5 Big Business Myths Holding You Back (And How to Fix Them!)

Running a small business is challenging enough without outdated or misleading marketing myths clouding your judgment. Yet, so many business owners still believe common misconceptions that keep them stuck, wasting time and effort on strategies that don’t work. In this blog, we’re busting five of the biggest business and marketing myths that might be holding you back—and showing you what to do instead!

Myth 1: “If I build it, they will come.”

One of the biggest myths in business is that simply setting up shop—whether that’s a physical store, a website, or a social media profile—will automatically attract customers. The truth? If people don’t know about your business, they can’t buy from you.

Customers don’t just appear; they need to be actively marketed to. If your website isn’t getting traffic or your social media posts are met with crickets, it’s not because your business isn’t valuable—it’s because people aren’t finding you.

Fix it:

• Prioritise marketing and visibility.

• Develop a clear marketing strategy that includes SEO, content marketing, and networking.

• Engage your audience through consistent and valuable content.

• Leverage word-of-mouth marketing and referrals.

Myth 2: “More followers = more sales.”

Social media has created an obsession with follower counts, leading business owners to believe that more followers automatically mean more revenue. But a large audience doesn’t always translate into sales—especially if they’re not the right audience.

Instead of focusing on vanity metrics, shift your attention to engagement. Having a smaller, highly engaged community is far more valuable than having thousands of passive followers.

Fix it:

• Build a community, not just an audience.

• Engage with your existing followers and build strong relationships.

• Focus on converting engaged followers into customers rather than chasing numbers.

• Prioritise quality content over quantity.

Myth 3: “I have to be on all the platforms.”

Feeling overwhelmed by social media? You’re not alone. Many business owners think they need to be on every platform to succeed—but that’s simply not true. Being everywhere leads to burnout and ineffective marketing.

Instead, focus on the platforms where your ideal customers spend their time. Quality over quantity is key.

Fix it:

• Identify where your audience is most active.

• Focus your efforts on 1-2 key platforms.

• Create content tailored to each platform’s strengths.

• Don’t spread yourself too thin—consistency matters more than presence.

Myth 4: “I need to go viral.”

Going viral might seem like the ultimate goal, but virality doesn’t always equal success. Sure, a post might get thousands of views, but if those views aren’t translating into leads or sales, what’s the point?

Some of the most successful marketing efforts come from small but highly targeted campaigns that reach the right people, not just more people.

Fix it:

• Focus on value, not virality.

• Create content that resonates with your audience, not just what’s trendy.

• Track key metrics that actually impact your business (leads, sales, website traffic).

• Remember, engagement with the right people is more valuable than fleeting viral fame.

Myth 5: “I don’t have time for marketing.”

This is a myth that holds so many business owners back. The reality? You do have time for marketing—you just might not be prioritising it effectively.

Marketing isn’t an optional extra; it’s the fuel that keeps your business moving forward. Without consistent marketing, your business will struggle to attract new customers and maintain visibility.

Fix it:

• Make marketing a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.

• Dedicate at least 10 minutes a day to marketing activities.

• Batch content creation to save time.

• Use automation tools to streamline your marketing efforts.

Your Business Success Checklist ✅

1. 🌟 Prioritise marketing—it’s not optional!

2. 🎯 Focus on quality engagement, not just numbers.

3. 📌 Show up where your ideal customers are (not everywhere).

4. 🚀 Stop chasing virality and focus on meaningful content.

5. ⏳ Make time for marketing every single day.

6. 🤝 Build a community, not just an audience.

7. 📈 Track real success metrics (leads, conversions, customer retention).

8. 📢 Never assume customers will just “find you” – make marketing a priority!

Listen to the Podcast for More Marketing Insights! 🎙️

If you’re ready to ditch these myths and start marketing smarter, listen to episode 336 of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast. In this episode, I dive deeper into each myth and share actionable strategies to help you move forward.

🎧 Listen now: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/336

About the Author

Jenn Donovan is a global marketing strategist, sought-after speaker, and the founder of Social Media and Marketing Australia. With a passion for helping small businesses thrive, Jenn is known for her no-nonsense, fluff-free approach to marketing. She is the host of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, where she shares actionable insights and strategies for business success. Follow Jenn on social media for more marketing tips and inspiration!