Procrastination: The silent assassin of local marketing

In the world of local, marketing can be the difference between thriving and merely surviving. Yet, a staggering 52% of small business owners confess to regularly delaying or postponing their marketing efforts. Why? The answer is often procrastination, fueled by the daunting task of creating complex marketing strategies from scratch.

Complexity is enemy#1

Local business owners get pulled in many directions every minute of the day. Modern marketing is complex. It feels like an endless, intimidating task. 

Remember, the goal isn't to win awards for creativity but to communicate effectively with your customers.

The key is simplification. Simple is repeatable. Simple does not require a lot of energy or time. 

Here’s how:

1️⃣ Create a Simple Strategy

• Focus on who your audience is, what problem you solve, and how you reach them.
• Don’t overthink it. A straightforward, one-page marketing strategy is better than a 10-page plan you never use.
• No matter what you decide, do not decide daily what content, promotion or other activity. Plan it out on a monthly basis so every morning you do not have to think about it.

2️⃣ Use Templates

• Stop reinventing the wheel. Whether it’s social media posts, email campaigns, or event promotions, start with a template you can customize. Look at some of your favorite marketing from other companies and you should notice most will use templates.
• Use It Religiously: Each time you need to market, start with this template. It reduces the creative load, making the process quick and manageable.
• Consistency is key. A reusable framework not only saves time but also keeps your brand cohesive.

3️⃣ Build Habits, Not Herculean Efforts

• Marketing doesn’t have to consume your day. Dedicate a small, regular block of time each week to executing your plan.
• Set Task Goals: Break down your marketing into small, achievable tasks, and set goals based on those tasks. This endorphin rush will help you build momentum and reduce procrastination.
• The trick is to make marketing a habit, not a chore.

The Bottom Line

Marketing doesn’t have to be a daunting, time-consuming task. When you simplify your approach and lean on repeatable systems, you remove the biggest barriers to action. And once you get into a rhythm, the results will speak for themselves.

In the end, every small business owner has the potential to be a great marketer with the right approach - one that values simplicity and consistency over grandiose, one-off campaigns. Let's stop procrastinating and start marketing! Most importantly—start.

What’s your go-to strategy for staying consistent with marketing? Share your tips below—let’s learn from each other!