Social posts, engagement, advertising, click through rates and conversions…just some of the reasons marketing can feel like an arduous task for a small business owner, am I right? I feel your pain when it comes to how stressful it can be. It can feel like you’ve got marketing burnout, can’t it?
And if you’re anything like me, stress leads to eating chocolate (and drumstick squashies – they’re my faves…shush don’t tell anyone!) so it’s not good for your mind or your body!
But as this week sees National Stress Awareness Day, let’s see if I can help you get over the fatigue. So here are some tips to help you to avoid feeling like marketing is exhausting.
Have a plan
I know I keep harping on about strategies and plans, but they really do help you feel in control. Some of my clients even enjoy marketing once we have a strategy in place! Even if you don’t follow the plan to the finest detail, at least you’ll have ideas for what you can be doing. And if you’ve put your ideas down in a calendar, you can plan what you’ll need – things like props, photography and wording.
If you want to know more about creating a social media strategy, click here to read my tips.
Get ahead
And whilst you’re planning, how about creating content (whether it’s digital content, adverts or fliers for posting) and scheduling it all well in advance? You’ll be safe in the knowledge that everything is well organised. However, don’t forget to double check content when it is going to be published – just in case something is in the news that may clash with what you’re saying in your marketing.
Plenty of down time
Because of the digital world we live in it’s hard to switch off. But when it comes to your businesses digital marketing, it is possible to limit screen time. One way I approach it is to schedule time in my diary to be present on social media. Answering comments and messages, being social in groups etc. at a set time. And once that’s done, I can carry on with my day. I do have to be strict with myself and resist the urge to check it again!
And time for your personal life
This tip isn’t just about avoiding the marketing exhaustion, it’s about avoiding the weariness altogether as a small business owner. It’s demanding, time consuming and can end up taking over life altogether if we’re not careful. We’re all so passionate about building our businesses, but I’ve realised that not everything has to be done right now. It will get done eventually, but not to the detriment of family time or my life outside of work. So, if you can, make sure you’re making time for you and your personal life.
Tools to avoid marketing burnout
I thought I’d share just a few of the tools I use to help me navigate the digital marketing burnout:
Social media scheduling
Instagram Link in Bio pages
To create social media images and videos
Outsource the bits you don’t enjoy
If there are parts of your marketing that you really love to do that’s great…go with it and embrace it! But if there are parts that you aren’t so keen on, is it time to see if you can get some help with it? A few things you can think about before deciding whether you outsource are:
- What help do you need?
- Is there specific experience they need (e.g retail/product knowledge)?
- Do you have a budget in mind?
Well, isn’t it coincidental that I’m suggesting this? I mean, obviously I love to help small business owners with their marketing and if I can help them relieve the feeling of how stressful digital marketing is, then it’s very rewarding.
But I get that not everyone has budget for getting external help and some may feel nervous about trusting another person with marketing their business.
That’s OK, if you’re unsure but want to explore it, then please drop me a message.
Gill x
