I've heard a common refrain from small business owners: "I know I need to do digital marketing, but I have no idea where to start." I get it ...you're already wearing ten different hats. The last thing you need is another complicated task eating up your time, but digital marketing doesn't have to drain your bank account or consume your life. You just need to understand a few key things before jumping in.

Getting Your Foundation Right

Figure out what you actually want to achieve

• Are you trying to get more people through your door? Boost online sales? Just get your name out there?
• Write down specific numbers. "I want 50 more website visitors each month" beats "I want more traffic" every single time.

Really understand who you're talking to

• What keeps them up at night? Where do they hang out online?
• Here's a mistake I see constantly: businesses assume their customers are on every platform. They're not. Find out where YOUR people actually spend their time.

Get real about what you can handle

• How much can you spend each month? Can you dedicate five hours a week to this? Ten?
• Some businesses start with something like three hours weekly and a $200 monthly budget.

Picking the Right Platforms

Don't try to do everything at once

• This is the biggest mistake I see. Business owners create accounts on six platforms, post for two weeks, get overwhelmed, and quit.
• Pick one, maybe two channels. Master those first.

Match the platform to your business

• Running a local shop? Get your Google Business Profile set up today. It's free and it works.
• Selling something visual? Instagram might be your best bet.
• B2B company? Try LinkedIn.
• Everyone should be building an email list from day one. It's still one of the best ways to reach customers directly.

Creating Content That Works

Think about what your customers need, not what you want to say

• Share tips they can use. Show them behind the scenes. Tell customer success stories.
• You don't need fancy graphics. Authenticity beats polish.

Consistency matters more than perfection

• Simple, regular posts outperform "perfect" content that only shows up once in a blue moon.
• Find a rhythm you can stick to. Better to post twice a week reliably than aim for daily and burn out.

Measuring Results

Pay attention to numbers that actually matter

• Forget follower counts if they're not turning into customers. Focus on website clicks, appointment bookings, sales—whatever matters to YOUR business.
• Check your numbers once a month. Look for patterns. Double down on what works.

Give it time and be willing to adjust

• Most businesses need three to six months before they see real traction.
• If something isn't working after a couple months, change it. The businesses that succeed stay flexible and learn as they go.

Final Thoughts

Starting with digital marketing can feel like learning a new language, but thousands of small businesses are doing it successfully right now. The difference between those who succeed and those who give up usually comes down to having a clear plan and staying consistent. If you're feeling stuck or just want someone to help you create a strategy that fits your specific business, budget, and schedule, I'd love to chat. No pressure, no sales pitch—just a conversation about where you are and where you want to go. Your customers are online searching for what you offer - let's make sure they can find you!