7 Essential Marketing Tips Every Business Owner Needs
Running a growing business means wearing a lot of hats. You’re the accountant, the HR manager, the operations lead and somehow, you’re meant to be the marketing department too.
Here’s the truth: marketing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or expensive. The key is knowing where to start, what to focus on and how to spend your time and money wisely.
At One Acre Marketing, I work with business owners across Melbourne’s North-East and Yarra Valley who know they need marketing, but don’t have an in-house team. Here are seven tips I share with every small business owner who asks: “Where do I start?”
1. Know Your Ideal Customer
You can’t market to “everyone.” The more specific you get about who your real customers are, the more effective your message becomes.
Ask yourself:
Who do I really want to serve?
What problems do I solve for them?
Why would they choose me over the competition?
💡 Quick Win: Write down the top 3 questions your customers ask before they buy. These become the foundation of your marketing messages.
2. Set Clear, Simple Goals
“Get more customers” isn’t a plan. Be specific. Do you want 10 new leads in 30 days? 50 new email subscribers? A 10% uplift in sales?
Break big goals into milestones so you can track progress. Each time you hit a milestone, stop and ask: What worked? Where did those leads or sales come from? Then put more effort into what delivered results.
3. Pick Fewer Channels and Do Them Well
You don’t have to be everywhere. Choose one or two marketing channels where your customers already spend time — whether that’s Instagram, LinkedIn, email or local partnerships — and do them consistently.
Trying to spread yourself across too many platforms will dilute your message and burn you out.
4. Create Content That Helps, Not Just Sells
Your customers aren’t always ready to buy. In fact, research shows up to 95% of buyers aren’t ready at any given time. But when they are, they’ll choose the brand they know, like and trust.
That’s why content matters. Share useful tips, stories and insights that build connection and show your expertise. Selling is easier when people already feel confident in you.
5. ENSURE Your Website WorkS Hard
Your website shouldn’t just look nice — it should work. That means:
Clear messaging that shows what you do
Easy navigation so customers can find what they need
Strong calls-to-action (call, buy, subscribe)
A way to capture leads (like a form or email signup)
💡 Quick Win: Look at your homepage. Within 5 seconds, would a stranger know who you are, what you do and how to buy from you?
6. Track What Works (and Drop What Doesn’t)
Every dollar matters in small business marketing. That’s why tracking is key.
Even simple tracking, like looking at website visits, social engagement, or enquiries, can tell you what’s working. If something isn’t driving results, stop doing it and move your effort into what is.
7. Consistency Beats Perfection
You don’t need big budgets or flashy campaigns to grow. What matters most is showing up regularly and delivering a clear, consistent message.
Better to do three things well, consistently, than ten things once and never repeat them. Marketing is a long game and the businesses that win are the ones that stay visible and build trust over time.
Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right focus, even the smallest business can grow with clarity and confidence.
If you’re a business owner in Melbourne’s North-East or Yarra Valley and you’re ready to cut through the noise, I’d love to help.
📅 Book your free 30 minute marketing reset call and let’s turn your ideas into a clear plan you can actually deliver.
Megan
