Top 5 Marketing Mistakes Local Businesses Make (and How to Fix Them)

Running a local business isn’t easy—but marketing it shouldn’t be a mystery. Yet every week, I see Long Island shops, salons, restaurants, and service providers making the same mistakes that cost them time, money, and customers.

Let’s break down the top 5 marketing missteps—and how to fix them like a pro. 🧙‍♀️✨

🚫 1. Ignoring Google Business Profile (Formerly GMB)

The mistake: Not claiming or updating your Google listing.

If your hours are wrong, your reviews are unanswered, and your photos are outdated… you’re missing one of the most powerful free tools on the internet.

✅ Fix it:

Claim your profile

Add photos, services, and updates weekly

Ask happy customers to leave reviews (and respond!)

JMDM tip: Treat your Google listing like your digital storefront window. Keep it fresh!

🚫 2. Posting Without a Plan

The mistake: Random Instagram posts with no real strategy.

If you’re posting “Happy Friday!” every Friday and wondering why your engagement is flat… it’s time for a content calendar.

✅ Fix it:

Build a monthly plan with themes (Wellness Wednesday, Testimonial Tuesday, etc.)

Mix promotional posts with tips, behind-the-scenes, and community shout-outs

Use Canva or scheduling tools to stay consistent

JMDM tip: Consistency builds trust—and trust builds customers.

🚫 3. Not Investing in Paid Ads

The mistake: Hoping organic reach will carry your business.

Unfortunately, social media platforms are pay-to-play. A few boosted posts can go a long way when done right.

✅ Fix it:

Start with a small budget on Meta or Google Ads

Promote a service, event, or lead magnet

Retarget visitors who’ve already checked you out

JMDM tip: Meta Ads = awareness 👀, Google Ads = action 🛒. Use both for full-funnel success.

🚫 4. Skipping Email Marketing

The mistake: Relying only on social media to reach your audience.

Remember: you don’t own your followers. You do own your email list.

✅ Fix it:

Start collecting emails with sign-up incentives

Send a monthly newsletter with updates, promos, and tips

Use email for reactivation campaigns and birthday specials

JMDM tip: Email is one of the highest-ROI tools you have—use it wisely!

🚫 5. Talking Like a Robot

The mistake: Boring, formal, or generic copy that doesn’t connect.

You're a local legend! Sound like it. 🤓💬

✅ Fix it:

Use your real voice—fun, friendly, and local

Say “Mamma Mia, Mangia!” if you're Umberto’s 🍕

Say “Text us to book!” not “Submit your inquiry”

JMDM tip: Customers connect with people, not corporations. Be you!

💡 Conclusion: Marketing Doesn't Have to Be Hard

Avoid these 5 common pitfalls, and you’ll already be ahead of the pack. Better yet—let someone who lives for this stuff handle it for you. 😉

✨ Let's make some local marketing magic together!