Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Schedule Your Marketing in Advance
- Focus on Marketing That Has a Longer Lifespan
- Hire Someone Else to Handle Your Marketing
- Scheduling, Long-Lifespan Marketing, and Outsourcing: Which is Right for You?
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Running a small business comes with its own set of challenges, and one of those is marketing. Many small business owners see marketing as a task that's necessary but not particularly enjoyable. If you're one of them, you might often find yourself wishing you could take a break from marketing without risking a drop in leads and sales. Fortunately, it is possible to step back from marketing temporarily without your business suffering. This blog post will guide you through strategies to achieve this, ensuring your marketing efforts continue to work for you even when you're not actively involved.
Schedule Your Marketing in Advance
The simplest way to ensure your business continues to be marketed while you're on a break is to plan and schedule your marketing activities ahead of time.
How to Schedule Content
Scheduling content involves creating your marketing materials in advance and setting them to be published on future dates. Many platforms allow you to do this directly:
- Email Campaigns: Most email service providers have scheduling functionalities.
- Video Content: YouTube offers an in-built scheduler for video releases.
- Social Media Posts: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn allow you to schedule posts directly within their apps.
Using Third-Party Tools
If you need to manage multiple social media accounts, third-party tools like Later can be invaluable. These tools let you schedule posts across different platforms, saving you time and effort. You can optimize your posts for each platform (e.g., adding hashtags for Instagram and shortening captions for Twitter).
Focus on Marketing That Has a Longer Lifespan
Different marketing strategies have different lifespans. For instance, a TikTok video might only trend for a few days, while other types of content can remain relevant for months.
Long-Form Content Optimized for Search
Creating and optimizing long-form content such as blog posts, podcasts, or YouTube videos can be incredibly effective. When optimized for search engines, this content can continue to attract traffic long after it's published.
- Blog Posts: Well-crafted blog posts can serve as evergreen content, driving organic search traffic for months or even years.
- YouTube Videos: When optimized with relevant keywords, YouTube videos can also enjoy a long shelf life, continuing to get views and generate engagement over time.
Automated Email Sequences
Email marketing is a powerful tool, but many businesses limit themselves to sending out newsletters. While newsletters are valuable, they have a short lifespan. Automated email sequences, however, are different. These are a series of emails that get triggered by specific actions, such as signing up for a lead magnet.
By setting up an automated email sequence, you ensure continued engagement with your audience without having to manually send out emails.
Digital Advertising
Running digital ads can be another passive way to keep your business in the spotlight. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube allow you to set up ads that can run for extended periods. While some monitoring and optimization are necessary, the bulk of the work is done upfront, allowing you to focus on other tasks or enjoy your break.
Hire Someone Else to Handle Your Marketing
If neither scheduling nor long-lifespan marketing strategies appeal to you, another viable option is to outsource your marketing efforts.
Freelance Marketers and Virtual Assistants
Numerous freelance marketers and virtual assistants specialize in various aspects of digital marketing. Depending on your needs, you could hire:
- Social Media Managers: Experts in managing social media accounts to ensure consistent posting and engagement.
- Digital Marketers: Professionals who can run comprehensive marketing campaigns, including email marketing, social media, and digital ads.
- Virtual Assistants (VAs): VAs with marketing expertise can help manage multiple facets of your marketing strategy, allowing you to step away confidently.
Scheduling, Long-Lifespan Marketing, and Outsourcing: Which is Right for You?
Your choice will depend on your specific circumstances and how soon you need to take a break. If you're looking at an imminent break, scheduling might be your best bet. If you have more time to plan, focusing on long-lifespan content becomes easier. And if you prefer not to handle any marketing tasks, outsourcing could be the perfect solution.
Conclusion
Taking a break from marketing doesn't have to mean your business will suffer. By scheduling your marketing activities in advance, focusing on long-lifespan marketing strategies, or hiring someone else to handle it for you, you can ensure your marketing efforts continue seamlessly. By implementing these strategies, you can focus on what matters to you, whether it's a much-needed rest or attending to other critical areas of your business.
FAQ
Is scheduling marketing content complicated?
No, most platforms offer user-friendly scheduling tools. Third-party tools like Later simplify the process even further by allowing you to manage multiple platforms from a single dashboard.
Can long-form content really be effective?
Yes, long-form content optimized for search can attract traffic for months or even years, particularly when it provides valuable and evergreen information.
How much does it cost to hire a freelance marketer?
The cost varies widely depending on the marketer's expertise and the scope of work. Freelancers typically offer flexible pricing structures, making it possible to find services that fit your budget.
Do automated email sequences require constant updates?
Once set up, automated email sequences require minimal updates. However, periodic reviews ensure that the content remains relevant and effective.
Is digital advertising effective for small businesses?
Absolutely. With the right targeting, digital ads can reach a highly relevant audience, driving lead generation and sales with minimal ongoing effort.
By following these guidelines, you'll be well-equipped to maintain your business's marketing momentum even when you decide to take a well-deserved break.
