If you run a micro business or small enterprise, chances are you wear a lot of hats – sales, customer service, accounts, admin… and yes, marketing. Digital marketing has become a must-have for growth, but with so many channels, tactics and tools to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
At Colour It In, we work with businesses like yours every day, helping you make sense of the noise and focus on what really matters. This blog is your no-nonsense guide to prioritising your digital marketing efforts – and knowing when it’s time to call in a helping hand.
What’s the big struggle?
The digital world is crowded. There’s pressure to be everywhere at once: posting to Instagram, ranking on Google, sending newsletters, making videos, tracking analytics, writing blogs, launching ads – the list goes on.
But for smaller businesses, trying to do everything at once usually leads to one outcome: burnout with little return.
Start with purpose, not platforms
Before you even think about what to post or where to show up, take a step back and ask: What is the purpose of your marketing right now?
Are you…
- Trying to get more leads?
- Raising awareness of a new service?
- Driving footfall to your shop or bookings through your website?
Each goal requires a slightly different approach. Focus on one core objective at a time and make sure your marketing efforts are geared towards that. Trying to ‘just do a bit of everything’ often means nothing gets done well.
Your first three priorities
If your digital marketing feels like a bit of a mess, here’s where to start:
1. Get your website in order
Your website is the digital shopfront for your business. Even if most of your customers come through word of mouth or social media, they will almost always check your website before getting in touch.
What to check:
- Is it mobile-friendly?
- Are your services clearly explained?
- Do you have clear calls to action? (e.g. ‘Book a call’, ‘Get a quote’, ‘Visit us’)
- Is it optimised for search engines (SEO)? If not, you’re likely invisible to potential customers searching online.
Tip: If your website hasn’t been updated in over two years, it’s time for a refresh.
2. Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile
If you serve a local area, this is one of the most powerful free tools you can use. It helps you show up in map searches and builds trust with potential customers.
Make sure it includes:
- Up-to-date contact info
- Photos
- A short description of your business
- Regular updates or posts
- Customer reviews (and your responses)
3. Choose one social channel and do it well
You don’t need to be on every platform. It’s better to post regularly on one platform where your audience hangs out than to spread yourself thin across five.
Where to start:
- B2C? Try Instagram or Facebook.
- B2B? Focus on LinkedIn.
- Creative or visual brand? Consider TikTok or Pinterest.
When to call in an agency like Colour It In
There’s a time to DIY and a time to delegate. If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to get expert support:
❌ You’re spending hours on marketing tasks with no real return
An agency can help you work smarter, not harder – targeting the right people with the right message.
❌ Your brand looks inconsistent or outdated
We can help you build a cohesive brand presence, from logo and colour palette to tone of voice and design.
❌ Your website isn’t converting
We don’t just make websites look good – we make sure they’re working hard behind the scenes to turn visitors into customers.
❌ You’ve hit a wall with growth
Sometimes an outside perspective is what’s needed to unlock new ideas, strategies and opportunities.
❌ You simply don’t have the time
Let’s face it, your time is best spent running your business, not worrying about hashtags or Google rankings. We can take the weight off your shoulders.
What does working with an agency actually look like?
At Colour It In, we work as a friendly extension of your team. No jargon. No fluff. Just practical, creative support tailored to your goals. Whether you need a one-off website project or monthly help with SEO, social media or digital strategy, we’ll build a package that works for your budget and capacity.
We’re here to help you grow, without burning out.
Final thought: Don’t try to do it all
Digital marketing is powerful – but only when it’s focused and manageable. Start small, build strong foundations, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
If you’re ready to cut through the noise and get your marketing working smarter, not harder, we’d love to chat.