How to Plan Your Marketing for Your Business

Running a small business often feels like juggling a dozen tasks at once. From sales and admin to customer service and content creation, it’s easy to feel stretched thin—especially when it comes to marketing. If you’re doing a bit of everything but not seeing results, you’re not alone.

The truth is: the key to marketing success isn’t doing more — it’s doing the right things in a simple, focused, and consistent way.

Here’s the exact framework I use to help busy small business owners plan their marketing with ease, so they can finally free up their time, attract more of the right clients, and actually enjoy showing up online.

Step 1: Set Clear Goals That Align with Your Business Priorities

Most people skip this and dive straight into content. But without knowing what success looks like, you’re just throwing spaghetti at the wall. Your first step is to choose one main focus: Do you want to drive sales? Grow your audience? Launch a new offer?

Choose ONE main goal and stick to it for the next 30 days.

For example: “Grow my email list by 100 subscribers” or “Book 5 mini photoshoots this month.”

This clarity shapes everything else.

Step 2: Identify Your Ideal Client (and Where They Hang Out)

Another common mistake is creating content based on what others are doing—not what your audience needs. Your ideal client might not even be on the same platform as the person you’re comparing yourself to!

Ask yourself:

• Who do I love working with?

• What are they struggling with?

• Where do they spend time online? (Instagram? Facebook? Google?)

Get crystal clear on their habits, and you’ll know exactly where and how to show up.

Step 3: Pick Your Primary Marketing Platform

Trying to be everywhere at once = burnout.

Instead, choose ONE main platform that suits you and your audience. Maybe it’s Instagram because you love visuals. Or Facebook if your audience loves community groups. Start there.

Bonus tip: Batch your content in one sitting. Use tools like Canva to design your visuals. And here’s where your professional photos come in handy. Instead of spending hours searching for royalty-free images that don’t quite match your brand, use your own shoot images to stand out and stay consistent.

Step 4: Map Out Weekly Themes

Marketing becomes a breeze when you know what you’re talking about each week.

Here’s a simple format:

• Week 1: Educational (teach something useful)

• Week 2: Behind-the-scenes (show your process)

• Week 3: Client love or testimonials

• Week 4: Direct promotion or offer post

This structure saves time and ensures you’re not always in “content panic mode.” Pair each theme with branded imagery from your branding photoshoot—a professional touch that builds instant trust.

Step 5: Schedule & Review

Now that you know what to post and where, it’s time to put it on autopilot. Use free tools like Meta Business Suite, Later, or Buffer to schedule in advance.

Every week, set aside 10 minutes to review:

• What got the most engagement?

• Did people DM you, comment, click your link?

Double down on what’s working and drop what’s not.

Why Images Matter More Than Ever

Your marketing is only as strong as the visuals backing it up. People decide in seconds whether to engage with your brand. And guess what stands out most? Beautiful, professional images that reflect YOU and your business.

Instead of generic stock photos, imagine having a folder full of scroll-stopping images—photos of YOU doing your thing, styled flat lays, detail shots, workspace pics, and more.

My Mini Branding Sessions are designed specifically for small business owners like you:

• Quick and relaxed

• Affordable (low-budget friendly)

• Packed with content you can use across Canva, Instagram, Facebook, your website, emails, and more

They’re a game-changer when it comes to looking professional and saving time.

Let’s Recap: The 5-Step Framework to Plan Your Marketing

1. Set a Clear Goal for the next 30 days

2. Know Your Ideal Client and where they spend time

3. Choose One Platform to focus on

4. Use Weekly Themes to structure your content

5. Schedule and Review to keep improving

And don’t forget the secret weapon that ties it all together: high-quality visuals that make your business shine.

Ready to Make Marketing Easier?

If you’re tired of wasting time creating content that doesn’t convert—and you’re ready to feel confident showing up online with scroll-stopping images—book one of my Mini Branding Photoshoots.

They’re fun, fast, and will give you the exact images you need to grow your brand and make content creation a breeze.

Find out more here to grab your spot!

You’ve got this!

Sarah

Lets connect on the below platforms 

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM