Why Your Small Business Content Marketing Sucks (And How to Fix It Before You Go Broke)

“But I’m Just a Small Business!”—Yeah, And That’s No Excuse

Let’s start with the most common excuse I hear: “But I’m just a small business!” Oh, poor you. You think that just because you’re not a Fortune 500 company with a gazillion-dollar marketing budget, you can’t do content marketing right. Newsflash: Your size isn’t the problem—your mindset is.

The Brutal Truth: Your Small Business Is No Different

Here’s the thing—content marketing works for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a one-person shop or a growing company with a handful of employees, content marketing can drive massive results if you do it right. The problem isn’t that you’re small and not taking content marketing seriously.

The Fix: Start Thinking Big

So, how do you fix this? Start by changing your mindset. Stop thinking of yourself as “just a small business” and start thinking of yourself as a brand. Your content marketing strategy should be as ambitious as your growth goals. Whether you aim to dominate your local market or expand nationally, content marketing is your ticket to success. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving and reaching new heights. The potential for growth and success through content marketing is immense, and it’s time to tap into it.

You can get started without a huge budget. Content marketing is one of the most cost-effective strategies out there. It’s all about being wise with your resources and focusing on the tactics to deliver the most bang for your buck. And if you need help figuring out where to start, guess what? We at Core Creative, with our proven track record in content marketing, can guide you every step of the way.

“But I Don’t Have Time!”—Yeah, That’s What They All Say

Next up: the time excuse. “But I don’t have time to create content!” I hear this one all the time, and it drives me nuts. Look, I get it—you’re busy running your business, managing employees, dealing with customers, and putting out fires. But here’s the hard truth: You will never grow if you don’t make time for content marketing.

The Brutal Truth: You’re Not Making Content a Priority

Here’s the reality—if you’re not doing content marketing because you “don’t have time,” it’s because you’re not prioritizing it. And that’s a huge mistake. Content marketing isn’t just another task on your to-do list; it’s a critical part of your business strategy. If you’re not putting time and effort into it, you’re missing out on a massive opportunity to grow your business and risking falling behind your competitors. It’s time to make content marketing a priority and see the difference it can make.

The Fix: Make Time for What Matters

So, how do you fix this? Start by making content marketing a priority. Schedule a weekly time to create and promote content, and treat it like any other important business task. Whether it’s writing blog posts, creating videos, or planning your social media strategy, make time for it.

And if you’re strapped for time, consider outsourcing some of your content marketing efforts. There’s no shame in getting help—especially if it means you can focus on what you do best while driving results with your content. And guess what? We at Core Creative can help with that, too.

“But I Don’t Know What to Write About!”—Then You’re Not Listening

Another classic excuse: “But I don’t know what to write about!” Let me tell you something—if you don’t know what to write about, it’s because you’re not listening to your audience. Your customers are telling you what they want to know, and you’re ignoring them. That’s not just lazy—that’s business suicide.

The Brutal Truth: You’re Not Paying Attention

Here’s the thing—your audience is a goldmine of content ideas. Every question they ask, every problem they face, and every pain point is an opportunity for you to create content that helps them. If you’re not tapping into that, you’re missing out on some of the most valuable content ideas you’ll ever find.

The Fix: Start Listening to Your Audience

So, how do you fix this? Start by paying attention. Listen to your customers, read their comments, check their social media questions, and discover their problems. Every interaction with your audience is a potential content idea. By listening to your audience, you’re not only gaining valuable insights but also empowering yourself with a wealth of content ideas.

And don’t just stop at your audience—look at your competitors, too. What are they writing about? What’s resonating with their audience? Use that as inspiration for your own content.

And if you’re still stuck, guess what? We at Core Creative can help you brainstorm content ideas that will resonate with your audience and drive actual results.

“But I’m Not a Writer!”—Yeah, And I’m Not a Plumber, But I Still Have Running Water

This one kills me: “But I’m not a writer!” Oh, please. If you can run a business, you can write a blog post. Writing isn’t about being the next Hemingway—it’s about communicating with your audience in a clear, compelling, and valuable way. And if you’re unwilling to do that, what are you doing in business?

The Brutal Truth: You’re Just Making Excuses

Here’s the reality—writing isn’t that hard. It’s just an excuse people use when they don’t want to put in the effort. If you can converse with a customer, you can write a blog post. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being authentic and helpful.

The Fix: Start Writing or Get Help

So, how do you fix this? Start by getting over yourself. Stop worrying about being the best writer in the world and focus on delivering value to your audience. Your content doesn’t have to be Shakespearean—it must be helpful.

And if you really hate writing, then hire someone who loves it. There are plenty of talented writers out there who can help you create content that resonates with your audience. And guess what? We at Core Creative have some of the best in the business.

“But My Industry Is Boring!”—Then Make It Interesting

Let’s tackle this ridiculous excuse: “But my industry is boring!” Seriously? No industry is boring if you know how to make it enjoyable. If you think your industry is boring, you’re not thinking creatively. Every sector has stories to tell, problems to solve, and value to provide—you just have to find the right angle.

The Brutal Truth: You’re Not Trying Hard Enough

Here’s the thing—there’s no such thing as a boring industry, only dull content. If you’re not finding ways to make your sector enjoyable, it’s because you’re not trying hard enough. People are interested in things that solve their problems, make their lives easier, or entertain them. Your job is to find out what that is for your audience and deliver it.

The Fix: Find the Story in Your Industry

So, how do you fix this? Start by looking for the stories in your industry. Every industry has them—the challenges your customers face, the trends shaping the future, or the unique ways your products or services make a difference.

And don’t be afraid to get creative. Use storytelling, humor, and visuals to make your content more engaging. If you can make people care about your industry, they’ll care about your business.

And if you need help finding the story in your industry, guess what? We at Core Creative can help. Our team of content experts knows how to find interesting angles in any sector and turn them into content that people actually want to read.

“But My Audience Isn’t Online!”—Yeah, Keep Telling Yourself That

Here’s one that grinds my gears: “But my audience isn’t online!” Are you kidding me? It’s 2024—everyone is online. If you’re telling yourself that your audience isn’t online, it’s because you’re not looking hard enough. And if you’re not online, you’re missing out on the most significant opportunity to grow your business.

The Brutal Truth: You’re in Denial

Here’s the reality—your audience is online, whether you like it or not. They search for information, read reviews, and make purchasing decisions based on what they find online. If you’re not there to meet them, your competitors will be.

The Fix: Get Online or Get Left Behind

So, how do you fix this? Start by accepting that your audience is online. Whether on Google, social media, or industry-specific forums, they’re out there and looking for what you have to offer.

Next, make sure you have a solid online presence. That means a well-optimized website, active social media profiles, and content that helps your audience find you. The more visible you are online, the more opportunities you have to connect with your audience and drive them to your business.

And if you’re struggling to get online, guess what? We at Core Creative can help. Our team of digital marketing experts can help you build a solid online presence that gets results.

“But I Don’t Have a Marketing Budget!”—Then Get Creative

Let’s tackle the budget excuse: “But I don’t have a marketing budget!” I get it—you’re a small business, and every dollar counts. But here’s the thing—content marketing doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, it’s one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies out there. The problem isn’t your budget; it’s your creativity.

The Brutal Truth: You’re Not Being Creative Enough

Here’s the reality—content marketing doesn’t require a massive budget; it requires creativity and hustle. If you’re not getting results with your content marketing, you’re not being resourceful enough. You don’t need to spend much money to create content that drives traffic, generates leads, and closes sales.

The Fix: Get Creative with Your Content Marketing

So, how do you fix this? Start by being wise with your resources. Focus on creating high-quality content that delivers value rather than trying to do everything at once. Well-crafted blog posts, videos, or social media updates can go a long way if targeted and effective.

Next, take advantage of free or low-cost tools and platforms. There are tons of tools out there that can help you create, distribute, and measure your content without breaking the bank. You have no shortage of resources, from free graphic design tools like Canva to social media scheduling tools like Buffer.

And remember the power of repurposing. One piece of content can be repurposed into multiple formats—like turning a blog post into a video, an infographic, or a social media post. This allows you to get more mileage from your content and reach a wider audience.

And if you need help to make the most of your budget, guess what? We at Core Creative can help. Our team of content marketing experts knows how to create and execute a content strategy that delivers results without breaking the bank.

“But Content Marketing Takes Too Long!”—Then Stop Being Impatient

Let’s address impatience: “But content marketing takes too long!” Yes, content marketing is a long-term strategy that takes time to see results. But here’s the thing—anything worth doing takes time. You’re in the wrong game if you’re looking for quick wins. Content marketing is about building a foundation for sustained growth, not chasing overnight success.

The Brutal Truth: You’re Looking for a Shortcut

Here’s the reality—there are no shortcuts in content marketing. It takes time, effort, and consistency to see results. If you’re not willing to invest in the long term, then you’ll never see the full potential of what content marketing can do for your business.

The Fix: Be Patient, Be Consistent

So, how do you fix this? Start by setting realistic expectations. Content marketing will deliver short-term results but will provide sustained growth over time if you stick with it. Focus on the long game and stay consistent with your content efforts.

Next, track your progress and celebrate small wins. Every piece of content you create is a step toward your long-term goals. Track your metrics, see what’s working, and adjust as needed. The more you invest in content marketing, the more you’ll see it pay off over time.

And if you need help to stay patient and consistent, guess what? We at Core Creative can help. Our team of content marketing experts can help you develop and execute a long-term strategy that delivers accurate, measurable results.

“But My Competition Is Doing It Better!”—Then Outdo Them

Let’s discuss competition: “But my competition is doing it better!” Oh, really? So what? Even if your competition does content marketing, they must do it right. In fact, most businesses could improve content marketing. If your competition is your excuse for not succeeding, you’re not trying hard enough.

The Brutal Truth: You’re Not Trying Hard Enough

Here’s the reality—your competition might be doing content marketing, but that doesn’t mean they’re doing it well. And even if they are, that’s no excuse for you to sit back and do nothing. If anything, it should motivate you to outdo them. Content marketing is a strategy game; you will lose if you’re not playing to win.

The Fix: Outdo Your Competition

So, how do you fix this? Start by analyzing what your competition is doing. Look at their content, see what’s working for them, and then do it better. Whether creating more in-depth content, targeting more specific keywords, or engaging more effectively with your audience, there’s always a way to outdo your competition.

Next, focus on what makes your business unique. What can you offer that your competition can’t? What unique insights, experiences, or value can you bring? The more you can differentiate yourself from your competition, the more successful your content marketing will be.

And if you need help to outdo your competition, guess what? We at Core Creative can help. Our team of content marketing experts knows how to create and execute strategies that keep up with the competition and blow them out of the water.

“But I Don’t Know How to Measure Success!”—Then Learn, or Get Help

Finally, let’s address the measurement issue: “But I don’t know how to measure success!” If you’re not measuring the success of your content marketing, then you’re flying blind. And if you’re flying blind, you’re going to crash. Measuring success isn’t optional—it’s essential. If you’re not tracking your progress, you’ll never know what’s working and what’s not.

The Brutal Truth: You’re Not Paying Attention to the Numbers

Here’s the reality—content marketing isn’t just about creating content; it’s about measuring the impact of that content. If you’re not paying attention to the numbers, you’re missing valuable insights that could help you improve your strategy and drive better results.

The Fix: Start Measuring or Get Help

So, how do you fix this? Start by setting clear goals and KPIs (key performance indicators) for your content marketing. What do you want to achieve? More traffic? More leads? Higher conversion rates? Once you know your goals, you can track the metrics that matter most to your business.

Next, use tools to measure your progress. Google Analytics, HubSpot, and other analytics tools can give you insights into how your content is performing. Track your metrics regularly and adjust your strategy based on the data.

And if you need help to measure success, guess what? We at Core Creative can help. Our team of content marketing experts knows how to track the metrics that matter and use data to drive better results.

How Core Creative Can Help You Dominate Content Marketing

So, you’ve made it this far and probably think, “This all sounds great, but how do I actually make it happen?” That’s where we come in. At Core Creative, we’re experts in content marketing for small businesses and are here to help you succeed.

Whether you need help with content creation, strategy development, or analytics, our team has the skills and experience to take your content marketing to the next level. We know what it takes to drive traffic, generate leads, and close sales through content marketing, and we’re ready to help you do the same.

Here’s what we offer:

Content Creation

Do you need help creating content that resonates with your audience? Our team of talented writers, designers, and videographers can help you create high-quality content that drives results. We’ve covered everything from blog posts to videos to social media updates.

Strategy Development

Need help developing a content marketing strategy that actually works? We’ll work with you to create a customized strategy tailored to your business goals and designed to get results. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your content marketing to the next level, we’re here to help.

Analytics and Optimization

How do you measure the success of your content marketing? We’ll help you track the metrics that matter and use data to optimize your strategy for better results. From Google Analytics to social media insights, we’ve got the tools and expertise to help you succeed.

Consulting and Support

Looking for ongoing support and guidance? Our team of content marketing experts is here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need help brainstorming ideas, troubleshooting issues, or staying on track with your strategy, we support you.

Get Started Today

Ready to take your content marketing to the next level? Contact us at Core Creative today to learn more about how we can help you dominate content marketing and grow your business. Whether you’re a small business just starting or an established brand looking to boost your results, we’re here to help you succeed.

Because at the end of the day, there are two kinds of small businesses—those that succeed with content marketing and those that fail. Which one do you want to be? The choice is yours. Now, go out there and make it happen.