 October is the season of pumpkins, costumes, and ghost stories—but for many small business owners, the real fright comes from marketing mistakes that keep haunting their growth. 👀 From wasted ad spend to inconsistent messaging, these slip-ups can scare away customers faster than a haunted house. The good news? You don’t need garlic, holy water, or a séance to fix them—you just need the right strategy. Here are five spooky marketing mistakes small businesses make—and how to make sure they never come back to haunt you. 1. 👻 Ghosting Your Audience Posting once in a blue moon or sending out an email every few months isn’t enough to keep your brand top of mind. Sporadic marketing makes your business disappear from customers’ memories. The Fix: Create a simple, consistent schedule for social media, email, and blogs. Even 2–3 posts per week can help keep your brand visible and alive. 2. 🎃 Treating Everyone the Same Not all customers are alike—yet many small businesses use a one-size-fits-all approach to marketing. The result? Messages that feel generic, impersonal, and ineffective. The Fix: Segment your audience. Tailor emails, ads, and social posts to specific groups based on their interests, needs, or buying habits. Personalized marketing always performs better. 3. 🕸️ Ignoring Your Website’s SEO What’s scarier than a haunted house? A website that can’t be found on Google. Without search engine optimization (SEO), your small business stays invisible to the very people searching for you. The Fix: Focus on keywords your ideal customers are searching for. Optimize your website titles, headings, and meta descriptions. Create valuable content—like blogs—that boost your ranking. 4. 🧛♂️ Draining Your Budget on the Wrong Ads Spending money on ads without tracking results is like a vampire sucking your budget dry. You might get clicks, but if they’re not converting, you’re just burning cash. The Fix: Always track ROI. Use analytics tools to measure which campaigns drive leads and sales. Double down on what works and cut what doesn’t. 5. 🦇 Flying Blind Without a Plan Jumping from one idea to the next without a marketing strategy leads to chaos, burnout, and wasted effort. It’s the marketing equivalent of wandering into a dark forest without a flashlight. The Fix: Develop a simple marketing plan that outlines your goals, platforms, budget, and schedule. A clear strategy helps you stay focused and consistent. Final Thoughts Marketing doesn’t have to be frightening—but ignoring these common mistakes will keep your business stuck in a haunted loop of missed opportunities. By staying consistent, personalizing your efforts, optimizing for SEO, tracking your ad spend, and sticking to a plan, you can turn those spooky marketing nightmares into real growth. 👻 Want to make your marketing less scary (and way more effective)? At Janzen Marketing, we help small businesses banish their marketing ghosts and build strategies that actually work. Janzen Marketing LLC
www.janzenmarketingllc.com (785) 212-0945 [email protected] Follow us on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janzenmarketing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/janzenmarketingllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janzenmarketing/
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 Social media can feel like a mystery for many small business owners. You know it’s important, but the constant updates, algorithms, and content demands make it easy to feel stuck. In fact, most small businesses struggle with social media—not because they lack talent, but because they lack a strategy. In this post, we’ll break down the #1 reason small businesses fail on social media and share actionable steps to fix it. Why Strategy Is the Missing Piece Without a social media strategy, businesses often post randomly, chase trends, or skip platforms altogether. This leads to:
Social media without a plan is like sailing without a compass—you might move, but you won’t reach your destination. How to Fix It: 5 Steps to a Winning Social Media Strategy 1. Define Your Goals Start by asking: What do you want social media to achieve?
Clear goals give your social media purpose and make it easier to measure success. 2. Know Your Audience Understanding your target audience is essential:
This ensures your content resonates and reaches the right people. 3. Create a Content Plan Random posting is one of the biggest social media mistakes. Instead:
4. Be Consistent Algorithms reward consistency. A steady posting schedule helps:
Even 2–3 posts per week with purpose beats sporadic posting. 5. Track Performance and Adjust Social media is not “set it and forget it.” Track metrics like:
Use this data to refine your strategy and focus on what works best. Final Thoughts The #1 reason small businesses struggle with social media is simple: lack of strategy. But with clear goals, audience understanding, a solid content plan, consistency, and performance tracking, you can turn social media into a powerful marketing tool instead of a time-draining frustration. 💡 Feeling overwhelmed with social media? Janzen Marketing helps small businesses create strategies that save time, increase engagement, and drive real results. Janzen Marketing LLC
www.janzenmarketingllc.com (785) 212-0945 [email protected] Follow us on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janzenmarketing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/janzenmarketingllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janzenmarketing/  If your social media posts aren’t getting the engagement or reach they once did, you’re not alone. With constantly changing algorithms, even the most consistent businesses can feel invisible online. Likes, comments, and shares may drop, leaving you frustrated and questioning the value of your efforts. The good news? With the right strategies, you can reclaim visibility, reconnect with your audience, and make your social media work harder for your business. 1. Understand the Algorithm Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok prioritize content that keeps users engaged. They analyze factors like:
SEO Tip: Incorporate keywords like “social media visibility,” “social media algorithm,” and “increase social media reach” throughout your post. 2. Post Consistently With Purpose Random posting can hurt your reach. Algorithms favor accounts that post regularly and provide value. How to Fix It:
3. Engage Actively With Your Audience Social media isn’t just a broadcasting tool—it’s a conversation platform. Engagement signals to the algorithm that your content is valuable. Action Steps:
4. Leverage Video and Reels Video content, including short-form videos like Instagram Reels or TikTok clips, tends to get higher reach and engagement. Algorithms often prioritize video over static posts. Pro Tip: Share behind-the-scenes content, tutorials, or quick tips that align with your brand and provide value to your audience. 5. Optimize Your Captions and Hashtags Your captions and hashtags help the algorithm understand and categorize your content.
6. Repurpose and Refresh Content Don’t let good content fade away. Repurpose blog posts, videos, or infographics across multiple platforms to reach new audiences. Refresh older posts with updated captions, visuals, or trending hashtags to give them new life. Final Thoughts Getting lost in the social media algorithm is common, but it’s not permanent. By posting consistently, engaging with your audience, leveraging video, optimizing captions and hashtags, and repurposing content, you can reclaim visibility and strengthen your online presence. If you’re struggling to get your social media seen, Janzen Marketing can help you develop a strategy that maximizes reach, engagement, and results—without the guesswork or burnout. Janzen Marketing LLC
www.janzenmarketingllc.com (785) 212-0945 [email protected] Follow us on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janzenmarketing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/janzenmarketingllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janzenmarketing/  If you run a small business, you’ve probably heard that “you need to post more on social media”. And maybe you’ve taken that advice to heart—sharing a few posts when you have time, uploading a product photo when you remember, or hopping on a trending audio clip when you stumble across one. The problem? Random posting is killing your reach, consistency, and credibility—and it could be costing you customers. Here’s why posting without a plan is hurting your business and what you can do instead to create a simple, strategic marketing system that actually works. 1. Random Posting Confuses Your Audience When your posts don’t follow a consistent theme, schedule, or purpose, your audience has no idea what to expect from you. One day, you might post a behind-the-scenes photo. The next week, a product shot. Then… silence for a month. This inconsistency sends a message (even if it’s not intentional):
The truth is, people follow businesses for value and reliability. If they can’t count on you to show up, they’ll stop paying attention. 2. Inconsistent Posting Hurts Your Algorithm Reach Social media platforms reward consistency. Their algorithms prioritize accounts that post regularly and keep users engaged. When you post sporadically, the algorithm doesn’t recognize your account as “active” and shows your content to fewer people. And fewer impressions mean fewer clicks, sales, and opportunities to connect. Think of it this way: Random posting is like popping into a networking event once every few months—you’ll struggle to make real connections because people don’t remember who you are. 3. You Miss Out on Building Momentum Marketing is about building trust over time, and trust comes from repetition. When you disappear for long stretches, you lose the momentum you’ve built. Every time you stop, you’re essentially starting over. Your audience needs to see your message multiple times before they act. If you post randomly, you’re breaking that repetition and slowing the path to sales. What to Do Instead: Build a Simple Content Plan You don’t need to post daily or spend hours creating content. You do need a plan that’s easy to stick to and aligned with your business goals. Here’s how: 1. Choose Your Posting Schedule Pick a frequency you can maintain—consistency beats volume. Even 2–3 posts per week can be enough if you stick to it. 2. Use Content Pillars Decide on 3–5 recurring themes that reflect your brand. For example:
3. Plan Ahead with a Content Calendar Schedule posts a week or month in advance. This removes the stress of last-minute posting and helps you stay consistent. 4. Track and Adjust Check your analytics to see which posts perform best and do more of what works. The Bottom Line Random posting is costing you visibility, trust, and sales. By switching to a simple, repeatable content plan, you can boost engagement, strengthen your brand, and actually move the needle for your business—without losing your mind. If you’re tired of the stress and inconsistency, start small. Pick your schedule, stick to it, and watch your marketing transform from random to results-driven. Janzen Marketing LLC
www.janzenmarketingllc.com (785) 212-0945 [email protected] Follow us on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janzenmarketing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/janzenmarketingllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janzenmarketing/  Marketing your small business online is essential—but it can also feel like navigating a maze. SEO, social media, and local advertising all promise results, but many business owners find themselves stuck, unsure how to move forward or get the return they need. Let’s break down the top pain points small businesses experience with SEO, social media, and local ads—and how to overcome them. SEO Struggles: Too Technical, Too Time-Consuming Pain Point: SEO can feel overwhelming. Between keywords, meta descriptions, backlinks, and rankings, it’s hard to know where to start—and how to maintain it. Solution: Focus on local SEO basics first—optimize your Google Business Profile, use location-based keywords, and encourage reviews. Small wins here drive big local traffic. Social Media Struggles: Content Burnout and Inconsistent Posting Pain Point: Creating fresh, engaging content regularly is exhausting. The pressure to post daily or “go viral” adds to the stress. Solution: Develop a content calendar focused on quality over quantity. Repurpose existing content, batch-create posts, and engage authentically with your community instead of chasing every trend. Local Ads Struggles: Budget Constraints and Poor Targeting Pain Point: Paid local ads can feel expensive with unclear results. Without precise targeting, you might spend money showing ads to people unlikely to visit your business. Solution: Use geo-targeted ads with clear calls-to-action, start with small budgets, and track performance carefully. Platforms like Facebook and Google Ads offer tools to refine your audience. How Janzen Marketing Can Help You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Janzen Marketing specializes in helping small businesses cut through the confusion and build effective SEO, social, and local ad strategies that deliver measurable results. 👉 Ready to stop spinning your wheels? Contact us today to get started with your small business marketing efforts! Janzen Marketing LLC
www.janzenmarketingllc.com (785) 212-0945 [email protected] Follow us on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janzenmarketing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/janzenmarketingllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janzenmarketing/  July is the perfect time to infuse your brand with local charm and seasonal flair. One of the most effective ways to do this is by partnering with micro-influencers—content creators who have between 1,000 and 100,000 followers and a strong connection to their community. These influencers offer an authentic voice that resonates deeply with their audience, making them invaluable allies for your summer campaigns. Why Micro-Influencers Shine in July
Crafting a Localized July Campaign with Micro-Influencers
Measuring Success Track the effectiveness of your campaign by monitoring:
Final Thoughts Leveraging micro-influencers for your July campaigns allows you to tap into niche audiences with a personal touch. Their authentic content and strong local connections can amplify your brand's presence and drive meaningful engagement. By thoughtfully selecting partners and crafting compelling campaigns, you can make this July your most successful yet. If you're interested in exploring micro-influencer partnerships for your brand, consider reaching out to local influencers who align with your values and target audience. Their insights and influence can provide a fresh perspective and help elevate your marketing efforts. Janzen Marketing LLC
www.janzenmarketingllc.com (785) 212-0945 [email protected] Follow us on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janzenmarketing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/janzenmarketingllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janzenmarketing/  As July heats up, so does the opportunity to convert summer excitement into social commerce sales. With 59% of all e-commerce projected to happen on mobile devices in 2025 and over 40% of mobile purchases happening directly through social platforms, optimizing mobile-first strategies isn’t optional—it’s essential. Here’s how to set up your brand for mid-summer success. 1. Lightning-Fast, Mobile-Optimized Experiences
2. Mobile-First Design & Visual Storytelling
3. Seamless Social Commerce Integration
4. Personalize the Shopping Journey
5. Data & AI–Driven Optimization
6. Summer Timing Tips
Measuring Success Track these essential KPIs to ensure your mobile commerce strategy hits the mark:
Make This Summer Your Social Commerce Season Mid-summer is your moment to shine through seamless mobile experiences and social-first customer journeys. At Janzen Marketing, we specialize in mobile-optimized, social commerce strategies—from shoppable videos to AI-driven personalization—that elevate your brand and drive real results. Ready to capture holiday shoppers and vacation shoppers in real time? Contact us today to design a mobile-first summer commerce plan built for conversion and growth. Janzen Marketing LLC
www.janzenmarketingllc.com (785) 212-0945 [email protected] Follow us on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janzenmarketing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/janzenmarketingllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janzenmarketing/  This July, the opportunity to reach early holiday shoppers is hotter than ever. As live streams and social commerce surge in popularity, brands can connect directly with consumers, evoking the excitement of traditional holiday retail--right on social media. The Power of Social Commerce & Live Shopping
Why July Is Primed for Live Streaming Campaigns
How to Run Successful July Live Events 1. Choose the Right Platform – Favor TikTok, Instagram Live, or Facebook Shop based on your audience demographics: TikTok Shop excels with Gen Z and resonator audiences, offering in-app sales and high-engagement livestreams. Instagram & Facebook offer robust shoppable features like live shopping tags and product catalogs—ideal for reaching a broader age range . 2. Partner with Influencers – Choose creators trusted by your target market to host your live events. They can elevate credibility and drive views (and sales) rapidly . 3. Build Hype in Advance – Promote your stream with countdowns, teaser clips, and email/social reminders. Scarcity tactics ("limited stock in event") increase urgency. 4. Keep It Bite-Sized & Interactive – Break your live event into segments under 5 minutes each—present product demos, Q&A sessions, polls, and real-time giveaways . 5. Offer Exclusive Incentives – Provide live-only deals like discounts, bundles, or free gifts. Highlight urgency with countdowns or flash notifications. 6. Analyze & Retarget – Track engagement and view-to-purchase ratios. Use the replay to retarget those who watched but didn’t buy. Measuring Success & ROI Track these key indicators to evaluate your live stream’s impact:  July Live Shopping Playbook
Janzen Marketing LLC
www.janzenmarketingllc.com (785) 212-0945 [email protected] Follow us on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janzenmarketing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/janzenmarketingllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janzenmarketing/  Every July 17, brands across the globe celebrate World Emoji Day—a playful yet powerful opportunity to boost engagement, humanize your messaging, and even drive conversions. Since its inception in 2014 by Emojipedia’s Jeremy Burge, this day has become a major social touchpoint, with platforms like Apple, Twitter, and Google using it to roll out new emoji updates and brand campaigns. Why Emojis Work
Practices for Emoji-Driven Marketing
Campaign Ideas for World Emoji Day
Tracking Success Measure the impact of your emoji campaigns by tracking:
It's Time to Speak Emoji World Emoji Day isn't just fun—it’s strategic. Brands that embrace emoji-driven content see stronger engagement, clearer emotional connection, and even conversion boosts. Partner with Janzen Marketing Ready to make July 17 count? At Janzen Marketing, we design emoji-aware campaigns that resonate and convert. From emoji-powered email series to interactive hashtag challenges, our team can help you connect in a conversational, engaging way. 👉 Contact Janzen Marketing today to plan your emoji-infused strategy for World Emoji Day—and beyond. Janzen Marketing LLC
www.janzenmarketingllc.com (785) 212-0945 [email protected] Follow us on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janzenmarketing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/janzenmarketingllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janzenmarketing/  July is National Ice Cream Month, a delicious opportunity for brands to scoop up engagement with flavorful and fun social media content. From classic ice cream socials to creative giveaways, here are five cool campaign ideas to help your brand shine this summer: 1. Host an Ice Cream Social Event Invite followers and local fans to an in-person or virtual Ice Cream Social where they build custom sundaes with your signature toppings.
2. Run a “Free Scoop” or BOGO Promo Offer free scoops or BOGO deals to reward your audience:
3. Launch a Flavor Creation Challenge Encourage followers to invent a new summer flavor in the comments.
4. Celebrate National Ice Cream Day The third Sunday of July is National Ice Cream Day—an ideal moment to run timely promotions.
5. Partner with Local Brands Tap into roundtable promotions by teaming up with local favorites:
Sweet Tips for Campaign Success
Why Campaigns Like These Work
Partner with Janzen Marketing for Sweet Summer Results Want help melting away your audience’s boredom with engaging ice cream campaigns? Janzen Marketing specializes in crafting fun, community‑driven social strategies that deliver ROI. Contact Janzen Marketing today to plan your July ice cream initiative—and make this summer a sweet success! Janzen Marketing LLC
www.janzenmarketingllc.com (785) 212-0945 [email protected] Follow us on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janzenmarketing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/janzenmarketingllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janzenmarketing/ |
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