5 Marketing Mistakes Businesses Are Still Making
(and How to Fix Them)
Whether you’re a real estate pro trying to stay visible in a competitive market or a small business owner juggling a hundred moving parts, staying ahead of the curve doesn’t mean doing more, it means doing things smarter.
Here are five marketing mistakes we still see (way too often) and what you can do to course-correct.
1. Posting Without a Plan
The problem: You’re showing up on social media, but there’s no real direction, just a bunch of last-minute posts that don’t connect with each other or your goals.
Why it matters: A scattered feed makes it hard for potential clients to know what you’re about. Consistency isn’t just about frequency, it’s about clarity and message.
The fix: Create a monthly content calendar. Even 2–3 posts a week that follow a clear theme (like tips, testimonials, or listings) are better than random daily posts.
2. Focusing on Follower Count Instead of Engagement
The problem: You’re fixated on growing your numbers, but your posts aren’t getting likes, comments, or shares.
Why it matters: Engagement is what builds trust and community, not follower count. A small but loyal audience can drive more sales than a huge but silent one.
The fix: Ask more questions. Use polls, carousels, and videos that invite interaction. Respond to every comment. Think conversations, not just broadcasts.
3. Ignoring Video (Still!)
The problem: You know video works, but you're still avoiding it, because it feels too complicated, expensive, or time-consuming.
Why it matters: Video is still king. People want to see faces, voices, and stories, especially in real estate or service-based businesses.
The fix: Start small. Use your phone to record a 30-second tip or a quick behind-the-scenes clip. Don’t aim for perfect, aim for real. The algorithm (and your audience) will reward you.
4. Not Running Targeted Ads
The problem: You’re relying only on organic reach and referrals to get eyes on your business.
Why it matters: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube have become pay-to-play. Without even a small ad budget, you're missing out on warm leads who are already looking for what you offer.
The fix: Run a simple ad like a boosted post of a new listing, an upcoming open house, or a promo. Make sure it’s targeted by location, interest, and intent. Start with $5–$10/day and scale based on results.
5. Trying to Do Everything Yourself
The problem: You're the marketer, the content creator, the salesperson, the admin—and it’s burning you out.
Why it matters: Your time is valuable. When you’re buried in tasks that someone else could do better or faster, your business growth stalls.
The fix: Delegate. That could mean hiring a social media manager, outsourcing video editing, or using tools like Canva templates and schedulers. You don’t need to do less marketing, you need to do smarter marketing.
Don’t wait for 2026 to finally get your marketing right.
Start with one change, whether that’s planning your posts, shooting a short video, or saying “yes” to help.
Need a hand? That’s what we do at VAST Marketing. Let’s get your brand the visibility, strategy, and results it deserves.
