Save Hours Every Week

• Marketing FAQs

Market Research: Who’s Your Audience?

Before you spend time or money on marketing, you need to understand who you’re trying to reach. Without this, even the best marketing strategy for small businesses will fall flat. When you know your audience inside and out, your messaging resonates, your content engages, and your sales increase.

Identify your ideal clients

When we think about marketing for small businesses, we think about personalization. Personalization starts with the client. Ask yourself, who do you want to sell to? Then, think about their personal lives, struggles, hobbies, interests, and anything else. Most importantly, ask why they would choose you over a competitor. When marketing your business, the more details you know about your audience, the better you can create offers and content that speak to them.

To make it easier, consider this list when creating your ideal client:

• Demographics: Determine their age, location, gender, and income level. For example, are they young female entrepreneurs starting their first business or established business owners looking to scale?

• Psychographics: What motivates them? Are they looking for flexibility, financial independence, or creative fulfillment?

• Pain points & needs: What keeps them up at night? What challenges do they face, and how does your product or service provide a solution?

💡 Pro Tip: Use tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, and customer surveys to gather accurate data about your audience. The better you understand them, the easier it is to manage marketing projects effectively.

If you have a few people in your circle who are your ideal clients, ask if you can interview them. Get their opinions about your product or service, and use this feedback to improve your business. Marketing for small businesses is about finding simple, effective ways to connect with your audience, even if you’re working with limited time or budget.

💡Another Pro Tip: Once you have gathered insights from your ideal clients, you can use this data to create marketing content. For example, if you notice that your ideal client (female entrepreneur) struggles to get up in the morning, make a blog series about this.

Best way to analyze competitors

Marketing for small businesses means looking at your competitors. They can provide valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t. By studying similar companies, you can identify gaps in the market, take advantage of them, incorporate them into your strategy, and position yourself uniquely.

• Who are your top competitors? Make a list of businesses offering similar products or services.

• What’s their messaging? Look at their websites, social media, and ads. What key phrases do they use? What kind of engagement do they get?

• What are their strengths? Do they have strong brand loyalty, exceptional content marketing, or an engaged social media following?

• What are their weaknesses? Are their customer reviews poor? Is their website outdated? Do they lack a clear brand message?

• Where can you stand out? Maybe your competitors focus on pricing, but you offer better customer service or a more personalized experience. Highlight what makes you different!

📌 Action Step: Create a simple competitor analysis spreadsheet. Track their social media performance, email marketing tactics, and customer reviews. Look for patterns: what do customers love? What are they frustrated with? See if you can figure out their marketing funnel and its performance. This will help you shape a winning marketing strategy for small business growth.

Competitor analysis tools:

Use these tools to track competitor performance and uncover opportunities:

• SEMrush – See what keywords competitors rank for and analyze their SEO strategy.

• Ahrefs – Find backlinks and track their content marketing efforts.

• BuzzSumo – Analyze which competitor content performs best on social media.

• Facebook Ad Library – See what ads competitors are running.

• Google Trends – Track search trends to identify market demand.

Stay on top of industry trends

Marketing trends change constantly, and staying ahead of the curve helps small businesses scale with digital marketing. For example, Google is continuously improving its search algorithm. After their March 2024 Core Update, they focused heavily on reducing low-quality and AI-generated content while prioritizing websites that provide genuine value. Likewise, your ideal customers’ needs and behaviors will change, and so should your strategy.

How to keep up:

• Follow industry blogs and podcasts: HubSpot, Neil Patel, and Social Media Examiner provide great insights.

• Engage in online communities: Join Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, and Twitter chats where your audience hangs out.

• Monitor changes in digital marketing: SEO, social media, and advertising algorithms change frequently. Stay informed so your strategies remain effective.

Bonus Tip: Set up Google Alerts for key industry terms related to SEO for small businesses and social media marketing for small businesses so you never miss important updates. Additionally, track all your findings in a spreadsheet to compare changes over periods.

Use data to drive your marketing decisions

It’s easy to guess what your audience wants, but data is your best friend when managing your marketing efforts. Here are a few ways to collect valuable insights:

The right marketing strategy for small businesses includes tracking the right metrics to help you optimize your plan, improve engagement, and drive more conversions. Here’s how to collect and use valuable insights effectively:

1. Surveys & polls: Get direct feedback from your audience

Asking your audience directly is one of the best ways to understand their needs. Use:
✅ Email surveys: Tools like Google Forms, Typeform, or SurveyMonkey let you collect detailed responses.
✅ Social media polls: Instagram Stories, LinkedIn, and Facebook polls are great for quick insights.
✅ Customer interviews: Conduct short calls or message exchanges with your most engaged followers to learn what they truly need.

Keep your surveys short and focused on actionable insights, like what challenges they face in marketing their business or what type of content they prefer.

Even if you don’t have a (large) audience, you can still get feedback.

✅Get on Reddit or Quora: Use these forms to find potential target groups and ask about your business.

✅Use Facebook groups: There are tons of Facebook groups where your audience hangs out. Join these groups, interact, and ask questions.

✅Ask friends and families: Find people in your circle who would buy your product and service and get their feedback.

2. Website analytics: Know what works (and what doesn’t)

Your website is a goldmine of data that can tell you what works with visitors. Track:
📊 Page views & bounce rates: See which blog posts and service pages hold attention.

What it tells you:

• High page views + low bounce rate = Your content is engaging, and visitors explore multiple pages.

• High page views + high bounce rate = People find your page but leave quickly; something may be off.

• Low page views = Your content isn’t getting found or relevant to your audience.

What to watch for:

• A bounce rate over 70% (industry-dependent) may indicate poor content relevance, slow page speed, or bad user experience.

• Pages with high views but low engagement (few clicks or time spent on page) may need better formatting or a stronger CTA.

📌 Action steps:

✅ Improve content formatting: Use short paragraphs, headings, and visuals to enhance readability.

✅ Add clear calls to action (CTAs) to guide visitors to the next step (e.g., "Download this guide" or "Book a free consultation").

✅ Optimize page load speed: Use Google’s PageSpeed Insights to find and fix slow-loading pages.

📊 Traffic sources: Are visitors coming from SEO marketing, social media, email, direct traffic, or referrals?

What it tells you:

• Which channels drive the highest engagement and conversions?

What to watch for:

• A drop in organic traffic could indicate an SEO issue or algorithm change.

• Low referral traffic means your business may not get enough backlinks or external mentions.

• High social media traffic but low engagement/conversion rates mean your audience might be clicking but not finding what they expect.

📌 Action steps:

✅ If organic traffic is low: Optimize your SEO content strategy by adding relevant keywords, improving meta descriptions, and refreshing old content.
✅ If referral traffic is low: Work on getting featured in blogs, guest posts, and online directories.
✅ If social media traffic is high but conversions are low: Align your landing page content with what users expect when they click on your posts.

📊 Conversion rates: How many visitors sign up for your email list, purchase a product, or book a consultation?

What it tells you:

• Are your landing pages effectively turning visitors into leads or customers?

What to watch for:

• Low conversion rates (below 2-3%) may signal weak CTAs, unclear messaging, or a complicated checkout process.

• A high cart abandonment rate (for eCommerce) could mean friction in the buying process.

• A high number of visitors dropping off before completing a form or checkout could mean it's too long or asks for too much information.

📌 Action steps:

✅ If conversion rates are low: A/B test different CTA button colors, placement, and wording to see what works best.
✅ If people abandon forms or checkout pages: Simplify the process by removing unnecessary fields and offering a guest checkout option.
✅ Use heatmaps (e.g., Hotjar or Crazy Egg) to see where visitors drop off and optimize those areas.

Tool to use: Google Analytics 4 (GA4) provides detailed insights into user behavior, engagement, and conversions to refine your marketing plan.

3. Social media insights: Optimize your engagement

Social media platforms provide free, built-in analytics that help you fine-tune your content strategy. Key metrics include:
📈 Engagement rates: Which posts get the most likes, shares, and comments?
📈 Follower growth: Is your audience expanding, or do you need to adjust your approach?
📈 Best posting times: Find out when your audience is most active to boost visibility.

Tools to use

• Instagram & Facebook Insights: Track audience demographics, reach, and engagement.

• TikTok Analytics: Understand which videos perform best.

• LinkedIn Analytics: Great for B2B marketing and networking insights.

4. A/B Testing: Refine your strategy with real data

A/B testing (split testing) helps determine what actually works in your marketing campaign planning.

Test:
✅ Headlines & Email Subject Lines: See which drives higher open rates.
✅ Landing Pages & CTAs: Experiment with different call-to-action (CTA) buttons and messaging.
✅ Ad Variations: Run two versions of an ad to see which gets better results.

Tool to use: Google Optimize (for website testing) or Meta Ads Manager (for Facebook/Instagram ads).

Don’t forget: Market research is an ongoing process

Marketing planning isn’t a one-and-done task. It’s a continuous cycle of testing, analyzing, and improving. The more you refine your understanding of your audience, the easier it becomes to create a business growth plan that leads to actual results.

🚀 Action step: Start tracking one key metric today, such as website traffic, email engagement, or social media performance, and use that data to tweak your next marketing move! Regularly review your metrics, test new approaches, and refine your content to boost engagement and conversions. Marketing for small businesses doesn’t end when you’ve created your first marketing plan. If you want to keep pulling in clients, keep tweaking your strategy.

Building a Strong Brand: How to Stand Out and Connect with Your Audience

Your brand is more than just a logo, especially when it comes to marketing for small businesses. It’s the story, mission, and experience that sets you apart. A strong brand helps you attract the right clients, charge premium prices, and build lasting relationships.

1. Clarify your brand message

You need a clear, consistent brand message. A clear brand message is at the heart of effective marketing for small businesses. A good brand message makes your business memorable and builds trust. To create one, ask yourself:

• What problem do I solve for my clients?

• What makes my services unique?

• How do I want customers to feel when they interact with my brand?

Here are some examples of well-known brand messages. Look at them and get inspired.

✅ Nike: “Just Do It.”
Why it works: It’s simple, inspiring, and encourages action, aligning with Nike’s focus on motivation and athletic performance.

✅ Airbnb: “Belong Anywhere.”
Why it works: It taps into emotions, promising accommodation and a sense of home and belonging.

✅ Mailchimp: “Send Better Email. Sell More Stuff.”
Why it works: It’s straightforward, telling small businesses exactly what Mailchimp helps them do.

✅ The Financial Diet: “Where money talks—without the BS.”
Why it works: It speaks directly to the audience’s pain points (financial confusion) in a relatable tone.

✅ Glossier: “Skin first. Makeup second.”
Why it works: It communicates the brand’s core philosophy: natural beauty comes first, and their products enhance, not cover-up.

Examples for small business owners & service providers

💼 Marketing Consultant: “Helping small businesses grow with simple, stress-free marketing strategies.”

📊 Business Coach: “I help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into profitable businesses—with a step-by-step plan.”

🎨 Brand Designer: “Creating stunning brands that make small businesses unforgettable.”

📝 SEO Specialist: “Helping businesses get found on Google—without the tech overwhelm.”

📸 Photographer: “Turning everyday moments into timeless stories.”

🚀 Freelancer (any industry): “Helping busy entrepreneurs reclaim their time with smart automation and marketing solutions.”

How to write your brand message

1️⃣ Who do you help? (Your target audience)
2️⃣ What do you do? (Your service or product)
3️⃣ What makes you unique, or how do you do it? (Your special approach, method, or promise)

Example formula: “I help [audience] [achieve a goal] with [your unique approach].”

4️⃣ Use this message across all platforms (website, social media, emails) for consistency.

5️⃣ Use your brand’s tone: Are you bold, inspiring, or friendly? Your content should reflect this.

📌 Tool tip: Use Brand Strategy Canvas (free on Miro) to map your message.

2. Authenticity wins clients: Ways to showcase your personality and values

Close to 60% of customers will buy more from a brand they can relate to. When choosing between competitors, they will choose a brand they can connect with. In a crowded market, your personality is important. With the rise of technology, showing the human side of your business can win over clients.

Action steps:
🔹 Use personal branding: share behind-the-scenes moments of your business journey.
🔹 Create content that reflects your values. Example: If you believe in sustainability, highlight eco-friendly business practices.
🔹 Engage with your audience: reply to comments, ask questions, and make them feel heard.

📌 Tool tip: Use Canva to create visually appealing branded content that aligns with your identity.

How AI Can enhance your brand’s personality

Using AI in your business doesn’t mean sacrificing authenticity. You can train AI tools to reflect your brand’s unique tone, values, and voice so your marketing stays personal and relatable.

How to train AI to match your brand voice

🔹 Define your tone & style: Are you professional yet approachable? Playful but informative? Make a style guide that AI tools can follow.

🔹 Use AI as a starting point, not the final product: AI-generated content works best when you edit it to include personal stories, experiences, and unique insights.

🔹 Feed AI your best content: The more examples of your writing, brand messaging, and past content you provide, the better it will mimic your style.

🔹 Fine-tune & give feedback: Many AI tools, like ChatGPT and Jasper, allow you to adjust tone and format. Refine responses until they align with your voice.

3. Use storytelling to make an impact

💡 Fact: 92% of consumers prefer ads that feel like a story rather than a sales pitch.

People don’t just buy products or services; they buy into stories. Storytelling is one of the most potent techniques in marketing for small businesses because it allows you to build an emotional connection with your audience.

Action steps:
🔹 Share your “why.” What inspired you to start your business?
🔹 Talk about a challenge you overcame. Example: “I struggled with automating my small business marketing, but after implementing ClickUp, I cut my workload in half.”
🔹 Feature client success stories. Highlight real transformations with before-and-after results.

👉 Need inspiration? Check female-led brands like Glossier (personalized beauty stories) and The Financial Diet (relatable finance tips) and how they master brand storytelling.

📌 Tool Tip: Use Notion to build a content calendar for storytelling posts.

Build a brand that grows with you

One thing is for sure: as your business grows, your brand will evolve. Stay true to your mission, listen to your audience, and refine your message based on feedback. A strong strategy for marketing for small businesses focuses on building trust, creating value-driven content, and showing up consistently where your ideal customers are.

Building a Marketing Strategy for a Small Business

A well-structured marketing plan is your roadmap to success. Marketing for small businesses means having a guideline to help you stay focused, consistent, and strategic in growing your business. Without one, your marketing efforts can feel scattered and reactive rather than intentional and results-driven.

What to include in your small business marketing plan

1. Define your goals & KPIs

Start by asking: What does success look like for your business? Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

✅ Examples of marketing goals:

• Increase website traffic by 30% in the next six months

• Gain 500 new Instagram followers per month

• Generate 50 new leads per month through SEO content

• Improve email open rates by 10% in the next quarter

📊 Key performance indicators (KPIs) to track:

• Website traffic (Google Analytics)

• Engagement rates (likes, shares, comments)

• Conversion rates (sales, email sign-ups)

• Return on investment (ROI) for paid campaigns

2. Create a marketing funnel
   

A marketing funnel helps guide potential customers from discovering your brand to making a purchase and eventually becoming loyal advocates. A well-designed funnel improves conversions by delivering the right message at the right time.

Stages of a marketing funnel & how to optimize each one

📌 I. Awareness (Attracting new customers)
At this stage, your goal is to get in front of your ideal audience and make them aware of your business. This is your chance to introduce your brand and showcase your expertise.

How to attract new customers:

• SEO content: Optimize your website and blog posts for relevant keywords to attract organic traffic.

• Social media marketing: Share valuable content on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok to increase brand visibility.

• Paid ads: Run targeted Facebook or Google Ads to reach specific demographics.

• Collaborations & PR: Work with influencers or get featured in industry publications to build credibility.

📌 II. Interest & engagement (Building a connection)
Once potential customers know about your business, they need a reason to stick around. This stage is all about engagement and relationship-building.

How to keep prospects engaged:

• Lead magnets: Offer a free resource (e.g., an ebook, checklist, webinar) in exchange for an email sign-up.

• Email marketing: Send regular newsletters with tips, case studies, and exclusive deals.

• Interactive content: Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions encourage participation.

• Community building: Create a private Facebook group or engage in relevant LinkedIn groups.

📌 III. Consideration (Nurturing leads toward a decision)
At this point, potential customers are weighing their options and deciding if your business is the right fit for them. Your job is to make that decision easier.

How to help prospects decide:

• Case studies & testimonials: Show real success stories to build trust.

• Comparison content: Highlight what makes your offering better than competitors.

• Personalized offers: Send targeted promotions based on user behavior.

📌 IV. Conversion (Closing the sale)
Now, it’s time to turn an engaged lead into a paying customer. This stage focuses on eliminating hesitation and making the buying process seamless.

How to increase conversions:

• Limited-time offers: Create urgency with time-sensitive deals.

• Clear CTAs (Calls to Action): Make it easy to buy, sign up, or book a call.

• User-friendly checkout process: Remove friction (e.g., offer multiple payment options, minimize form fields).

• Follow-up sequences: If someone abandons their cart, send a reminder email with an incentive.

📌 V. Retention & advocacy (Turning customers into fans)
Your job isn’t over once you’ve made the sale! Happy customers become repeat buyers and brand advocates, helping you attract more business through word-of-mouth.

How to retain customers & encourage referrals:

• Exclusive perks: Offer special deals to returning customers.

• Loyalty programs: Reward customers for repeat purchases.

• Ask for reviews & testimonials: Happy customers are your best marketers.

• Referral incentives: Give discounts or bonuses for referring new customers.

By optimizing each stage of your funnel, you’ll increase conversions and grow a loyal customer base, boosting long-term business success.

Example: If you run an online coaching business, your funnel might include:

• A free lead magnet (e.g., “5 Steps to Automate Your Business” PDF)

• Weekly email newsletters with actionable tips

• A free discovery call to convert leads into paying clients

3. Set a realistic budget

For most people, marketing for small businesses means reaching the most people with the least amount of money. Regardless, your marketing budget should align with your goals and available resources. Consider these key areas of investment:

💰Branding & Design: Logo, brand colors, and website visuals
💰Website & SEO: Domain, hosting, SEO tools, and blog content
💰Social Media & Advertising: Paid social media ads, influencer collaborations
💰Email Marketing & Automation: Email platforms (Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign)
💰Software & Tools: Project management (ClickUp, Trello), graphic design (Canva), automation tools

4. Plan your content & promotion strategies

A marketing plan isn’t complete without a content calendar. Here’s how to develop a structured, effective content plan:

1. Define your content goals

Before creating content, ask:
✔️ What do I want this content to achieve? (Brand awareness, lead generation, sales?)
✔️ Who is my target audience? (What are their pain points, interests, and preferred content formats?)

2. Create a content calendar

A content calendar helps you stay consistent and organized. Plan:
📌 Blog topics & publication dates
📌 Social media posts & themes
📌 Email campaigns & newsletters
📌 Product launches & promotions

3. Use a mix of content types

Different content formats cater to different audience preferences. A strong content strategy includes:

✅ Educational content (Builds authority & attracts leads)

• Blog posts

• How-to guides

• Webinars & live Q&A sessions

✅ Engaging & entertaining content (Boosts brand personality & engagement)

• Behind-the-scenes posts

• Polls & quizzes

• Instagram & TikTok Reels

✅ Promotional content (Drives sales & conversions)

• Product demos & testimonials

• Limited-time offers & discounts

• Email sequences with clear CTAs

4. Leverage multiple promotion channels

• SEO marketing for small businesses: Optimize blog posts for search engines to attract organic traffic.

• Social media strategy for entrepreneurs: Post consistently on platforms where your audience is active.

• Email marketing: Nurture leads with automated sequences and newsletters.

• Paid ads: Use Facebook, Instagram, and Google Ads for targeted reach.

5. Track, analyze, and adjust your strategy

📊 Monitor content performance using:

• Google Analytics (website traffic & conversions)

• Instagram & Facebook Insights (engagement & reach)

• Email Marketing Metrics (open rates & click-through rates)

📌 Action Step: If a piece of content performs well, repurpose it into different formats (e.g., turn a blog post into an infographic, social media post, or video).

Quick Tip: Stay flexible! A good marketing plan is a living document. Test new ideas, track results, and pivot when necessary.

Digital Marketing for Small Businesses: Where to Begin

Digital marketing for small businesses is an essential pillar of marketing strategies for small businesses. An excellent digital marketing strategy helps you attract customers, build relationships, and drive sales. But with so many strategies available, where should you start? Focus on the essentials—SEO, content marketing, and paid ads—to create a strong foundation.

1. SEO for small businesses: Get found online

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps your website rank higher on Google, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Without SEO, you risk being invisible in search results.

Key steps to optimize your website for SEO:

• Use relevant keywords: Identify what your audience is searching for and naturally include those keywords in your website content.

• Optimize your website structure: Ensure fast load times, straightforward navigation, and mobile-friendly design. This part is also known as technical SEO.

• Create high-quality content: Write blog posts, guides, and FAQs to provide value and boost rankings.

• Get backlinks: Increase credibility by having reputable websites link to your content, also known as off-page SEO.

• Set up Google My Business: If you’re a local business, optimize your listing for local search visibility.

📌 Tool Tip: Use Google Search Console and Ubersuggest to track keyword rankings and website performance.

2. Content marketing for small businesses: build relationships & authority

Content marketing for small businesses is about creating valuable content that attracts and engages your audience. Instead of focusing only on selling, you build trust by educating and entertaining your potential customers.

There are different types of content to create. The type will largely depend on the platform on which you publish. Find out where your ideal clients hang out and have a strong presence on that platform.

Types of content to create:

• Blog posts & articles: This type of content is more common for websites and LinkedIn

• Videos & reels: Short-form videos (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts) boost engagement.

• Email newsletters: Stay connected with your audience and nurture leads with exclusive content.

• Infographics & guides: This type of content is great because it can simplify complex topics. You can use infographics & guides on your website.

• Webinars & Live Q&As: Build a community on platforms like Facebook or an external host (e.g., Udemy, Kajabi, Podia) and interact directly with potential customers.

3. Paid advertising: Expand your reach

Once you have a strong SEO and content marketing foundation, paid advertising can help you scale faster. Paid ads allow you to target specific audiences and drive traffic instantly.

Types of paid ads to consider:

• Google Ads: Appear at the top of search results when potential customers look for your product or service.

• Facebook & Instagram Ads: Run highly targeted campaigns based on interests, demographics, and behaviors.

• Pinterest Ads: If your audience loves visual inspiration, promote pins that link to your products or blog.

• Retargeting Ads: Show ads to people who have visited your website but haven’t purchased yet.

When exploring paid ads, start with a small budget and test different ad creatives to see what resonates with your audience.

Here's a short step-by-step guide to get started with paid ads:

1. Define your goal: Decide on one clear objective

Brand Awareness → Get more people to know about your business.

Lead Generation → Collect emails or contact details.

Sales/Conversions → Get people to buy a product or book a service.

If you're new to ads, start with a lead generation or website traffic campaign to build brand awareness before pushing sales.

2. Identify your audience: Know your target based on demographics, interests, and behaviors. Think about who needs your product or service and where they spend time online. Use Facebook Audience Insights or Google Keyword Planner to refine your ideal audience.

3. Choose an ad platform: Select the platform(s) that best fit your target audience.

Google Ads → If people are actively searching for your product/service.

Facebook & Instagram Ads → If your audience responds well to visuals and social proof.

Pinterest Ads → Great for product-based businesses and visual content.

LinkedIn Ads → Best for B2B services.

If unsure, start with Facebook/Instagram Ads since they’re cost-effective and offer great targeting options.

4. Set your budget: Decide how much you're willing to spend daily or monthly. $5–$10 per day is enough to see initial results. Set a lifetime budget (not just daily) to control total spending. Run a 7-day test with $50–$100 and analyze the results before increasing the budget.

5. Create your ad: Design engaging visuals and craft clear, compelling copy that aligns with your goal and speaks to your audience.

Image/Video → Use bright, high-quality visuals (Canva can help).

Headline → Keep it short and benefit-driven (e.g., “Get More Clients in 7 Days”).

Call to Action (CTA) → Tell people what to do next (Sign Up, Learn More, Shop Now).

Short videos or carousel ads tend to perform better than static images.

6. Target your audience: Use the platform’s targeting features to refine who sees your ads. Most platforms let you refine who sees your ad based on:

• Location (city, country, radius)

• Age & Gender

• Interests & Behaviors (based on past activity)

Avoid broad audiences. Start with a smaller, highly targeted audience (10,000–50,000 people) for better results.

7. Set up tracking: Use tools like Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel to monitor performance. Check ad performance daily for the first week and pause ads that aren’t working.

8. Launch the campaign: Run your ads and monitor their performance.

9. Test and optimize: A/B test different ad creatives and targeting options and adjusts based on performance to improve results.

• Adjust the budget to invest more in high-performing ads.

• Refine Audience based on insights from early results.

• If an ad isn’t working after 3–5 days, tweak the headline, image, or targeting before turning it off completely.

This will help you get started on the right foot with paid ads!

Make digital marketing work for you

Digital marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with SEO and content marketing to build a strong foundation. Digital marketing for small businesses opens the door to reaching more customers without the high cost of traditional ads, making it a must-have in today’s online world. Use paid ads to amplify your reach further.

Social Media Marketing for Entrepreneurs

Social media is one of the most effective ways to market your small business, but not every platform is right for every business. The key is to choose the platform where your ideal customers spend the most time and adjust your strategy accordingly. Here’s how to pick the best platform for your business:

Instagram & TikTok – for visually engaging brands and storytelling

These platforms are perfect for businesses that rely on strong visuals, short-form videos, and personal branding.

• Best for: product-based businesses, lifestyle brands, content creators, and coaches.

• Content types: reels, carousel posts, behind-the-scenes, and user-generated content.

• Marketing strategies: influencer collaborations, hashtag strategies, and interactive content (polls, Q&A, challenges).

Crush it on TikTok & Instagram reels: Tips for success

Short-form video content is one of the fastest ways to grow your brand and connect with your audience. But with so much competition, how do you stand out? Here’s how to make your TikTok and Instagram Reels work for your business.

1. Hook your audience in the first 3 seconds

People scroll fast. They'll move on if your video doesn’t grab their attention immediately.
✅ Start with a bold statement or a question. (Example: “You’re making this HUGE marketing mistake! Let me fix it.”)
✅ Use text overlays that tell viewers what the video is about right away.
✅ Keep the first frame visually engaging—big movements, close-up shots, or an eye-catching background.

2. Keep it short, snappy & valuable

TikTok and Instagram reward videos that keep people watching.
✅ Get to the point quickly. Cut out any fluff.
✅ Break down complex topics into bite-sized tips. (Example: Instead of “How to grow your brand,” try “3 hacks to get more leads on Instagram.”)
✅ Add captions—most people watch videos without sound.

📌 Pro tip: If your video is longer than 7 seconds, add quick cuts, zoom-ins, or text pop-ups to keep it dynamic.

3. Use trending sounds & effects (But stay on-brand!)

Jumping on trends can boost your reach, but don’t force it if it doesn’t fit your brand.
✅ Browse TikTok’s trending sounds and Instagram’s Reels Music Library to find ones that match your vibe.
✅ Pair trending sounds with valuable content. (Example: Use a trending audio while sharing “3 social media myths you need to stop believing.”)
✅ Use effects like text animations, transitions, or green screens to make your video more engaging.

📌 Pro tip: If a trending sound doesn’t fit your business, use it as background music while delivering valuable content.

4. Call to action = More views & engagement

Never post a video without telling people what to do next.
✅ Encourage interaction: “Comment ‘yes’ if this was helpful!”
✅ Get more views by asking for shares: “Send this to a friend who needs this tip!”
✅ Keep them engaged: “Want part 2? Follow me so you don’t miss it!”

📌 Pro tip: The more comments and shares you get, the more the algorithm will push your content.

5. Post consistently, but prioritize quality over quantity

✅ Aim for at least 3-4 Reels/TikToks per week to stay visible.
✅ Focus on value and relatability—people connect with content that solves problems or entertains.
✅ Use insights and analytics to track what’s working and double down on successful content.

📌 Pro tip: Batch-create content once a week so you always have videos ready to post!

You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to be YOU. The best-performing videos feel natural, not overly scripted. So experiment, engage, and let your personality shine. Social media plays a massive role in marketing for small businesses, giving you direct access to your ideal clients if you use it with purpose.

LinkedIn – for B2B networking and authority-building

If you’re in the B2B space, consulting, or service industry, LinkedIn helps you establish authority and connect with industry professionals.

• Best for: business coaches, consultants, marketers, and service providers.

• Content types: thought leadership posts, case studies, client success stories, and industry insights.

• Marketing strategies: engaging in LinkedIn groups, writing long-form content, and using LinkedIn ads for lead generation.

How to succeed on LinkedIn

LinkedIn isn’t just for job seekers. It’s an excellent source for networking, building authority, and attracting clients. Here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Optimize your profile like a sales page

Your LinkedIn profile is your first impression, so make it work for you.
✅ Write a clear and compelling headline that highlights what you do. (Example: “Helping small business owners simplify marketing & scale effortlessly”)
✅ Use a professional yet friendly profile picture and an eye-catching banner.
✅ Make your About section customer-focused; explain how you solve problems, not just your work history.

📌 Pro tip: Add a Call-to-Action (CTA) to your profile. (Example: “DM me to chat about your marketing strategy!”)

2. Post valuable content consistently

✅ Share insights, tips, and personal stories that connect with your audience.
✅ Mix up your content:

• Thought leadership posts (What’s a common misconception in your industry?)

• Quick wins/tips (“Here’s how to get more leads on LinkedIn in 3 steps.”)

• Behind-the-scenes moments (“Lessons I learned from launching my business.”)
  ✅ Use LinkedIn’s native tools—polls, carousels, and newsletters—to boost engagement.

📌 Pro tip: The LinkedIn algorithm loves engagement. Encourage comments by asking questions in your posts!

3. Engage with others (Not just post & ghost!)

Networking on LinkedIn is about building relationships, not just broadcasting content.
✅ Comment on industry posts: add insights, ask questions, and start conversations.
✅ Connect with people strategically: send a personalized message instead of a generic request.
✅ Join and participate in LinkedIn groups where your ideal audience hangs out.

📌 Pro tip: Spend 10-15 minutes daily engaging with others. It boosts your visibility and builds connections.

4. Use LinkedIn for lead generation

✅ Share case studies or success stories to show your expertise.
✅ Offer free resources (like guides or webinars) in exchange for email sign-ups.
✅ Use LinkedIn’s “Creator Mode” to make it easier for people to follow you and see your content.

Pinterest – for driving traffic to blogs, shops, and landing pages

Pinterest acts like a search engine for visuals, making it a great tool for long-term traffic and sales.

• Best for: bloggers, e-commerce stores, DIY and creative brands, and course creators.

• Content types: pins linking to blog posts, product pages, infographics, and step-by-step guides.

• Marketing strategies: SEO-optimized pin descriptions, group board collaborations, and seasonal content planning.

How to get eyes on your Pinterest

Pinterest is a visual search engine that can drive long-term traffic to your website. Here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Optimize your pins for search (SEO matters!)

Pinterest works like Google: users search for ideas, and optimized content ranks higher.

✅ Use keyword-rich titles & descriptions in your Pins and boards (Example: “Marketing plan template for small businesses”).
✅ Add hashtags to help your Pins get discovered.
✅ Make your profile name and bio keyword-friendly (Example: “Small Business Marketing | Digital Strategy & Content”).

📌 Pro tip: Use Pinterest Trends (trends.pinterest.com) to find trending keywords for your niche!

2. Design click-worthy pins

Your Pins need to stand out in a crowded feed. Here’s how:

✅ Use bright, high-quality images (light backgrounds perform better!).
✅ Add bold, easy-to-read text overlays so people understand the Pin at a glance.
✅ Stick to vertical formats (1000 x 1500 px)—they perform best.

With the right strategy, Pinterest can become a steady source of traffic and leads for your business.

Efficiency hack: Use a content calendar for consistency

No matter which platform you choose, consistency is key. A content calendar helps you stay organized, track performance, and align your strategy with business goals.

Tools like ClickUp, Airtable, or Canva can help you plan, schedule, and automate posts for better efficiency.

Which platform best fits your business? Focus on one or two where your audience is most active and grow from there! With a thoughtful approach to marketing for small businesses, you can create consistent visibility without burning out or spending a fortune.

Budgeting for Marketing: How to Make the Most of Your Money

Let’s be honest: marketing can feel expensive, especially when running a small business, and every dollar counts. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a massive budget to get real results. ​​Marketing for small businesses means focusing on strategies that bring real results, like content marketing and email funnels, rather than spreading yourself too thin.

Let’s break it down so you can feel confident about where your money goes (and avoid throwing cash at things that don’t work).

What is the average marketing budget for a small business?

Most small businesses spend 5% to 10% of their revenue on marketing. If you're just starting and need to grow fast, aiming for closer to 10% makes sense. But if you’re working with a minimal budget, even 2% to 5% can be enough to make an impact if you focus on high-return activities.

One of the most common mistakes in marketing for small businesses is either overspending on ads without a plan or under-investing and staying invisible. Your budget should balance both visibility and sustainability.

Example:
If you’re earning $50,000 a year in revenue, a 5% marketing budget would give you $2,500/year—or about $200/month to work with. And yes, you can absolutely market your business on $200/month with the right strategy!

How to allocate resources effectively (a simple breakdown)

When marketing your business, you want to focus on a mix of organic and paid strategies, but spend wisely. Here’s a starter breakdown of how to think about your budget:

✅ 1. Branding & visuals (10%–20%)

• Professional logo and brand design (if you don’t have one yet)

• Canva Pro subscription for creating graphics (super affordable!)

Invest in your visual identity once, and use it consistently everywhere: your social media, website, and emails.

✅ 2. Website & SEO (20%–30%)

• Website hosting and domain

• Basic SEO tools (like Ubersuggest or Keywords Everywhere for research)

• Blog content to drive organic traffic (you can write it yourself or outsource)

Good SEO for small businesses means long-term free traffic, so prioritize content that answers real customer questions.

✅ 3. Content creation (20%–30%)

• Social media scheduling tool (like Later, Planoly, or Buffer)

• Stock photo subscriptions if you don’t take your photos

• Tools for creating reels, videos, and graphics

✅ 4. Paid advertising (20%–30%)

• Small test campaigns on Facebook, Instagram, or Google Ads (start with $50–$100/month)

• Retargeting ads for people who visit your site but don’t buy

A good rule of thumb in marketing for small businesses is to start small, test what works, and scale from there. Figure out what messaging and offers resonate, and only then increase your budget.

✅ 5. Email marketing & CRM (Optional 5%–10%)

• Platforms like Mailchimp or Flodesk (beautiful emails, easy to use)

• Lead magnets (guides, freebies) to grow your list

Email is one of the highest ROI marketing tools, don’t skip this if you want long-term success!

Low-cost and high-impact marketing strategies (for small budgets)

If you’re thinking, “Okay, but what if my budget is tiny?” Marketing for small businesses doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of affordable (and even free) ways to get your brand in front of the right people if you know where to look. Here are low-cost, high-impact marketing ideas that won’t break the bank:

1. Use social media organically

Social media gives you free access to a massive audience. Your job is to show up consistently and offer value that makes people want to work with you. By sharing helpful tips, showcasing your work, and engaging with others, you build trust and stay top-of-mind when someone needs your services.

How it brings clients:

• When you post content that solves a problem (“3 mistakes to avoid when launching your website”), potential clients start to see you as an expert.

• Sharing client testimonials and case studies shows proof of what you can do, encouraging people to reach out.

• Engaging (commenting, liking, answering questions) makes you visible to people in your niche, leading to conversations that can turn into bookings.

Example: A social media manager shares quick Instagram tips, engages with other small businesses in comments, and books a client who saw her Reels and reached out via DM.

2. Collaborate with other small businesses

When you partner with complementary businesses (think: a graphic designer teaming up with a copywriter), you get introduced to each other's audiences. This is a great way to reach ideal clients who already trust your collaborator.

How it brings clients:

• You share each other’s work, do joint lives, or create bundled offers, giving both of you exposure.

• If their audience has been looking for your exact service, they’re more likely to hire you because you’re endorsed by someone they already trust.

• Joint workshops or free webinars can showcase your expertise, and you can pitch your services at the end.

Example: A business coach and a virtual assistant run a joint live about “How to scale your business with support” and both get clients from the audience.

3. Focus on SEO and content marketing for small businesses

Blog posts, guides, and videos help people find you on Google and Pinterest when they’re actively searching for help. By answering the exact questions your ideal clients are Googling, you attract people already looking for what you offer.

How it brings clients:

• People searching for solutions (e.g., “How to set up a content calendar for my business”) land on your website, love your advice, and want to work with you for deeper support.

• Pinterest pins linked to your blogs keep bringing traffic long after you post them.

• You can offer a free lead magnet (like a checklist or guide) to grow your email list and follow up with an offer.

Example: A marketing consultant writes a blog post on “5 mistakes small business owners make with marketing plans”, ranks on Google, and books discovery calls from readers.

4. Word-of-mouth and referral programs

Referrals are powerful because people trust recommendations from friends. You can encourage word-of-mouth by delighting current clients and offering referral incentives (like discounts, free sessions, or small gifts).

How it brings clients:

• Happy clients tell their friends and peers when they need a service like yours.

• A simple referral bonus (like “Get $50 off your next project if you refer a friend who books”) motivates clients to spread the word.

• Being active in communities (like Facebook Groups or LinkedIn Groups) builds relationships, and when someone asks for a recommendation, people will tag you.

Example: A brand designer offers $100 off future projects for referrals and books three new clients from one happy client who shares her info.

Bonus Tip: How to make these strategies even more effective

• Be clear about what you offer and how people can hire you. Add calls-to-action like “DM me to get started” or “Book a free discovery call via the link in my bio.”

• Make it easy to refer you. Give clients a simple way to share your contact info or a referral link.

• Show up consistently. These strategies work when people see you regularly sharing value and engaging.

These low-cost, high-impact strategies are how many entrepreneurs grow from $0 to booked out. Focus on relationships, visibility, and value; clients will start coming to you.

Managing and Automating Marketing Projects: How to Get Organized and Save Hours Every Week

Between content creation, social media, emails, and client work, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Running a business is a lot, especially when doing it alone or with a small team. But here’s the secret: you don’t have to do everything manually. With the right systems and tools, you can manage marketing projects faster and get back hours of your time without dropping the ball.

Here’s how to stay organized, automate like a boss, and actually enjoy marketing your business (yes, it’s possible!).

How to organize your marketing tasks (without losing your mind)

If your marketing to-do list lives on a random sticky note or messy notebook, it’s time to upgrade. Managing marketing for small businesses becomes so much easier when you have the right tools and systems to keep things organized. Organizing your marketing tasks in one place will help you stay on top of deadlines, post consistently, and avoid last-minute scrambling.

✅ Break down big marketing goals into smaller tasks.
Instead of writing “launch my offer,” break it into steps like:

• Write sales page copy

• Design social media graphics

• Schedule launch emails

• Plan a promotional live event

✅ Batch tasks to stay focused.

• Write all captions for the week in one sitting (way faster than writing daily).

• Record multiple Reels in one session (makeup and good lighting efficiency!).

✅ Set realistic deadlines.

• Give yourself enough time to create quality content; rushing leads to burnout.

• Use recurring tasks to remind yourself of ongoing marketing (like monthly newsletters or weekly blog posts).

Favorite project management tools to keep it all together

Project management tools will change your life if you’re still managing your marketing in your head (or worse, across 10 different apps). One of the best-kept secrets of successful marketing for small businesses is using project management tools to stay on track and reduce overwhelm. These platforms help you plan, track, and execute every piece of your marketing plan, all in one place.

Here are my go-to tools for small business marketing:

✅ ClickUp: All-in-one tool for task management, content calendars, and workflow automation. Great if you want to see everything (from client projects to social media posts) in one place.

• How to use it: Set up a marketing board with tasks for blogs, emails, launches, and social media. Add deadlines and assignees if you work with a team.

✅ Airtable: Think spreadsheets on steroids. It’s perfect for content planning and tracking collaborations.

• How to use it: Create a content calendar database with columns for status (draft, scheduled, posted), platform, visuals, and captions.

✅ Trello: Simple, visual boards that are perfect if you’re a beginner to project management.

• How to use it: Set up boards for each marketing campaign or launch and move cards as you complete tasks.

✅ Jira: More advanced, often used by tech or larger teams, but powerful for tracking bigger marketing projects.

• How to use it: Great for managing complex marketing campaigns with many moving parts, like multi-phase launches or collaborations.

Most importantly, don’t overcomplicate it. Pick one tool and stick with it to avoid overwhelm! One of the biggest challenges in marketing for small businesses is knowing where to focus your energy; this is why a clear marketing strategy is so important.

With automation, marketing for small businesses doesn’t have to take up all your time. You can set up workflows to keep your marketing running while focusing on serving clients.

Automating business systems for efficiency

Automation is where the real magic happens because you can free up your time to focus on what matters most (like growing your business and working with clients).

Here are 3 marketing tasks you can automate today to save HOURS:

✅ 1. Email marketing sequences

• Set up welcome sequences that nurture new subscribers automatically.

• Create sales funnels that guide leads from discovery to purchase without lifting a finger.

Tools to use: MailerLite, Flodesk, ActiveCampaign (all user-friendly and built for small businesses).

✅ 2. Social media scheduling

• Plan and schedule posts in advance so you’re not glued to your phone daily.

Tools to use: Later, Planoly, Buffer, schedule Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Pinterest posts all in one go.

✅ 3. Client onboarding

• Use automated workflows to send welcome emails, contracts, and invoices the moment someone books.

Tools to use: Dubsado, HoneyBook. These are perfect for service-based businesses that want to look professional and save time.

How to stay consistent with marketing (even when life gets busy)

Here’s the truth: consistency beats perfection. You don’t have to post every day or launch a new campaign every month. But you do need a system that lets you show up regularly.

Quick tips to stay consistent:

• Use a content calendar for busy entrepreneurs (Airtable or ClickUp work great).

• Repurpose content: turn a blog post into 3 Instagram posts, 1 Reel, and an email newsletter.

• Set one “CEO day” per month to plan and schedule all marketing content.

Marketing doesn’t have to feel chaotic. With a few simple tools and systems, you can stay organized, automate the boring stuff, and focus on what you love: working with clients and growing your business.

Want help setting up a marketing system that works for you? Let’s chat! Book a free consultation, and I’ll help you get started.

This guide breaks down the essentials of marketing for small businesses so you can create a plan that works for you and helps you grow confidently.

The next step is to look at your business marketing strategy and do an audit. What’s working, and what can be improved? The right marketing strategy can make all the difference between a fully booked entrepreneur and one struggling to get clients. You don’t have to figure it all out alone; marketing for small businesses is something you can grow into, and with the right guidance, it can even become a part of your business that you enjoy.

FAQs

How to handle marketing when you’re short on time

When you're low on time, focus on high-impact, low-effort strategies. Start by batch-creating content (like social posts or emails) and scheduling them in advance using tools like Later or Planoly. Stick to one or two platforms where your ideal clients hang out instead of trying to be everywhere. Marketing for small businesses often feels overwhelming, but with a clear plan, it becomes a manageable and essential part of growth. Remember: done is better than perfect. Consistent, simple marketing beats sporadic perfection.

What to do if marketing isn’t bringing in customers

If your marketing isn’t leading to sales, it may be time to review your messaging and targeting. Ask yourself:

• Am I speaking directly to my ideal clients' problems?

• Is my call-to-action (CTA) clear and easy to follow?

• Am I showing social proof like reviews or testimonials?

You might need to adjust your offer, refine your brand message, or improve how you connect with your audience. Also, track your data to see which platforms and content are performing best and focus there. If you’re still unsure what works, remember that marketing for small businesses is flexible. What matters most is finding the approach that feels sustainable for you.

How to scale your marketing as your business grows

Start by documenting your marketing processes, like how you create content or onboard clients, so you can delegate when you're ready. As you grow, invest in marketing automation tools (email sequences, social scheduling) and consider outsourcing tasks like graphic design or copywriting to stay consistent. Scaling is also about expanding your marketing mix, like adding paid ads or launching bigger campaigns when you have more budget. Many clients ask if they should get a huge team or budget, but marketing for small businesses is about smart, focused actions rather than doing 'all the things.'

What is the right marketing approach?

The right marketing approach depends on your goals, audience, and budget. If you’re just starting, focus on organic strategies like social media, SEO, and collaborations. As you grow, you can add paid advertising and email funnels. A good approach balances long-term strategies (SEO, content) with short-term wins (ads, promotions) and should align with what feels manageable and authentic to you. SEO and content marketing are powerful pieces of marketing for small businesses, especially when you want to get found on Google and attract organic traffic.

Many small business owners struggle to know if they’re 'doing marketing right,' but marketing for small businesses isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency and connecting with your ideal clients.

Can I handle marketing myself, or should I pay someone?

DIY marketing: Pros and cons

✅ Pros:

• Cost-effective if you’re on a tight budget.

• You learn valuable marketing skills.

• Full control over your messaging and branding.

❌ Cons:

• Time-consuming—can pull focus from client work.

• Harder to keep up as your business grows.

• May lack strategy if you’re figuring it out as you go.

👉 Best for: Early-stage businesses with limited funds and time to learn.

Hiring a marketing consultant vs. an agency

• Marketing consultant: Great if you need personalized guidance, a strategy, and someone to help you manage marketing projects. Often more affordable and flexible.

• Marketing agency: Better for larger, ongoing campaigns when you need a full team (ads, copy, design). Comes with higher costs but full-service options.

Tip: If you’re a small business owner looking for 1:1 guidance and flexible support, a consultant is often the better fit.

Whether you choose to DIY or get support, marketing for small businesses becomes much easier when you have a clear plan and a system that works.

When to outsource and when to keep it in-house

Outsource when:

• Tasks are outside your skillset (like graphic design or SEO).

• You’re too busy serving clients to handle marketing.

• You want fresh ideas and expert input.

Keep in-house when:

• You’re still figuring out your brand voice and messaging.

• You enjoy marketing and want to stay hands-on.

• Budget is very limited—focus on what you can do well yourself first.

Which marketing is best for my small business?

It depends on your audience, offer, and goals! For most small businesses:

• Service-based? Focus on relationship marketing: LinkedIn, Instagram, email marketing, and SEO.

• Product-based? Focus on visual platforms: Pinterest, Instagram, and influencer marketing.

• Coaches/consultants? Prioritize email funnels, social media, and partnerships.

👉 Not sure? Book a free call (details below), and I’ll help you figure out the best fit!

How can I promote my business without spending money?

• Leverage organic social media (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn).

• Start an email list and offer a freebie.

• Pitch yourself for podcasts, guest blogs, and collaborations.

• Engage in Facebook Groups and LinkedIn communities.

• Use SEO and Pinterest to drive ongoing traffic to your website.

Tip: Focus on relationship-building and offering value. That’s what gets people to notice and trust you. When we think about marketing for small businesses, we think about brand personality—how you show up online—can make or break those first impressions.

What are some free resources for learning marketing?

✅ Podcasts:

• Online Marketing Made Easy by Amy Porterfield

• Marketing School by Neil Patel & Eric Siu

✅ Facebook Groups:

• Savvy Business Owners

• Women in Business Collective

✅ YouTube Channels:

• Jade Beason (Marketing & Social Media)

• Vanessa Lau (Content Creation for Entrepreneurs)

Whether you're just starting or looking to grow, understanding the basics of marketing for small businesses can help you attract more clients and stand out in a crowded market.

What are the next steps to take action today?

• Pick one marketing task to start this week. Whether that’s setting up an email list, writing a blog, or posting on social media.

• Download a free content calendar template to stay organized.

• Book a free consultation call if you want personalized help to map your marketing strategy.

Contact Ismirelda at Vista Projects to get started with your marketing project

Need help getting organized, creating a marketing plan, or launching a campaign? I offer personalized support for small businesses ready to grow without the stress.

📧 Email me: hello@vistaprojectsolutions.com
🌐 Visit: www.vistaprojectsolutions.com
📅 Book your free call to chat about your marketing goals!