The Biggest Marketing Struggles for Small Businesses (And How to Fix Them!)
Let’s be real—marketing as a small business owner can feel like juggling flaming swords. Between posting consistently, figuring out what works, and keeping up with the latest trends, it’s a lot. And if marketing’s not your thing, it can start to feel like an overwhelming, never-ending task on your to-do list.
But here’s the good news: you’re not alone. These struggles are common, and even better—there are simple ways to fix them. So let’s break it down with real talk and real solutions.
Struggle #1: “I don’t have time to market my business.”
Let’s be honest: You started your business to run it—not spend hours trying to keep up with Instagram trends.
The Fix:
You don’t need to be everywhere—just show up where your audience already hangs out. Pick one or two platforms that make the most sense for your business and commit to a manageable schedule (like 2-3 posts a week). Better yet? Batch your content once a month or outsource it to someone who lives for this stuff (👋 hi, we do that).
Struggle #2: “I don’t know what to post.”
We get it: Sitting down to write a caption when your brain is already fried? Not the vibe.
The Fix:
Start with 4 basic post types:
Educate – Share tips or behind-the-scenes info
Engage – Ask questions or use polls
Promote – Highlight a product, service, or offer
Celebrate – Shout out a customer, team member, or milestone
Rotate through these themes and you’ll never run out of ideas. Still stuck? That’s where content planning tools—or working with someone like us—can help.
Struggle #3: “I’m posting, but I’m not getting results.”
Frustrating, right? You’re showing up but the engagement feels flat.
The Fix:
It’s time to dig into your analytics (don’t worry—it’s not as scary as it sounds). Check which posts are getting the most likes, comments, or saves. What time of day do people engage the most? Which topics spark conversations? Double down on what works and ditch what doesn’t. Also—make sure every post has a purpose and a clear call-to-action (even if it’s just “drop a 🙌 if you agree”).
Struggle #4: “I don’t have a clear brand voice or message.”
If your messaging feels all over the place, your audience won’t know what you’re about—or why they should stick around.
The Fix:
Start by asking yourself: What do I want to be known for? Then, use that answer to shape your content and tone. Are you bold and energetic? Calm and professional? Quirky and relatable? When your voice is consistent, your brand becomes recognizable—and that builds trust.
Struggle #5: “I’m doing all the things and still feel stuck.”
It might be time for a reset. If your content, website, or overall strategy feels misaligned, the best thing you can do is pause and reevaluate.
The Fix:
Start with a simple audit. Is your website clear? Are your social profiles updated? Are your offers easy to understand? Sometimes the solution isn’t doing more—it’s simplifying what you’re already doing and making sure everything works together seamlessly.
Real Talk Recap
Running a small business is no joke. You’re wearing all the hats, and marketing might be one you’d rather toss across the room. But here’s the truth—marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right strategy (and a little support), it can actually become the engine that grows your business… without taking over your life.
Need Help Making It Happen?
If you're feeling stuck, stretched thin, or just tired of Googling “what should I post today?”—I’ve got you. Whether you need help with social media, branding, or event planning, DJK Marketing Solutions is here to help you build a strategy that fits your business and your life.
Let’s connect—book a free discovery call here
Let’s take marketing off your plate, so you can get back to doing what you love.
—
Danielle & the DJK Marketing Solutions Team
