7 Things to STOP Doing In Your Marketing In 2024 (and what to do instead)
Are you tired of feeling like your marketing efforts are falling flat? Do you find yourself stuck in a digital marketing rut, just going through the motions without seeing any real results? YOU ARE NOT ALONE! This is so common among clients that come in, and the number 1 frustration we hear - “we are showing up on social, but it’s not driving traffic” “I’ve done paid ads but it didn’t work” “(insert marketing platform) isn’t for me”. we’ve heard it all, so lets walk through a mindset shift, and the 7 things to stop doing in your marketing in 2024.
01 Not Analyzing Analytics
Data is like a GPS for your marketing strategy. It shows you where to put your time and effort, leading you straight to success. By harnessing the power of tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console, you'll be equipped with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions. It's like having a personal roadmap to guide you through the online web.
Setting up Google Analytics and Google Search Console is an absolute must. These tools will unveil a wealth of information about your website's performance, user behavior, and more. Learn which pages are resonating with your audience, where they're dropping off, and how they're finding you. This knowledge is pure gold when it comes to optimizing your website and tailoring your marketing efforts.
02 You Haven’t Set Real Goals
Hard Truth: vague aspirations just won't cut it. It's time to get specific and make some strategic decisions. Where will you focus your short-term (ST) and long-term (LT) efforts? Deciding what your top priorities are will keep your focus. Will you pour resources into the top of your marketing funnel, attracting new prospects? Or perhaps you'll double down on nurturing relationships at the bottom of the funnel, converting those ready to take action. Whatever you decide, clarity is key.
Set tangible goals like going from $5 million to $10 million in revenue. Give yourself something to aim for, a target that'll push you to take action and spark the fire within. But hold on, you need to measure success. That's where KPIs come in. They're like little checkpoints along the way, telling you if you're on track or need a recalibration. Define those key performance indicators that matter most to your business. Is it website traffic, conversion rates, or social media engagement? Pick the ones that align with your goals and let them guide you on this wild ride.
03 Stop + Start Your Marketing
We’ve heard it before, you need to cut marketing because you don’t have leads. But if you cut your marketing, how will you get more leads? Every business goes through a time when marketing efforts aren’t bringing in what they had hoped for. But stopping all marketing efforts is not the answer. Instead, we need to pivot. Take clear direction from what is working, and what needs more work. Put more effort into what is working so that when you are in a better place, you can figure out why your other channels weren’t bringing in leads. It isn’t always about the new, the shiny, and the sexy, but going back to the foundation and putting efforts into what is working (according to the data), and amplifying that source.
04 You Only Post On Instagram
Let us start by saying, we love Instagram. But on its own, this is not marketing. Instagram is a platform utilized to showcase your work, create connections, educate, and show up online. Posting a beautiful photo is no longer enough. It isn’t 1 thing that makes someone’s decision, but multiple touch points, so showing up only on Instagram, isn’t enough.
Here come the hot takes – A/B tests and the achievement hub. It's time to take risks, my friends. Experiment with different strategies, content formats, and timing. A/B tests let you uncover what works and what flops, refining your approach for better results.
05 You Get the “Ick” By Content Creators
I know it’s hard to believe, but content creators are NOT competition to professional photographers and videographers. They are an added value that focuses on the trends of the moment, the BTS, and those insta worthy moments. We are not trying to trade instamoments for timeless moments. Both of the services have a place in the industry and serve a specific purpose.
So, let's mix things up, strike a balance, and show the world the whole picture.
06 You Think Your Audience Isn’t On TikTok
We've got the power of a long-term (LT) strategy. Sure, it might seem like your target audience isn't on TikTok right now, but think about tomorrow. By investing in TikTok today, our visionary friend will be ready to capture their attention when the time is right. It's like laying the groundwork for a future masterpiece.
TikTok is being used as a search engine, which means that repetition is key. Keywords, copy, and content should all work together. Let's take a "pink wedding dress" as an example. By consistently incorporating those relevant keywords in captions, hashtags, and even visual cues, our TikTok skeptic can increase their chances of being discovered by the right audience. It's like a secret recipe that never fails to leave an impression.
Focus on building an engaged community that converts. It's about nurturing relationships, sparking conversations, and cultivating a sense of belonging. Think of it as the difference between finding true love and a passing fling. The real magic happens when your followers become loyal advocates for your brand.
07 Paid Media Intimidates You
Say someone searches on Instagram for a destination wedding planner in Italy. Suddenly, like magic, they receive an ad story right on Instagram for your business. It's like the universe conspiring to connect you with your perfect clients. With paid media, you have the power to intercept their digital journey and make a lasting impression.
This is not a volume game; it's behaviorally driven. Paid media allows you to understand and tap into consumer behaviors and preferences. It's like having a crystal ball that reveals their desires and motivations. By crafting targeted and personalized campaigns, you can showcase your expertise and create meaningful connections. It's about quality over quantity,