“I’m Not Ready for Marketing Yet”… and Other Myths That Might Be Costing You

Marketing can feel like something you do once everything else is in place. New logo? Check. Website up? Check. Now maybe it’s time to “do some marketing,” right?

But the truth is, waiting for some magic moment can quietly slow down growth—and make it harder to catch up later.

These myths come up a lot in conversations with small business owners across Central Ohio. The good news? They’re easy to move past once you know what’s real.

Myth #1: “Marketing is for later, once we’re more established.”

This one comes up often—especially in year one or during transitions. But marketing isn’t something you do afterbuilding your business. It’s how people find your business.

Even basic brand clarity and online visibility can make a big difference in momentum, especially in smaller towns where word-of-mouth still starts online.

📈 According to a 2023 report from Constant Contact, small businesses that invest in early-stage brand and digital visibility see an average of 38% faster growth than those who wait until year two or later. (Source)

Myth #2: “We don’t have the budget for marketing.”

Totally fair concern. But marketing doesn’t have to mean billboards or big ad spends. It’s often about being consistent and intentional—on whatever scale works now.

Whether it’s building an email list, running a simple Google Business Profile, or setting up a referral system, there are low-cost ways to start strong.

According to the SBA, small businesses with a strategy in place—regardless of spend—outperform those without one. (Source)

Myth #3: “I don’t know enough to do it right.”

Nobody expects a small business owner to double as a full-time marketer. (And if you’ve tried, you already know how much time it eats.)

The good news? You don’t have to go it alone. There are plenty of ways to get help that don’t involve handing off your whole brand—or your whole budget.

Organizations like the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offer free resources, marketing clinics, and startup support that can make things feel a lot less overwhelming. 

Myth #4: “It’s just posting on social, right?”

Social media gets all the attention, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. True marketing connects a business’s real goals (like more bookings, referrals, or foot traffic) with the right tools—whether that’s local print, SEO, sponsorships, or simple repeat-customer touchpoints.

The best strategy usually combines multiple channels that build on each other—without being overwhelming to maintain.

Myth #5: “I’m not ready for big results yet.”

Surprisingly common. Especially for solo businesses or folks who feel stretched already. But smart marketing can be paced to your capacity—it doesn’t have to open floodgates.

Often, it’s about attracting the right volume, not the most. One thoughtfully written homepage or updated service page can make a big difference without blowing up your inbox.

Every business is at a different point, but the idea that marketing only starts once you “arrive” is one of the biggest barriers to growth. Starting small, starting smart, or just starting at all—it counts.

If any of these myths have been living rent-free in your head, let’s talk it out. We can build a strategy that works with where you are right now—without adding stress or fluff. Reach out anytime.