Marketing. It’s one of those things every business owner knows they need but often find themselves shouting into the void, wondering why nothing is landing. So in this episode of The Monday Morning Marketing Podcast Episode 160 What you have to do to make your marketing work for your brand (long title innit?), we got stuck into the nitty-gritty: Marketing only works when you… (insert the many, many things we’re about to tell you!)
Whether you’re a one-person band or part of a team, here are the top truths we shared about making your marketing actually work for your brand.
Marketing only works when you're specific
Saying “I help people with marketing” is as clear as mud. Be specific: Do you do LinkedIn training? Manage paid ads? Create killer reels? Get totally laser-focused on what you actually do and who you help. Vague messaging is forgettable. Specific messaging is memorable and notably gets you results.
It only works when you're consistent
Posting once every six months isn't a strategy, we see it as a cry for help. You don’t need to post daily (we’re not monsters), but whatever schedule you choose, stick with it. Whether it's once a week or the first Tuesday of every month, let your audience know they can rely on you to show up.
It only works when you have a budget
Marketing isn’t always free. Organic reach is lovely (these days almost unrealistic) but unpredictable. If you want to be seen beyond your circle, you need to pay to play. Even a small budget can go a long way if you’re strategic about how you use it.
It only works when you're on the right platform
Being on the platform you like isn’t the same as being where your audience hangs out. Hate TikTok? Tough if that’s where your dream customers are scrolling. Love LinkedIn? Great, if your audience is there too. Get clear on where your people are, and focus your energy there. Time, training and practice all help, we promise!
It only works when you study your analytics
We say it in nearly every episode, but it’s worth repeating: data doesn’t lie. Whether it’s your email open rate, Facebook post reach, or how many people actually clicked on that link you shared, your analytics hold all the clues. Don’t ignore them. Use them to shape your next move.
(And yes, we know they can be glitchy, but don’t let that stop you.)
It only works when there's a plan
Marketing without a plan is like cooking without a recipe. Actually, that's not fair because Melanie's husband never plans anything particular for dinner, and the food is always edible, but you know what we mean?? You’ll end up with a big ole mess and no idea how you got there. Delegate if you can (you don’t fix your own car, right?) and map out who’s doing what and when. Whether it’s a VA managing your inbox or a designer creating your visuals, don’t try to be the entire team.
It only works when you have a strategy
This one’s big. A strategy is not just “post more often.” It’s knowing who you’re speaking to, what they care about, and how your product/service helps them. Write it down. Make it measurable. And update it regularly.
Marketing is more than social media, it’s networking, events, emails, website updates, customer referrals. It’s everything you do to get your brand seen and remembered.
It only works when you stop getting in your own way
This one hit home for a lot of listeners. Stop waiting for things to be perfect. Stop telling yourself you’re not ready. Stop letting imposter syndrome run the show. Whether you’re posting, launching, or selling—done is better than perfect.
And if you need more time for your family, outsource. If you’re burnt out on content creation, get help. You are not a machine, and you’re not meant to do everything.
Step out of your comfort zone, it's boring there anyway
Marketing isn’t just about doing more, it’s about doing what actually works. Be intentional. Be strategic. Be brave enough to step aside when something’s out of your skillset.
And if you're feeling a bit "headless chicken" about your marketing, we’ve been there. Just start with one thing, like one small change and go from there.
Need help figuring out where to start? Our DMs are always open. Drop us a message, and let’s get your marketing working for you, not against you.
Until next week!
🧡 Esther & Melanie
