Octopus Marketing: The Small Business Owner’s Frenemy

Are you tired of feeling like your marketing efforts are going nowhere? Do you find yourself posting on social media every day, but not seeing any results? You might be engaging in what I like to call “Octopus Marketing.”

What is Octopus Marketing, you ask? It’s when business owners try to do everything at once without a clear strategy. They post on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and every other platform out there, but they’re not saying anything memorable or triggering any response from their audience. They may hire others to help with their marketing but don’t give them proper direction because everything is rushed and they don’t really know what they want. They’re only doing things halfway, with no follow-up or evaluation because they’re too busy scrambling. They keep changing their messaging because they don’t really know what to focus on. If this sounds like you, it’s really not your fault: it’s your go-getter attitude and commitment to your business that got you here. Both of which are amazing and commendable.

The Octopi believe that the more they do, the more clients they will get. But that’s not necessarily true. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Octopus Marketing wastes precious time and creates frustration. And, unfortunately, it’s all too common among small business owners. In a recent survey, it was found that small business owners spend an average of 20 hours per week on marketing-related activities. That’s a lot of time to waste on something that might not even be effective.

But fear not, my fellow small business owners! There is a better way, and it starts with strategy. Rather than trying to do everything at once, focus on a few key areas where you can make a difference. Define your target audience, and create messaging that speaks directly to them. Make sure your branding is consistent across all channels, and always be evaluating and adjusting your strategy based on the results you see.

In short, stop trying to be an Octopus, and start being a strategic marketer. It might take a bit of effort upfront, but the payoff will be worth it in the end.

So, let’s break up with Octopus Marketing and make it our frenemy. We’ll acknowledge that it exists, but we won’t let it take over our lives. Instead, we’ll create a clear strategy, focus on the things that matter, and watch our businesses thrive.