Running a small business can feel like juggling a million things at once. Among all the chaos, marketing often feels overwhelming, right? But what if there were just three essential marketing activities you could focus on each week to keep your business moving forward? Let’s dive into the top three marketing tasks every small business owner should prioritize weekly.
1. Show Up Consistently
The first and most important rule in marketing is to show up. Consistently. And yes, that means showing up on video. I know, I know—you might be rolling your eyes right now, but hear me out. If you’re not showing up for your audience regularly, how can you expect them to show up for you?
Showing up means being present where your audience spends their time. Whether that’s Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or even through email, the key is to be visible. Share your stories, insights, and the day-to-day happenings of your business. People connect with people, not just brands. By showing up, you’re building trust and creating a community around your brand.
Don’t worry about being perfect—just be authentic. Grab your phone, hit record, and talk about something relevant to your audience. It could be anything from a new product launch to a simple observation you made while walking your dog. The important thing is to show up and engage with your audience.
2. Engage with Your Community
The second thing you should do each week is to engage with your community. I like to call this my Hansel and Gretel reach-out strategy. Spend 30-60 minutes each week liking, commenting, and sharing content from others. But remember, this is not about selling; it’s about building relationships.
Look for posts from your ideal clients, industry leaders, and potential partners. Offer genuine comments that add value to the conversation, celebrate their successes, and share content that resonates with your audience. Your goal is to be seen as a valuable community member, not just another business trying to sell.
Also, don’t limit this to social media. If you receive an email newsletter from a potential client or collaborator, take the time to reply with a thoughtful response. Being social and engaging is a two-way street—your efforts will come back to benefit your business tenfold.
3. Create Content That Aligns with Your Business Goals
Lastly, it’s crucial to create content that aligns with your business goals. Content creation can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be if you have a plan. Start by identifying your key business goals—whether it’s increasing brand awareness, generating leads, or driving sales—and then create content that supports these goals.
Here’s a quick tip: Make a list of content types that align with your strategies. For example:
- Engagement Strategy: Post testimonials or customer success stories.
- Lead Generation Strategy: Share valuable tips or how-to guides.
- Sales Strategy: Promote your products or services, including limited-time offers.
- Brand Awareness Strategy: Share behind-the-scenes looks at your business or team.
- Community Building Strategy: Highlight collaborations or partnerships with other businesses.
By having a list, you can ensure that your content is diverse, purposeful, and strategic. Write these content ideas on a calendar, so you’re always clear about what you need to create and share.
Final Thoughts
Remember, marketing doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on these three activities—showing up, engaging with your community, and creating goal-aligned content—you can simplify your marketing efforts and make a significant impact.
So, fellow small business owner, start this week. Show up for your audience, engage with your community, and share valuable content. These small, consistent actions will lead to big results over time.
Ready for More Marketing Tips?
If you found this blog helpful and want more marketing insights and strategies, tune in to the Small Business Made Simple podcast. It’s packed with practical advice tailored for small business owners like you. Happy marketing!
Absolutely! I am new to the marketing game and trying to run a small business part-time (side hussle at this point) with a young family is hard. But consistency is the key!