Handwriting text writing Time For A Check Up. Concept meaning a Thorough Examination have a Look on something someone - representing a mid-year marketing checkup

Mid-Year Marketing Checkup: Are You on Track to Meet Your 2025 Goals?

As we move into July, we’re officially halfway through 2025—a perfect moment to pause and evaluate your marketing strategy. The first six months often fly by in a blur of campaigns, social posts, and client meetings, but stepping back now can save time, money, and effort in the months ahead.

Here’s how to conduct a practical mid-year marketing checkup to ensure your business stays on track to meet its goals by year’s end.

1. Revisit Your 2025 Marketing Goals

Start by pulling out the marketing plan you set back in January (or whenever you outlined your goals).

  • Are your goals still relevant?
  • Have there been market shifts, staffing changes, or new competitors that require adjustments?
  • Are there any goals you’ve already achieved—or ones that now seem unrealistic?

Being honest about where things stand is the first step to finishing the year strong.

2. Review Key Metrics and Data

Next, look at the numbers. Focus on the metrics tied directly to your goals, such as:

  • Website traffic and lead conversions
  • Social media engagement and follower growth
  • Email open and click-through rates
  • ROI on paid advertising
  • Sales numbers from marketing campaigns

Identify what’s working, what isn’t, and where there are unexplored opportunities.

3. Evaluate Your Content Strategy

Content is at the heart of most marketing efforts. Ask yourself:

  • Are you consistently publishing fresh, relevant content?
  • Which blog posts, videos, or social media content have performed best?
  • Do you need to update older content to keep it relevant and SEO-friendly?

If your content calendar feels stale, now’s the time to brainstorm seasonal themes or new formats for the fall.

4. Audit Your Budget

Compare your actual marketing spend to your budget:

  • Have you overspent in certain areas?
  • Are there underused funds that could be redirected to campaigns with higher ROI?
  • Is it time to invest in tools or platforms that could automate processes or improve results?

A mid-year adjustment can help you maximize your investment rather than waiting until the end of the year.

5. Gather Feedback

Customer and team feedback can offer insights data alone might miss.

  • Ask your team: What do they hear most from customers? What marketing materials help them sell more effectively?
  • Survey your customers: What topics interest them? Where do they engage most with your brand?

Real-world feedback can help refine messaging and guide your strategy for the rest of the year.

6. Refocus and Set Next Steps

Based on your checkup:

  • Adjust or re-prioritize your marketing goals
  • Plan campaigns around upcoming seasonal opportunities, like back-to-school or holiday promotions
  • Consider new tactics, such as influencer collaborations, local partnerships, or short-form videos

Don’t forget to document these updates so you can revisit them in the fall.

In summary: A mid-year marketing checkup isn’t just about finding flaws—it’s about identifying strengths, pivoting where needed, and ensuring your marketing stays aligned with your business goals. By taking the time now, you’ll be better prepared to finish 2025 on a high note.


About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh-based marketing consulting firm providing senior-level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development strategies, website creation and management, social media management, marketing, strategic planning, and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

A woman's hand holding a computer tablet with a 4 star rating representing The Power of User-Generated Content.

The Power of User-Generated Content: How to Encourage Fans to Share

In today’s crowded digital landscape, one of the most authentic and effective ways to market your small business doesn’t come from your team at all—it comes from your customers.

User-generated content (UGC) is any content created by your customers, followers, or community that showcases your brand: photos, reviews, videos, unboxings, testimonials, and more. Why is it so powerful? Because people trust other people more than they trust advertising. A genuine post from a real customer can be more persuasive than even the slickest campaign.

Here’s why UGC matters—and how you can inspire your audience to create and share it.

Why User-Generated Content Works

1. Builds Trust and Credibility
When potential customers see real people using and loving your products or services, it feels authentic. Reviews, tagged photos, and testimonials act as modern word-of-mouth recommendations.

2. Expands Your Reach
Every time a customer posts about your business and tags you, they’re introducing your brand to their network. This can organically grow your audience, often without spending a dime on advertising.

3. Strengthens Community
Highlighting customer stories makes your followers feel valued and part of something bigger. It turns casual customers into loyal brand advocates.

4. Provides Authentic Content
UGC helps fill your content calendar with fresh, relatable material that resonates better than stock photos or generic ads.

How to Encourage Fans to Share

1. Make It Easy
Let customers know exactly how to share their experience:

  • Create a branded hashtag they can use
  • Encourage them to tag your business profile
  • Add reminders on your website, in email footers, and in-store signage

The simpler the process, the more likely they’ll participate.

2. Celebrate and Share Their Posts
When someone tags you or uses your hashtag, feature their content on your social media, website, or email newsletter. Seeing others get recognition motivates more people to join in.

3. Run UGC Campaigns or Contests
Host a themed contest: ask customers to share photos of how they use your product, decorate their space, or enjoy your service. Offer small prizes or discounts to winners. Even a simple “feature of the week” can drive participation.

4. Ask for Reviews
Encourage customers to leave reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp, or industry-specific sites. Respond to those reviews—good or bad—to show you value customer feedback. Make sure to thank customers for their reviews and address the not so good reviews.

5. Offer Incentives
A discount on a future purchase, exclusive content, or entry into a giveaway can motivate customers to share.

6. Use Calls-to-Action (CTA)
Don’t be afraid to directly ask your audience to post photos, tag you, or tell their stories. Clear CTAs can turn passive fans into active contributors.

User-generated content isn’t just a trend—it’s a strategic, authentic way to deepen customer relationships and build brand credibility. By making sharing easy, recognizing your fans, and giving gentle encouragement, you’ll unlock a steady stream of content that keeps your marketing fresh, relatable, and trustworthy.


About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh-based marketing consulting firm providing senior-level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development strategies, website creation and management, social media management, marketing, strategic planning, and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

various binders on a desk on top of an open binder with the title productivity representing Tips on Using AI to Boost Productivity in Your Small Business

Tips on Using AI to Boost Productivity in Your Small Business

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just for big tech companies. Today, even the smallest businesses can harness AI to save time, reduce costs, and work smarter—not harder. Whether you’re managing a team or running things solo, AI tools can handle repetitive tasks, improve decision-making, and free you up to focus on growing your business.

Here are some practical tips on how to use AI to boost productivity in your small business—starting today.

Automate Routine Tasks

Repetitive admin tasks like scheduling meetings, sending invoices, and answering FAQs eat up valuable time. AI can handle many of these with ease.

Tools to try:

  • Calendly + AI assistants for scheduling
  • QuickBooks with AI invoicing suggestions
  • Chatbots like Tidio or Intercom to answer common customer questions

Tip: Start with one repetitive task and test an AI tool to automate it.

Streamline Content Creation

From blogs to social media posts, AI can help generate ideas, create drafts, and even write full pieces based on your input.

Tools to try:

  • ChatGPT – for brainstorming, blog writing, or social media captions
  • Grammarly – for AI-powered writing improvement
  • Copy.ai or Jasper – for website copy, ad headlines, and email templates

Tip: Use AI to generate the first draft, then add your voice and brand tone for the final version.

Enhance Customer Insights

AI tools can analyze customer behavior, reviews, and purchase history to give you actionable insights—without the need for a data science degree.

Tools to try:

  • Google Analytics with AI-powered insights
  • Zoho CRM or HubSpot Free CRM – use AI to track and predict customer interactions

Tip: Use AI-generated insights to personalize follow-ups and improve the customer experience.

Use AI Chatbots for Instant Support

Customers expect fast answers—AI chatbots can handle basic inquiries 24/7, freeing you up for more complex tasks.

Tools to try:

  • Tidio, Drift, or Zendesk AI Chat
  • Meta’s AI for Instagram/Facebook Business Messenger

Tip: Customize the chatbot to sound like your brand and connect it to live support when needed.

Organize and Manage Your Workflows

AI productivity tools help you stay organized by prioritizing tasks, managing documents, and even summarizing meeting notes.

Tools to try:

  • Notion AI – for organizing content, creating task lists, and generating summaries
  • Otter.ai – for transcribing and summarizing meetings
  • Trello + Butler (AI automation) – for managing projects with smart automations

Tip: Integrate these tools with your current apps (Google Workspace, Slack, etc.) for smoother workflows.

Get Smarter Marketing with AI

From audience targeting to content scheduling, AI makes marketing more efficient and data-driven.

Tools to try:

  • Constant Contact– for AI-powered email campaign optimization
  • Lumen5 – turn blog posts into videos automatically
  • Surfer SEO – AI-assisted blog optimization for better search rankings

Tip: Use AI to analyze your best-performing posts and repurpose them across platforms.

Final Tips: Use AI Wisely

  • Start small – Don’t try to automate everything at once.
  • Stay human – AI is a tool, not a replacement. Your personality and customer relationships still matter.

Review regularly – Track what’s working, and don’t be afraid to pivot or try new tools.

AI isn’t just a trend—it’s a game-changer for small businesses. Whether it’s creating content, organizing your day, or connecting with customers, AI can help you do more with less. Start simple, stay curious, and let technology lighten your load so you can focus on what you do best.


About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh-based marketing consulting firm providing senior-level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development strategies, website creation and management, social media management, marketing, strategic planning, and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

a graphic with a toolbox full of office supplies representing free tools to boost your business marketing

Free Tools to Boost Your Business Marketing Today

Marketing your business doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, some of the best tools available to grow your brand, reach new customers, and stay organized come at no cost. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or running a small team, these 10 free tools can give your marketing efforts a powerful boost—starting today.

The key is to avoid overwhelming yourself. Instead of trying to use everything at once, pick two or three tools that align with your immediate goals—maybe that’s improving your social media presence, launching an email newsletter, or understanding your audience better. Focus on learning how to use those tools well, integrate them into your weekly routine, and build habits that support growth.

Once you’ve got the hang of those, you’ll not only notice increased efficiency, you’ll likely see more engagement, stronger branding, and clearer data to guide your decisions. Best of all? You’ll be doing it all without spending a dime.

10 Free Tools to Boost Your Business Marketing

Canva – Design Anything in Minutes

Need graphics for social media, flyers, or emails? Canva’s free version gives you access to thousands of templates and drag-and-drop design tools. No design experience required.

  • Great for: Instagram posts, event flyers, business cards, presentations

Mailchimp – Email Marketing Made Simple

Build and manage email lists, automate follow-ups, and track engagement. Mailchimp’s free plan supports up to 500 contacts and basic email automation.

  • Great for: Newsletters, promotions, customer retention

Buffer – Easy Social Media Scheduling

Schedule posts for multiple platforms in advance and analyze performance from one dashboard. The free plan lets you manage 3 accounts and schedule up to 10 posts per platform.

  • Great for: Time-saving social media management

Google Analytics – Understand Your Website Visitors

Want to know who’s visiting your website, how they found you, and what they’re doing there? Google Analytics gives you those insights for free.

  • Great for: Tracking marketing ROI, improving your website

Google Business Profile – Show Up in Local Searches

Make sure your business appears on Google Maps and in local search results with a verified Google Business Profile. It’s essential for local marketing.

  • Great for: Local service providers, shops, and restaurants

Trello – Organize Your Marketing Projects

Keep your content ideas, social posts, and marketing calendar organized with Trello’s drag-and-drop boards. You can collaborate with team members or stay on top of solo projects.

  • Great for: Content planning, campaign tracking

Answer the Public – Know What People Are Asking

Type in a keyword and see what real questions people are asking online. It’s a great way to generate blog ideas, FAQs, and content that meets your customers’ needs.

  • Great for: SEO, content inspiration

CapCut – Free Video Editing for Reels and TikToks

Want to create short, snappy videos for social media? CapCut makes video editing super easy, with built-in templates, effects, and music.

  • Great for: Instagram Reels, TikToks, YouTube Shorts

SurveyMonkey (Free Plan) – Learn From Your Audience

Run customer satisfaction surveys or market research quickly with SurveyMonkey’s basic plan. It’s a great way to gather feedback and adjust your strategy.

  • Great for: Customer feedback, product research

ChatGPT – Brainstorm Content & Get Writing Help

Need help writing captions, blogs, or brainstorming campaign ideas? Tools like ChatGPT can help you generate content, refine messaging, or simplify complex topics.

  • Great for: Content creation, brainstorming, ad copy

You don’t need a big budget to make a big impact—what you need is strategy, consistency, and the right tools. Each of the free resources mentioned above is designed to help small business owners like you streamline your efforts, connect with your audience, and showcase your brand more effectively. Whether you’re creating engaging graphics, scheduling content, managing customer relationships, or analyzing your website traffic, these tools put powerful capabilities right at your fingertips—without draining your wallet.


About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh-based marketing consulting firm providing senior-level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development strategies, website creation and management, social media management, marketing, strategic planning, and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

Green and black QR Codes

QR Codes with a Twist: The Secret Weapon for Small Business Marketing in 2025

Remember when QR codes first popped up and everyone was like, “Wait, what do I do with this?” Fast forward to 2025—and they’ve made a massive comeback. Personally, I believe COVID played a role in this as paper menus with QR codes and drink lists were some of the things changing consumer behavior that brought back a surge.

But this time, they’re smarter, faster, and way more fun. If you’re a small business owner looking for a low-cost, high-impact marketing tool, QR codes might just be your new best friend.

Why QR Codes Still Matter

In a world where people expect instant access to information, QR codes deliver. They’re scannable by any smartphone camera, easy to generate, and super versatile. But the real magic happens when you go beyond the basics—when you give your QR codes a twist.

Here’s how to turn these little black-and-white squares into powerful marketing machines:

Lead to Exclusive Video Content

Imagine a customer scanning a QR code on your coffee cup and landing on a 30-second video of how the beans were roasted—or a message from your team about what makes your blend special. Video builds connection, and QR codes are your shortcut to storytelling.

People love to connect with brands. Here are some use case ideas:

  • Behind-the-scenes product videos
  • Personal thank-you messages
  • Tutorials or “how it’s made” clips

Unlock Coupons & Loyalty Rewards

Why make customers dig through emails or apps for a promo code? A QR code on your receipts, flyers, or signage can lead directly to a special offer or loyalty program signup page.

Pro tip: Add some urgency with a countdown timer or “limited to first 100 uses” language.

Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences

Welcome to the future. Pair a QR code with an AR filter or experience to bring your brand to life. Maybe your product packaging launches an AR animation when scanned. Or a mural outside your shop turns into a 3D art piece.

Industries this strategy works great for:

  • Retail
  • Art & design
  • Food & beverage
  • Tourism

Smart Packaging That Sells

QR codes on packaging don’t have to be boring. Add personality by linking to:

  • A playlist curated for your product
  • Care instructions in a fun, visual format
  • Customer reviews or testimonials

This turns your packaging into an interactive, value-adding experience.

Tips for Making QR Codes Work for You

Customize your codes: Use colors, logos, and branded frames so they match your brand.

  • Test before printing: Always test your QR code to make sure it leads to the right page.
  • Use a dynamic QR code generator: These let you change the destination later—even after it’s printed. QR Code Dynamic is what I used for this blog.
  • Track performance: Use QR code platforms that offer analytics so you can measure what’s working.

QR codes aren’t just a shortcut—they’re a connection point. In 2025, the businesses that win are the ones that create memorable, shareable moments. By giving your QR codes a twist, you’re not just giving people a link—you’re inviting them into your world.

So go ahead—slap that code on a sticker, a sandwich wrapper, or your storefront window—and let it do the heavy lifting. Share what’s worked best for you!


About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh-based marketing consulting firm providing senior-level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development strategies, website creation and management, social media management, marketing, strategic planning, and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

buyer's journey represented by game board with acquire customers satisfy customer Retain customer serve customers

From Stranger to Superfan: Mastering the Buyer’s Journey for Small Business Growth

Marketing isn’t just about selling a product—it’s about guiding someone from “Who are you?” to “I can’t live without your brand.” That transformation doesn’t happen by accident. It follows a path called the buyer’s journey, and understanding it is key to turning curious browsers into loyal customers.

According to SEM Rush, perhaps the most important impact customer retention can have on a business involves its profits. Some 84% of companies that work to improve customer experience notice an uplift in revenue (Dimension Data). Customer retention is vital for the 61% of small businesses that say over half their revenue comes from repeat customers (BIA Advisory Services)

Let’s break it down stage by stage—and explore how your small business can meet customers exactly where they are.

Awareness: The “I Have a Problem” Stage

At this point, your potential customer doesn’t know you exist. They’re simply trying to solve a problem or meet a need.

Example: Someone wakes up with dry eyes every morning. They start Googling “why are my eyes dry when I wake up?”

Your role: Be helpful. Don’t pitch—educate. Create content that answers their questions and builds trust.

Tactics that that support consumer education:

  • Blog posts (like this one)
  • Social media tips
  • YouTube explainer videos
  • SEO-optimized content

Consideration: The “What Are My Options?” Stage

Now they know what their problem is—and they’re looking for solutions. Potential consumers compare brands, services, or products.

Example: Our dry-eyed friend is now researching eye drops, sleep habits, and optometrists nearby.

Your role: Show how you’re different. Highlight the value you bring and why your solution fits best.

Tactics that provide the potential customer with additional resources:

  • Case studies and testimonials
  • Comparison guides
  • Product videos or demos
  • Free trials or samples

Decision: The “Let’s Do This” Stage

This is the moment they’re ready to buy—but they might need a final push.

Example: They’ve narrowed it down to two optometry offices. Your website has online booking, glowing reviews, and a special for new patients.

Your role: Make it easy to say yes. Eliminate friction and reinforce their confidence.

Tactics that lead to the next step in a customer’s journey:

  • Clear call-to-action buttons
  • Easy checkout or booking
  • Limited-time offers
  • Money-back guarantees

Retention: The “I’m a Fan” Stage

You got the sale—awesome! But the journey’s not over. Now you need to keep them coming back.

Your role: Deliver a standout experience and stay in touch.

Tactics that show your customers that you care:

  • Follow-up emails
  • Loyalty programs
  • Personalized thank-you notes
  • Helpful post-purchase content

Advocacy: The “You Gotta Try This!” Stage

Happy customers are your best marketers. When people love you, they’ll tell their friends, leave reviews, and post on social media.

Your role: Make it easy for them to share the love.

Tactics that encourage your customers to become raving fans:

  • Referral programs
  • Review requests
  • User-generated content campaigns
  • Feature customer shoutouts on social

Build Marketing Strategy That Maps to the Buyer’s Journey

If you only market to people who are ready to buy, you’re missing out on a huge audience. But if you create content and offers for every step of the journey, you guide people naturally from awareness to loyalty.

Look at your current marketing strategy and customer’s journey. Are you meeting your customers where they are—or only where you want them to be? Understanding the buyer’s journey isn’t just marketing theory—it’s the foundation of smart, sustainable growth.

Want help mapping your content or social strategy to each stage of the journey? Drop me a message and let’s brainstorm!


About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh-based marketing consulting firm providing senior-level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development strategies, website creation and management, social media management, marketing, strategic planning, and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

Big Clock with Time for Review where the hours should display and the hour hand pointing to review - reflecting on Qa

Reflecting on Q1: How Has Your Business Grown & What’s Next for Q2?

As the first quarter of the year comes to a close, now is the perfect time for small business owners to reflect on their progress and plan ahead for Q2. Have you met your customer acquisition goals? What marketing strategies have worked best? Evaluating your efforts now will help you refine your approach for continued success in the next quarter.

Reviewing Your Q1 Successes & Challenges

Before looking ahead, take a moment to assess your Q1 performance:

  • Which marketing campaigns attracted the most new customers?
  • Did you maximize social media, email marketing, or paid advertising?
  • Have you built strong customer relationships through loyalty programs or engagement?
  • What areas could use improvement in terms of outreach and conversions?

Analyzing these factors will provide valuable insights into what’s working and what needs to be adjusted.

Planning for Q2: Fresh Strategies for Growth

With Q2 comes new opportunities, seasonal changes, and upcoming holidays that businesses can leverage to attract more customers. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

Spring into New Marketing Initiatives

  • Refresh your branding with spring-themed visuals and messaging.
  • Promote spring cleaning or renewal-related services for businesses in home improvement, fitness, wellness, or organization.
  • Highlight new products or limited-time seasonal offers.
  • The Pittsburg Home Show has just ended. As you look at upcoming spring events do you have a follow-up plan in place?

Leverage Upcoming Holidays & Events

  • Easter (March 31st): Offer holiday promotions, themed giveaways, or family-friendly events.
  • Earth Day (April 22nd): Showcase eco-friendly initiatives, sustainable products, or green business practices.
  • Mother’s Day (May 12th): Run special sales, gift bundles, or service packages tailored to celebrate moms.

Enhance Customer Engagement & Retention

  • Revamp your email marketing strategy to nurture new leads from Q1.
  • Create customer loyalty incentives or referral programs to encourage repeat business.
  • Engage your audience through interactive content like live Q&As, behind-the-scenes content, or contests.

Optimize for Seasonal Shopping Trends

  • Adjust product offerings and promotions to align with seasonal demand.
  • Plan ahead for summer marketing by preparing campaigns in late Q2.
  • Use local events, markets, and fairs to connect with new customers in person. Prepare a give-a-way or offer some way to obtain emails and nurture new customers through email marketing as well as other efforts.

Setting Goals for a Strong Q2

To ensure continued growth, set measurable goals for the next quarter:

  • Increase website traffic by X% through enhanced content marketing.
  • Grow your email list by offering exclusive Q2 discounts.
  • Boost customer engagement on social media through regular posting and interactive content.

Q1 has laid the foundation for growing your business now it’s time to refine, adapt, and increase sales and customers in Q2. By analyzing your past efforts, leveraging seasonal opportunities, and setting strategic goals, your business can continue attracting new customers and strengthening relationships with existing ones.


About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh-based marketing consulting firm providing senior-level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development strategies, website creation and management, social media management, marketing, strategic planning, and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

Grey deskmat background with pen and note pad and the message the power of storytelling

The Power of Storytelling: How to Use Your Brand’s Story to Attract Customers

Every small business has a unique story to tell. Whether it’s the inspiration behind your brand, the challenges you’ve overcome, or the passion that drives you, storytelling is a powerful way to connect with customers on a deeper level. A compelling brand narrative makes your business more relatable, builds trust, and ultimately drives sales. Here’s how to craft an engaging story that resonates with your audience.

Why Storytelling Matters in Marketing

Consumers today don’t just buy products or services—they invest in brands they connect with. A well-told story can:

  • Differentiate your business from competitors.
  • Create emotional connections that foster customer loyalty.
  • Make your brand more memorable and shareable.
  • Build trust and authenticity in an increasingly skeptical marketplace.

Tips for Crafting an Engaging Brand Narrative

  • Define Your “Why”
  • What inspired you to start your business?
  • What problem are you solving for your customers?
  • How do your values and mission shape your brand?

Make It Personal

  • Share real experiences, struggles, and triumphs that led to your success.
  • Use personal anecdotes to make your brand more human and relatable.
  • Feature key team members or customers who have played a role in your journey.

Keep It Authentic

  • Avoid over-polishing your story—customers appreciate honesty and transparency.
  • Don’t be afraid to highlight challenges and setbacks, as they make your success more inspiring.

Stay true to your brand’s voice and values.

  • Engage with Visuals
  • Use high-quality photos, videos, or behind-the-scenes content to bring your story to life.
  • Create short-form videos for social media that showcase your journey, process, or impact.
  • Feature before-and-after images if applicable to your business (e.g., a bakery showing cake transformations or a contractor showing home renovations).

Incorporate Storytelling Across Marketing Channels

  • Website: Have an “About Us” page that tells your brand’s story in an engaging way.
  • Social Media: Share customer testimonials, behind-the-scenes moments, and founder stories.
  • Email Marketing: Send storytelling-driven emails that highlight your journey, special milestones, or customer success stories.
  • Blog Content: Write detailed blog posts about how your business started, challenges you’ve overcome, or the impact you’re making.

Encourage Customers to Share Their Stories

  • Feature user-generated content and testimonials from happy customers.
  • Ask for and share customer success stories that align with your brand’s mission.
  • Run a social media campaign encouraging customers to share how your product or service has impacted them.

Storytelling isn’t just about marketing—it’s about creating meaningful connections with your audience. A well-crafted brand story can attract loyal customers, inspire engagement, and set your business apart. Start sharing your journey today, and watch how storytelling transforms your brand’s impact.

How do you use storytelling in your business?


About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh-based marketing consulting firm providing senior-level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development strategies, website creation and management, social media management, marketing, strategic planning, and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

marketing plan - a woman on the left side in a thinking position with the text A Goal without a plan is just a wish

How to Create a Winning Marketing Plan for Your Small Business

A well-crafted marketing plan is essential for small businesses looking to grow, attract customers, and stand out in a competitive market. Whether you’re just starting or refining your strategy, following a structured approach can set you up for success. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a marketing plan that works.

Step 1: Set Clear Goals

Before launching any marketing effort, define what success looks like for your business. Your goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Examples include:

  • Increase website traffic by 30% in six months.
  • Grow social media engagement by 20% in the next quarter.
  • Generate 50 new leads per month.
  • Grow your email list by 25 new customers a month

Step 2: Identify Your Target Audience

Do you know who your customers are and what they like? Understanding your ideal customers is key to effective marketing. Define your target audience based on demographics, interests, and behaviors.

Consider:

  • Who are your current customers?
  • What problems does your product or service solve?
  • Where do your customers spend their time online and offline?

Step 3: Choose the Right Marketing Strategies

Once you know your audience, determine the best ways to reach them. Some popular small business marketing strategies include:

  • Social Media Marketing: Engage customers on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok. By understanding who your customers are will help you determine where they spend their time online.
  • Content Marketing: Create blog posts, videos, or podcasts that provide value and establish expertise.
  • Email Marketing: Build an email list and nurture leads with personalized messages and promotions.
  • SEO and Local Search: Optimize your website for search engines and claim your Google My Business listing.
  • Paid Advertising: Use Google Ads or social media ads to boost visibility and attract leads.

Step 4: Develop a Budget

Determine how much you can allocate to marketing efforts. Even with a small budget, you can leverage free and low-cost strategies like organic social media, networking, and referral programs. If possible, allocate funds for paid ads or professional content creation to enhance your efforts. Participation in community events can provide great exposure to attendees. Involvement with nonprofit organizations by supporting their social cause will expose your business to their audiences and supporters as well as help the cause.

Step 5: Implement and Track Your Plan

Execution is key. Use a marketing calendar to schedule campaigns and content. Monitor your progress using analytics tools such as Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, or email marketing dashboards. If you aren’t tracking the results how do you know what is working?

Key metrics to track can include:

  • Website traffic and conversion rates
  • Social media engagement
  • Email open and click-through rates
  • Return on investment (ROI) for paid ads

Step 6: Adjust and Improve

Marketing is an ongoing process. Regularly review your results, identify what’s working, and refine your approach. If a campaign isn’t delivering expected results, tweak the message, try a different channel, or adjust your budget.

A strong marketing plan helps small businesses stay focused, attract the right customers, and achieve sustainable growth. By setting clear goals, knowing your audience, choosing effective strategies, and tracking progress, you can build a winning marketing approach that evolves with your business.

Need help crafting your marketing plan? Contact [email protected].


About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh-based marketing consulting firm providing senior-level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development strategies, website creation and management, social media management, marketing, strategic planning, and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

personal branding - colorful sticky notes fanned on a cork background iwth Build Your Personal Brand on the top note

The Importance of Personal Branding for Business Owners

In today’s competitive business landscape, small business owners must do more than just promote their products or services—they need to market themselves. Personal branding helps establish credibility, build trust with your audience, and position you as an expert in your industry. How you operate in various aspects of life can be reflective in business as well. For example, if you’re always running late for appointments what does that say to the person on the other end that is left waiting time and time again. You’ve heard the phrase “they’re never on time”. What that means to others is you don’t value them or their time – you’re more important.

Here’s how you can develop a strong personal brand and use it to grow your business.

Why Personal Branding Matters

A strong personal brand sets you apart from competitors and makes your business more relatable. Customers want to buy from people they trust, and by sharing your knowledge and expertise, you build lasting relationships. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, consultant, or small business owner, your personal brand influences your professional success.

How to Position Yourself as an Expert

  • Find Speaking Opportunities
  • Offer to speak at local business events, industry conferences, or networking groups.
  • Join online webinars and podcasts as a guest expert.
  • Reach out to event organizers with a compelling pitch showcasing your expertise.

Start Blog Writing

  • Create valuable content that educates your audience on industry trends and best practices.
  • Share insights, case studies, and personal experiences to connect with readers.
  • Guest post on reputable industry blogs to expand your reach.

Participate in Industry Expert Panels

  • Join professional associations and industry groups to gain visibility.
  • Apply for panel discussions at trade shows, business summits, and online forums.
  • Engage in Q&A sessions and share your insights on trending topics.

Additional Tips for Strengthening Your Personal Brand

  • Be Consistent Across Platforms: Ensure your social media profiles, website, and LinkedIn presence reflect your expertise and brand message.
  • Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, participate in discussions, and share valuable content on social media.
  • Leverage Video Content: Use YouTube, Instagram Reels, and LinkedIn Live to showcase your expertise in a more personal and engaging way.
  • Network and Collaborate: Connect with other industry leaders, collaborate on projects, and exchange guest blog opportunities.

Personal branding is not just about self-promotion—it’s about building meaningful connections and establishing yourself as a trusted authority. By finding speaking opportunities, writing insightful blogs, and participating in industry panels, you can elevate your credibility and grow your business. Start developing your personal brand today, and watch your business thrive!

How are you building your personal brand? Share your thoughts.


About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh-based marketing consulting firm providing senior-level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development strategies, website creation and management, social media management, marketing, strategic planning, and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.