Marketing mistakes that make my blood boil
I love good marketing. That’s why I went to college and got a degree in Strategic Communication, and that’s why I’m on the board of our local chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. And it’s the reason I work in marketing now.
With all that passion for great marketing, nothing makes my jaw drop in shock like really horrible marketing mistakes. The good news? It’s never too late to fix your mistakes!
Without any further ado, here are eight marketing mistakes that make my blood boil.
Mistake 1: No time and place on event marketing
Want me to come to your event? Then don’t hand me a flier without a time and place on it. I can’t count the times I’ve seen a flyer or social media post for an event with a date on it but no time or place. It’s sort of hard to get people somewhere if they don’t know when to show up or where to be.
Mistake 2: Way too much text on websites
Nobody wants to read a giant wall of text on your website. We know your SEO guy told you it was a good idea, but you need to let him know he shouldn’t be doing SEO like it’s 1999. Seriously, a wall of text on your website is annoying for people, and it doesn’t do you any favors with Google either.
Mistake 3: Rotating banners on websites
Speaking of websites and 1999, let’s talk about rotating banners on websites. I get it. They make your website seem more dynamic. But your website needs to be effective, not action-packed. And most people won’t even see all the slides in your rotating banner, carousel, or slider, whatever you call it.
Mistake 4: Broken links
It doesn’t matter whether it’s on your website or social media. Broken links are annoying! Listen, I know we’re all human and make mistakes, but you need to be careful about your links. If you want someone to take action and your link doesn’t even work, it’s sort of hard for them to do what you want.
Mistake 5: No Call To Action
Speaking of wanting someone to take action, why don’t you have a call to action on your website? And the same thing goes for your email. Don’t send me an email if there’s nothing for me to do.
Mistake 6: Text-heavy emails
Just like websites, don’t have a massive wall of text in your email. Nobody’s going to read it. Sorry. Nobody is perusing through their inbox, promotion tab, or junk mail to read all eight paragraphs you sent.
Mistake 7: Photos that are clearly not you
Whether it’s in your email, social media, or on your website, don’t misuse stock photos. I’m talking about people who try to act like it’s their business, products, or even service area when clearly it’s not. Don’t post photos of the beach if you do roofing in Oklahoma.
Mistake 8: People who jump on the bandwagon
Finally, quit abusing current events. If there’s a natural tie-in for your business or nonprofit, feel free to make an official statement. But don’t engage in political discourse to promote your business. Don’t manipulate current events to fit your marketing. It’s just not appropriate.
Well, what do you think? Am I blowing these mistakes out of proportion? Or have I nailed it and even hit a little too close to home?
We would love to help you correct your marketing mistakes! If you’d like to talk, feel free to reach out to see what we can do to help.