Marketing Overwhelm Is Real — Here’s What to Focus on First

Feeling stretched thin and unsure where to start? You’re not alone. These are the 3 things I recommend focusing on first, and what you can ignore (for now).

Running a small business or nonprofit often means wearing all the hats, and marketing can quickly feel like one hat too many. With so many tools, platforms, and opinions out there, it’s easy to feel paralyzed. Should you be on TikTok to stay relevant? Post with hashtags or without them? Hire help? Run ads? Post daily on Instagram? Ahhh!

Before you burn out or start Googling “How to clone myself,” take a deep breath. You don’t have to do it all — and you definitely don’t have to do it all right now.

As a recovering perfectionist, I get it. I actually keep a sign on my desk that says: “DONE is better than PERFECT.” Because if I waited until everything felt just right, I’d never post anything.

Here’s what actually matters when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

1. Start with One Place You Can Be Found Online

You don’t need to be everywhere. You just need to be visible where your ideal customers or supporters are already looking.

For most local businesses and nonprofits, that means having:

• Your Google Business Profile (especially for local services)
• Your website (even a simple one-pager — here’s why it matters more than social media alone)

If you’re still working toward a website, you can use a social media profile as a temporary home base — but make a plan to move beyond it. Social platforms are rented space; your website is yours to keep.

Pick one and focus on making it complete, accurate, and helpful. You can always build from there.

2. Be Consistent, Not Perfect

Perfectionism is a major marketing roadblock. You don’t need polished videos or a complex funnel — you just need a repeatable habit that keeps you visible.

That could look like:

• Posting a tip every Tuesday on Instagram
• Sending a short monthly email update
• Answering one FAQ each week on your website or blog

Set a schedule you can realistically maintain. The goal isn’t viral — it’s visible and trustworthy.

(And trust me: your audience cares way more about how you can help them than whether your Canva post has the perfect shade of blue.)

3. Ignore Everything Else (For Now)

Seriously. You don’t need:

• Every social media platform
• Paid ads (yet)
• A rebrand
• A 30-page marketing plan

Those things can come later — or not at all. Right now, your energy is better spent on showing up simply and clearly in the places that matter most.

Quick Recap: Your Focus Formula

• One platform where people can find you
• One consistent habit to stay visible
• Permission to ignore the rest for now

You’re Doing Better Than You Think

Marketing doesn’t have to mean constant hustle or a fancy strategy. If you’re showing up in small, intentional ways — that’s progress.

And if you’re not sure where to start, you’re not behind. You’re exactly where you need to be to begin.

Need help deciding on what one thing to focus on first? I’m always happy to chat and help you talk it through to see what fits.