Let’s See What Sticks
Spaghetti Marketing = Mayhem
Let’s be honest: many growing companies treat marketing like that IKEA shelf they swore they’d assemble “this weekend.” They know it’s essential. They know it holds things together. But somehow, it ends up sideways, missing screws, and held together with duct tape and optimism.
I’ve seen this movie too many times—and spoiler alert—it never ends well.
So here are six of the most common (and costly) marketing mistakes I see growth companies make, and how a bit of strategic clarity can save money, stress, and brand reputation.
1. “Let’s Just Do Some Marketing”: The Panic Play
When sales stall or investors get twitchy, cue the flurry of LinkedIn ads, a rushed email blast, and someone’s nephew “doing the socials.”
The problem? It’s chaos without strategy—spaghetti marketing.
The fix: Strategy first, tactics second. Know your audience. Define your voice.
Build a purposeful funnel, not a desperate one.
2. Shiny Object Syndrome
“Oooh, TikTok!” “Should we start a podcast?” “Let’s rebrand with AI and NFTs!”
Just because it’s trending doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
The fix: Be ruthlessly focused. Strategy is as much about what you don’t do as what you do. If your audience isn’t on TikTok, don’t dance for them.
3. Copy That Could Sedate a Charging Rhino
“We deliver best-in-class, innovative solutions…”
Eyes glazed yet? Mine too.
The fix: Be clear. Be human. Be interesting. If your message sounds like it came from a buzzword generator, you’ve already lost people.
4. Mistaking Brand for a Logo
Yes, design matters. But your brand isn’t your color palette. It’s trust. It’s how people feel when they hear your name.
The fix: Build from the inside out: positioning, proposition, values, voice, vision. Then dress it up.
5. No Measurement = No Maturity
“Let’s just go with vibes” isn’t a strategy. If you’re not measuring, you’re guessing.
The fix: Set KPIs. Align marketing with business goals. Track what matters and ignore vanity metrics.
6. Expecting Slot Machine Marketing
Put in £1, pull the lever, get a lead! If only.
Marketing isn’t magic. It’s consistency, clarity, and knowing your market.
The fix: Be patient. Trust the process. And stop changing direction every six weeks like a caffeinated squirrel.
My Sales Pitch
I’m a Fractional CMO. I help growth companies stop the marketing madness and start thinking strategically. I bring direction, discipline, and a splash of common sense so you can grow faster, smarter, without the whiplash. All at a fraction of the cost of hiring a full time marketing director
Because good marketing doesn’t just look clever.
It works.
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