If Your Marketing Isn’t Working, This Is Probably Why
- Nicholas Gribbon
- Sep 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 6
You're pouring time, energy, and money into marketing, but you always end up asking yourself, "Why isn't my marketing working?" The likes and views look nice, but you're not exactly making it rain.
Sound familiar?
If you’re nodding your head, the good news is you’re not alone. Most small business owners end up here at some point. It’s not because you’re bad at what you do (you’re great at what you do). It’s because marketing can be overwhelming. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to spin your wheels.
The good news? The reasons marketing fails are often pretty simple. Once you see them, you can start to fix them. Let’s break it down.
Why Your Marketing Isn't Working
1. You Don’t Have a Clear Strategy
This is the biggest issue. Many businesses engage in what I call “random acts of marketing.” They boost a Facebook post here, print flyers there, and maybe try TikTok because someone suggested it.
The problem? None of it connects back to a bigger plan. Without a true plan, marketing becomes just noise—a waste of money, time, and effort.
2. You’re Trying to Do Everything
Social media, SEO, ads, emails, events—it feels like you have to be everywhere, all the time. But spreading yourself across too many channels usually means you’re doing everything halfway. Nothing is really working.
It’s like trying to water every plant in your yard with a single cup of water. Nobody’s getting what they need.
3. Your Message Isn’t Clear
Here’s the hard truth: if your audience doesn’t understand what you do and why they should care, they’ll scroll right past you.
The biggest trap? Talking too much about your business instead of your customer. People aren’t buying your service; they’re buying the solution to their problem.
4. You’re Measuring the Wrong Things
Likes, followers, and views are fun, but if they aren’t turning into leads or sales, they don’t matter nearly as much.
That 10k followers milestone? It doesn’t pay the bills if none of those people are actually hiring you.
Instead, track what is actually bringing in money.
5. You’re Inconsistent
One week you’re posting every day. The next week? Crickets.
Inconsistency is one of the fastest ways to lose credibility. It’s like walking into a store that’s sometimes open and sometimes closed. Eventually, people stop trying.
Consistency doesn’t have to mean doing a lot. It just means showing up regularly, even if that’s once a week.
How to Fix Your Marketing
The good news is there are clear steps you can take to start making improvements.
1. Start with a Strategy
Action step: Write down one clear marketing goal for the next 90 days. Be specific.
Here are some examples:
Leads: “Get 20 qualified leads from local businesses.”
Sales: “Close 5 new contracts worth $1,500+ each.”
Awareness: “Grow Instagram followers by 500 with real potential customers.”
Once you’ve written it down, check every marketing task against that goal. Does this move you closer? If not, forget about it for now.
2. Get Clear on Your Audience
Action step: Create a quick “customer snapshot.”
Take 10 minutes to answer these questions on paper:
Who is my ideal customer?
What problem do they need solved?
Why would they choose me instead of someone else?
Keep this snapshot handy and use it to test your messaging. Would this resonate with your customer? If the answer is no, adjust it.
3. Simplify Your Channels
Action step: Look at any data you have (or at a minimum, do a gut check) and pick the two platforms where your audience is most active.
For example:
Instagram + Email newsletter
LinkedIn + Website blog
Commit to focusing there for the next three months. Pause the rest. Doing two things well beats six things poorly.
4. Measure What Matters
Action step: Choose 2–3 metrics that actually connect to your growth.
Some examples are:
Email sign-ups
Form submissions or inquiries
Sales closed
Repeat purchases
Subscriptions gained
New client calls
Set up a simple tracker in Google Sheets or a notes app, and update it weekly. Stop worrying about likes or views unless they tie to your actual goals.
5. Commit to Consistency
Action step: Pick a rhythm you can sustain and stick to it.
For example:
Post once per week on LinkedIn.
Send one newsletter every other Friday.
Review metrics every Monday morning.
Block the time in your calendar as a recurring appointment.
Additional Strategies for Success
Understanding Your Brand Voice
Your brand voice is crucial. It’s how you communicate with your audience. Are you friendly and approachable? Or are you more formal and authoritative? Knowing your voice helps you craft messages that resonate.
Engaging with Your Audience
Engagement is key. Respond to comments, ask questions, and encourage feedback. This builds a community around your brand. When people feel connected, they’re more likely to become loyal customers.
Utilizing Content Marketing
Content marketing can be a game changer. Create valuable content that addresses your audience's needs. Blog posts, videos, and infographics can position you as an expert in your field. This not only attracts potential customers but also builds trust.
Networking and Collaborations
Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Collaborate with other businesses or influencers in your niche. This can expand your reach and introduce you to new audiences.
Continuous Learning
Marketing trends change rapidly. Stay updated with the latest strategies and tools. Attend webinars, read articles, and join relevant groups. The more you learn, the better equipped you’ll be to adapt your marketing efforts.
Need Some Extra Help?
You’ve already got a lot going on, and figuring out marketing on top of everything else can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. I can jump in, take some of the messy marketing stuff off your plate, and help you get the results you were always looking for.
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