Why Most Businesses Fail
(and How to Avoid It)
The top reasons businesses fail? Cash flow issues and poor planning. That’s why learning how to create a marketing strategy is essential for long-term success.
I’ve seen countless small businesses pour time and money into marketing efforts that don’t deliver. It’s not about working harder—it’s about working smarter with a strategy that fits your business model and goals.
The question here is how to create a marketing strategy that actually helps you hit your goals and keep the revenue flowing?
Start with market research
Before you launch any campaign, do your homework.
- Analyze your competitors: What channels are they using? Where do their leads come from? How do they position themselves online?
- Understand your audience: Who are you trying to reach? A 65-year-old woman and a 20-year-old woman respond to very different messaging and platforms.
Pro Tip: If you try to market to everyone, you end up connecting with no one.
Build buyer personas
Think of buyer personas as your marketing blueprint. Just like you wouldn’t build a house without a plan, you shouldn’t market without knowing who you’re targeting.
A buyer persona includes:
- Demographics
- Pain points
- Buying behavior
- Motivations
Need help? Download our free Buyer Persona Workbook to get started.
Define your business goals
Once you know your audience, get clear on your goals:
- Short-term: “Get 10 new leads this month”
- Long-term: “Scale to 7 figures” or “Sell the business”
Your marketing strategy should align with both.
Align with your business
model
Your strategy should reflect whether you’re a product-based or service-based business.
- Retail/Boutique: Focus on social media and visual content
- Auto Repair/Service-Based: Prioritize SEO and local search visibility
Example: Someone looking for an oil change isn’t browsing Instagram—they’re Googling “auto repair near me.”
Choose the right marketing channels
Don’t fall into the “social media is free” trap. It’s time-consuming and not always the best fit.
- Best for social media: Retail, food & beverage, lifestyle brands
- Best for SEO & websites: Electricians, chiropractors, B2B services
Want to know what’s right for you? Take our Marketing Strategy Quiz
Test, Track, and tweak
Marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Use trial and error to refine your strategy:
- Test different platforms
- Track performance
- Adjust based on data
Sometimes it’s not the tactic—it’s how you’re using it.
Your strategy should
evolve
A good marketing strategy grows with your business. Monitor performance, adapt to seasonal changes, and stay ahead of industry trends.
Thanks for tuning in this week! I’m really looking forward to next week’s episode and hope you’ll join me again next Wednesday. Book your free strategy session today!
Until then,
Keep Succeeding Small!
