Marketing. Just the mention of the word might make you want to hide under your desk, especially when you’re swamped with running your business. We get it. It can feel overwhelming, time-consuming, and, at times, intimidating. It’s a good thing it doesn’t have to stay that way! If you’re working with a limited budget or feeling stretched for time, there are achievable marketing goals you can set to amplify reach, build your brand, and attract more customers locally, digitally, and personally. Let’s dive into five goals that you can start working on today to make a big impact. They’re designed to help you show up authentically and build trust with your audience.

Goal #1: Increase Your Website Visitors

If no one’s visiting your website, you essentially just set up a lemonade stand in the middle of a deserted island. Great lemonade, but there’s no one to share it with. How do you get more people to drop by? Start with some content. Begin a blog on your site where you share tips or stories related to your industry (just like this one). 

If you’re in HVAC, write about the best heating and cooling systems to use and why. An accountant? Share some tax season survival tips. Providing something of value draws people in and keeps them coming back. You’ll also want to be listed on Google Business Profile to boost visibility in local search results, plus drive more traffic to your website. 

Pro tip: Add your website link to your email signature. It’s an easy way to encourage clicks and get more eyes on your business.

Goal #2: Get a New Subscriber

Grow your email list by offering a valuable freebie like a guide, checklist, or a discount. You want to keep the sign-up form short and simple (name and email only) to encourage more sign-ups. Strategically placed pop-ups offering these freebies can also capture more attention and add to the user experience.

Pro tip: Promote your freebie on social media and pin it to the top of your profiles for maximum visibility. Read more about creating a lead magnet for your business here.

Goal #3: Make a Sale

Ah, the sweet sound of a ringing cash register, or these days, the delightful ping of an online sale notification. Making a sale is the ultimate goal, but how do you nudge people from browsing to buying? Make the purchasing process as smooth as possible. If your checkout feels like solving a Rubik’s Cube, customers will abandon their carts. Quickly. Fewer clicks means more completed sales.

You can show your best sellers on your site’s homepage to encourage buying, using customer reviews to back up the product or service. Creating urgency with “Today Only” or “Limited Stock” offers will drive quick action as well.

Pro tip: People are more likely to buy when they see that others have had a positive experience. Just another reminder to show off your testimonials!

Goal #4: Find a Lead

Leads are those who might be interested in what you’re offering but haven’t taken the plunge. You’ll need to connect with them. One of the best ways to do so is by engaging in social listening. Join conversations, answer questions, and share advice on social media or at in-person events. You can even offer upfront value with a webinar or live Q&A, then invite attendees to book a call with you.

There’s also power in partnering with complementary businesses that can help you share leads and cross-promote both of your services within your local area.

Pro tip: Add a strong call-to-action on your social media profiles. This can encourage followers to reach out for a free consultation or to find you on other platforms. Read more about connecting with your audience on social media here.

Goal #5: Give Yourself an Online Presence

Being online is a social game. Set up profiles on social media platforms where your target audience also lives. You don’t have to be active on every platform, just the ones that make sense for your business. Photographer? Maybe Instagram is your stage. Consultant? LinkedIn might be your playground. We do recommend claiming your business name on major social media sites like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. This helps protect your brand and gives you control over your online presence in the long run.

Once you do, be active. Post regularly. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses. Interact with your followers. Did your office dog just steal your sandwich? Share that moment! People love authenticity, and it helps build a connection.

Quick tips to boost your online presence:

• Posting regularly keeps you on your audience’s radar.
• Posts with images or videos get more engagement.
• Responding to comments and messages make your audience feel heard. 
• Commenting, liking, and sharing content from others in your industry fosters community.
• Sharing why you started your business and what drives you will resonate with people.

Bringing It All Together

Marketing doesn’t have to be a monstrous task that keeps you up at night. Setting manageable goals and taking actionable steps can amplify your reach and build genuine connections with your audience. It’s about speaking authentically and engaging with the people who value what you offer. Just pick a goal to start with and take that first step. Who knows? That next website visitor, subscriber, or follower might just become your biggest fan (and bring you home some bacon).

Ready to take the guess-work out of your marketing strategy? Just fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you soon.