The 5 Marketing Mistakes That Are Costing Your Small Business Clients (and How to Fix Them)

Summer Wheatley • April 9, 2025

We need to talk. If your marketing is feeling like a full-time job with part-time results, you’re probably making a few of these all-too-common mistakes. And I get it—marketing is A LOT. But if you’re putting in the effort, let’s make sure it’s actually working for you, yeah?


So, let’s break down the five marketing mistakes that might be scaring away your dream clients—and how to fix them ASAP.

1️⃣ You’re Talking to Everyone (Which Means You’re Talking to No One)

Listen, I know it’s tempting to cast a wide net and try to attract everyone, but the truth? If your messaging is too broad, it won’t deeply connect with anyone. People want to feel like you get them, like you’re speaking directly to their needs, struggles, and goals.


Fix It: Get ultra-clear on your ideal client. What keeps them up at night? What do they really want? Speak their language, and they’ll come running.

2️⃣ Your Content is All Over the Place

One day you’re posting about your favorite coffee shop, the next day it’s a random sales pitch, and then a motivational quote that doesn’t quite fit your brand. If your content feels like a chaotic group chat, your audience won’t know what to expect—or why they should follow you.


Fix It: Create a content strategy. Think of 3-5 core themes that relate to your brand and stick to them. This way, your audience knows exactly what value they’re getting from you, and they’ll keep coming back for more.

3️⃣ You’re Selling 24/7 (or Not Selling at All)

I see it all the time—either you’re constantly pushing “BUY NOW” posts that feel like a used car salesman’s dream, or you’re playing it too cool and never actually telling people what you offer. Both are a problem.


Fix It: Follow the 80/20 rule. 80% of your content should be valuable, engaging, and helpful, while 20% should be direct sales. Educate, entertain, and inspire your audience first—then they’ll actually want to buy from you.

4️⃣ You’re Ignoring Your Audience (aka Ghosting Potential Clients)

Posting content and then vanishing? Not answering DMs or comments? Your audience is raising their hand saying, “Hey, I’m interested!”—and you’re leaving them on read? Bestie, noooo. Engagement is everything in marketing.


Fix It: Respond to comments, start conversations in your DMs, and treat your audience like real people (because they are). Social media is a two-way street—when you engage, your audience will too.

5️⃣ You’re Making It Too Hard for People to Work with You

Ever been to a website and had no clue what the next step was? No clear “Book Now” button, confusing services, 18 different links? If you’re making your audience work to figure out how to give you money, they’ll just give up.


Fix It: Make your customer journey stupid simple. Clear call-to-actions, an easy-to-navigate website, and a streamlined way to book, buy, or inquire. When people don’t have to think about what to do next, they’ll actually do it.

Ready to Fix Your Marketing for Good?

If you’re over the guesswork and ready for a marketing strategy that actually attracts real clients, let’s chat.


Book a call with me here and let’s get your business seen, loved, and thriving. (Or at the very least, promise me you’ll stop ghosting your comment section, okay? 😘)


Because every business deserves a best friend — and I’d love to be yours. 💛

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