Running a small business means wearing a lot of hats, and marketing often ends up being one of those things you “get to when you can.”
But the truth is, even the most passionate business owners can fall into a few simple traps that stop their marketing from really working. The good news? They’re all fixable and once you know what to avoid, you’ll see better results (without spending more time or money).
Here are some of the most common marketing mistakes I see small businesses in Somerset make, and how to fix them.
1. Not Knowing Who You’re Talking To
It’s tempting to think your product or service is “for everyone”, but if you try to speak to everyone, you end up connecting with no one.
The fix:
Take time to define your ideal customer. Who are they? What problems do they need solved? Where do they spend time online?
Create your content, offers and visuals for them. When your message feels personal, your marketing becomes magnetic.
2. Being Inconsistent
You post three times in one week… then nothing for a month. Sound familiar? Consistency builds trust and helps algorithms learn who to show your content to.
The fix:
Create a simple plan. You don’t need to post daily — but stick to a schedule that’s realistic for you. Even one quality post a week can make a difference if it’s consistent.
Need help setting up a content plan that fits your schedule? Whitehouse Marketing can help you design one that works.
3. Ignoring SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)
Your website might look great, but if no one can find it on Google, it’s not doing its job.
The fix:
Start small with SEO basics:
- Add location-based keywords (like “Somerset hair salon” or “Bridgwater café”)
- Write clear page titles and meta descriptions
- Keep your Google Business Profile up to date
SEO doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need consistency.
Read more in our previous blog post: What Is Local SEO? And Why It Matters for Somerset Businesses
4. Trying to Do Everything at Once
You’ve heard you need Reels, blogs, ads, email campaigns… and before long, it’s overwhelming.
The fix:
Focus on one or two key platforms where your audience actually spends time. Do those well before adding more. Marketing is about clarity, not chaos.
5. Forgetting the Follow-Up
So many small businesses pour time into attracting new customers, but forget about the people who already bought once and would happily buy again.
The fix:
Set up a simple follow-up system. That might be a monthly email newsletter, a thank-you message after a purchase, or a quick check-in.
Your existing customers are your easiest and most affordable source of future sales.
6. Not Measuring What’s Working
If you’re not checking your results, you’re marketing blindfolded.
The fix:
Use free tools like Google Analytics, Instagram Insights or your email platform’s reports to track engagement, clicks and conversions.
Look for patterns — then do more of what’s working.
💬 Final Thoughts
Every business makes mistakes – it’s how you learn and grow. The key is to notice what’s not working, simplify your approach, and focus on strategies that actually move your business forward.
Need help figuring out what’s holding your marketing back?
At Whitehouse Marketing, I help small businesses across Somerset and beyond build simple, effective marketing strategies that get results.
Get in touch with Whitehouse Marketing today to book a free 20-minute chat so that your marketing can start working harder for you. Contact Kate at kate@whitehousemarketing.co.uk
You might also like: How to Use Email Marketing to Keep Customers Coming Back
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