Why Most Marketing Isn’t Working (And What to Do Instead)

If you’re running a small or mid-sized business, you’ve probably had that sinking feeling: you’ve spent time (and money) on marketing, but nothing seems to stick.

Maybe you’ve boosted a few Facebook posts, sent out a newsletter, or even hired a freelancer. But the needle hasn’t moved. Leads haven’t flooded in. Sales haven’t climbed.

Here’s the truth:
It’s not that marketing doesn’t work. It’s that random acts of marketing don’t work.

Activity ≠ Strategy

We see it all the time with South Yorkshire businesses: you’re doing “a bit of everything,” but there’s no clear plan behind it. You’re posting on Instagram, sending occasional emails, maybe even running ads, but it’s all reactive, not strategic.

Marketing that works:

• It is built around a clear goal

• Knows exactly who it’s talking to

• Focuses on one or two key channels

• Is consistent, not chaotic

The Cost of Guesswork

Doing marketing without a strategy is like driving without a map. You’ll be busy, but not necessarily going anywhere.

And the real cost? It’s not just wasted spend, it’s missed opportunity. Time spent on the wrong channels. Leads were lost because your messaging was off. Confused customers because your brand wasn’t clear.

So What Should You Do Instead?

📍 Start with the goal
What are you actually trying to achieve? More leads? Better conversions? Repeat customers?

🎯 Choose one focus area
Not all marketing channels are equal. You don’t need to be everywhere, just where your customers are.

🧠 Build a strategy, not a to-do list
This is where a fractional CMO comes in, someone who can lead the strategy, keep it focused, and make sure it aligns with your business.

The Fix: Bring in a Fractional CMO

At All Rhodes, we help businesses in Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley and beyond create clear, practical marketing strategies that actually work.

You get senior-level thinking, without the full-time hire.

Want clarity, focus, and better results?
📞 Book a free 30-min strategy call today, and let’s sort your marketing once and for all.