Originally authored by Kirsty Bond

After developing marketing strategies for clients, we often get asked “I’m ready to implement but do you have any suggestions on what and how I can market my business myself?”

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your marketing approach depends on what your goals are, your budget and how much time you or your team can dedicate to DIY marketing.

 

ready to market your business? here’s where to start

 

step 1: build your marketing foundations + infrastructure

Before you dive into marketing execution, you need both a solid strategy and the right tools to support your efforts. Here’s what to focus on:

 

strategy + branding: setting the stage

  • Marketing strategy – Who’s your audience? What’s your message? What makes you different? Without a clear strategy, you’re shooting in the dark.
  • Brand identity – Consistency is key. Your logo, colours and tone of voice should be seamless across every touchpoint and your brand should resonate with your audience.
  • Website – Your digital shopfront. Your website should be easy to navigate, mobile-friendly and crystal clear about what you offer.

 

systems + tools: making the execution smoother

  • CRM [Customer Relationship Management System] – Keep track of leads, interactions, follow-ups and existing customers without drowning in spreadsheets.
  • Marketing tech stack – Invest in tools like Canva for basic graphics, an email marketing platform, and a social media scheduling platform to save time.
  • Branded assets – Templates for EDM’s, social media presentations and proposals ensure consistency and professionalism.
  • Automation + scheduling – Plan social media posts in advance and set up automated emails to keep your audience engaged with minimal effort.

 

step 2: easy DIY marketing tactics to try now

Not all marketing requires a big budget or clever tech. Some of the most effective activities are simple:

 

  • Content creation – Writing blogs [like this one!] is a great way to build credibility and SEO rankings. AI can help and be a good place to start for ideas, but be really mindful to inject your brand’s personality into your writing so it doesn’t sound robotic.
  • Video content – Authenticity sells. Shoot short videos on your iPhone to engage your audience. They don’t have to be polished and behind-the-scenes clips, product demos or customer testimonials all build trust.
  • Personal touches – Small things matter. Handwritten thank you notes or personalised emails make customers feel valued and more likely to return.
  • Networking – Attend industry events, join online forums and engage in business communities. Relationships can lead to referrals and collaborations that money can’t buy.
  • Social media engagement – Don’t just post – have a strategy and remember to interact! Reply to comments, join conversations and build relationships with your audience.

 

step 3: marketing skills to learn over time

If you’re up for a challenge, there’s plenty of skills you can master over time. Learning the basics of SEO, the dark art of Meta paid ads and email marketing strategy can help improve your reach, while data analytics can give you valuable insights.

 

is DIY marketing the best use of your time?

Sure, doing the marketing yourself can be handy if you’re on a tight budget. But is it the best use of your time? Every hour spent learning the dark art of managing paid ads on Meta, or creating content is an hour you’ve not been able to spend growing your business, closing deals or focusing on your customers.

Marketing takes time – time that could be better spent on tasks that drive your business forward such as product development or sales. While DIY marketing can work, many business owners find themselves overwhelmed trying to juggle everything. And at some point, you need to ask “is my time worth more than the cost of hiring a professional?”.

It may be more cost-effective to delegate it to marketing experts who can deliver better results, faster.

 

need a hand with your marketing?

Marketing can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone! If you’re keen to try DIY marketing, the best thing you can do is get your marketing strategy sorted first. Our marketing team is here to help you get clear on your strategy and brand foundations so you have a roadmap to success.

Reach out to us at marketing@businessdepot.com.au or give us a buzz on 1300BDEPOT!

 

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