If you’ve ever stared at your to-do list and thought, “Do I really have to do ALL of this marketing stuff?” —you’re not alone.
Let’s be honest: Running a business is hard enough without also trying to master SEO, post on Instagram, write emails, and churn out content every week. It’s exhausting—and if you’re doing it solo, it can feel downright impossible.
Here’s the thing: you don’t need to do everything. You just need to do the right things for where you are right now.
Let’s break down what each piece actually does for your business—and how to decide where to focus your time (and energy).
SEO: Set It and Support It
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) sounds technical (and maybe even boring), but it’s really about being found by people who are already searching for what you offer.
Why it matters:
70% of online experiences begin with a search engine (BrightEdge). If your site isn’t optimized, you’re missing out on traffic that could be coming to you—for free.
What solo business owners actually need:
- A website that loads fast, works on mobile, and clearly explains who you help.
- Pages optimized for the keywords your dream clients are searching for.
- A handful of blog posts or FAQs that answer common questions (great for SEO and sales!).
🛠️ Try this: Use free tools like Google Search Console or Ubersuggest to find out what terms people are already searching to find you—or your competitors.
Social Media: Be Present, Not Perfect
We’ve all seen those polished Instagram grids and flashy TikToks—but guess what? You don’t need to go viral to make social media work.
Why it matters:
Social builds visibility and trust. People check you out online before they reach out—especially if you’re a personal brand.
What solo business owners actually need:
- A consistent, professional presence on 1–2 platforms your audience uses.
- Value-first posts that educate, entertain, or encourage.
- Calls to action that lead back to your website, offers, or email list.
💡 Bonus: Done is better than perfect. Behind-the-scenes posts or quick tips can perform better than polished promos.
Email Marketing: Your Low-Key Secret Weapon
Social media is loud and fast-paced. Email? That’s your quiet, powerful marketing channel—and one you actually own.
Why it matters:
For every $1 spent, email marketing earns an average ROI of $36 (Litmus). And it builds a direct line to people who already said “yes” to hearing from you.
What solo business owners actually need:
- A simple welcome sequence that builds trust with new subscribers.
- Occasional emails that offer real value (think tips, stories, behind-the-scenes insights).
- A clear next step—whether that’s a freebie, discovery call, or low-stress offer.
✉️ Try this: Write like you’re emailing a friend who’d love what you do. It keeps things human and helps you avoid sounding like a newsletter robot.
Content: The Long Game That Builds Authority
Creating valuable content is how you show people what you know—and why they should trust you. But it doesn’t mean writing a blog every week (unless you love that).
Why it matters:
Content builds your brand, boosts SEO, feeds your social media, and supports your sales—all at once. That’s a lot of mileage for one effort.
What solo business owners actually need:
- One core piece of content per month (a blog, podcast, or video).
- Content that answers real questions your audience has.
- A plan to repurpose it into emails, social posts, or lead magnets.
📌 Remember: One great piece of content can become a dozen smaller ones. Work smarter, not harder.
The Real Talk: You Can’t Do It All—and That’s Okay
Here’s the part no one says out loud: You don’t need to be great at every marketing channel. You just need a simple, sustainable system that works for you.
✅ Pick one platform where you show up consistently.
✅ Create one strong offer and a way to talk about it.
✅ Use one channel (like email) to nurture your people over time.
Marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. And you don’t have to run it alone.
Feeling Stretched Thin? You’ve Got Options
You can DIY your marketing with trial and error—or you can work with someone who gets what it’s like to grow a business from scratch. At ElevateYourBrand, we specialize in helping solopreneurs build smart, simple marketing strategies that don’t burn them out.
Ready to take the guesswork out of marketing? Let’s chat—your time matters, and so does your success.
Let’s Chat