5 Marketing Myths & a Truth

Barcelino, our fab mascot, doesn’t believe in marketing myths. He keeps busy seeking the truth in our library.  

Let’s talk about the wild world of marketing. With technology changing faster than you can say “Google algorithm update,” it can feel like you’re constantly trying to keep up. But what if I told you that some of the things you’ve been told about marketing aren’t actually true? Yep, there are some common myths out there that could be holding your business back. Lucky for you, we’re going to break down five of those myths and give you the real truth about what works in today’s market. 

Myth 1:
My service/product is so great it sells itself; therefore, I don’t need marketing.

Myth. Sure, everyone uses toilet tissue, but even the big brands still invest in marketing. Why? Because there’s competition out there, and it’s important to stay top of mind with your customers. I often hear objections from business owners who say they get all their business from referrals because they provide great service. That’s awesome, but in today’s market, those referrals have more choices than ever before. When your referred leads start to do their research, how do you measure up against other businesses in your industry? Are you keeping your website up-to-date and professional? Do you have positive reviews to show that you’re a reliable and trustworthy option? These are all important factors to consider when it comes to marketing your business and staying competitive in today’s market.

Myth 2:
If you do marketing right, you see results right away.

Myth again. Marketing is a long-term investment that requires patience, persistence, and a lot of testing to weed out what doesn’t work. Do you know the saying that “past results don’t guarantee future performance?” (Your financial advisor told you so, right?!) Well, marketers should use the same disclaimers. No matter how “right” a marketing person or team is, it’s rare that they can quickly replicate past success in a new situation. You might not see results right away, but if you stick with it, you’ll eventually start to see positive outcomes. That’s true with pretty much every marketing initiative – social media, SEO, and even something as big as a website redesign.

Myth 3:
Marketing is a waste of money.

Myth again! (It would be quite strange if I agreed with that one, right?) I get it – spending money on marketing can seem like a waste of resources, especially if you’re on a tight budget and particularly when you don’t see results right away (see previous point). But the truth is, marketing is a vital investment for any business that wants to grow. Without marketing, your target audience may not even know that your business exists, and you could miss out on valuable opportunities to connect with potential customers and generate sales.

Effective marketing can help you to establish your brand, differentiate yourself from competitors, build trust and credibility with your target audience, and ultimately drive revenue growth. Sure, marketing requires a financial investment, but when done right, it can have a significant return on investment that more than justifies the expense.

Myth 4:
Not every business needs a website; some can just use social media instead.

Also a myth. While social media can be a powerful tool for businesses to connect with customers, it’s not a replacement for a website. Your website is the foundation of your online presence and provides a central hub for customers to learn more about you.

On your website, you control your brand messaging and positioning, whereas, on social media, you’re at the mercy of ever-changing algorithms and platform policies. Moreover, a website allows you to own your customer data and build your own email list, which is crucial for building long-term relationships with your audience.

Furthermore, a website can help improve your search engine visibility, which is essential for driving organic traffic and generating leads. While social media can—and most likely should—certainly play a role in your marketing strategy, it’s not a substitute for a website. By investing in a website, you’re investing in the long-term success of your business and giving yourself a solid foundation to build on.

Myth 5:
The only marketing you need in 2023 is digital marketing.

Yet another myth… While digital marketing is certainly important in today’s world, it’s not the only type of marketing you need to consider. Depending on your business and target audience, traditional marketing channels like print ads, billboards, or direct mail may still be effective. In fact, using a mix of both digital and traditional marketing can help you reach a wider audience.

If you’re a local business, don’t forget grassroots marketing. There’s great value in showing up in your community, attending and sponsoring events, delivering presentations, and establishing yourself as the local expert in your industry. By taking a holistic approach and using a mix of both digital and traditional marketing, you can increase your chances of success and build a strong, sustainable business.

But wait a minute… where’s the truth?

I did promise you five marketing myths (yes, all five of the above) AND a truth. 

The truth is… that in marketing, there are way too many myths that are much too easy to fall for – and plenty of “experts” that will lead you to believe them. We see it happen every day. How many emails do you get from SEO experts ‘guaranteeing’ they’ll put you on the first page of Google? 

There are no shortcuts to marketing success, no silver bullets, and no “tried and true” that work in every situation. And there is no replacement for being consistent, persistent, and patient. Doing it right requires testing, time, and money. Yes, you still need a website. And don’t forget to think beyond digital.

Now that you’re armed with the truth behind these common marketing myths, you’re one step closer to achieving your business goals. Remember, marketing is a complex and ever-evolving field, but with the right knowledge and guidance, you can make it work for you. At Bright Pink Agency, we’re passionate about helping businesses succeed through effective marketing strategies. If you’re looking for a marketing partner to guide your business to success, we’d love to hear from you.