How To Develop A Marketing Strategy (Even If You Have No Time)

Marketing often feels like one more overwhelming thing on your list. But you can make progress, even with minimal time and budget. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and focus on the basics that actually move the needle.

Here’s how to build a practical marketing strategy. Even if you only have an hour or two a week.

1. Define Your Audience

Everything starts with knowing who you’re speaking to. Think about:

• Who are your ideal customers?
  
  
  

• Where do they spend time online?
  
  
  

• What are they looking for, struggling with, or interested in?
  
  
  

Your answers should guide your channel selection. For example:

• LinkedIn is a good bet if you're targeting professionals or B2B clients.
  
  
  

• Try Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest for creative, lifestyle, or visual brands.
  
  
  

• For local businesses, Google Business Profile and Facebook still hold value.
  
  
  

Don’t spread yourself too thin—choose one or two platforms and do them well.

2. Build a Simple Web Presence

Do you need a website? Not always. But if you're serious about growing your business, it makes a big difference.

A basic site can:

• Act as your digital home base
  
  
  

• Build trust and credibility
  
  
  

• Help you show up in search engines
  
  
  

• Make it easier for people to contact or buy from you
  
  
  

You don’t need to hire a web developer to get started. Tools like WordPress, Wix, or Framer offer low-cost, user-friendly options. You can use templates, drag-and-drop design, and built-in features to get online quickly.

Once your site is live, consider using tools like Ahrefs for a free site audit. This can highlight technical issues, show you where your SEO could improve, and give you insight into how your site performs.

3. Post Regularly, Focus on Value

Aim to post two to three times a week. The goal isn’t just to post for the sake of it. Focus on content that entertains, informs, or inspires.

Think about what your audience would find helpful or interesting. This might include:

• Tips or how-tos
  
  
  

• Behind-the-scenes content
  
  
  

• Answers to common questions
  
  
  

• Industry insights
  
  
  

• Testimonials or success stories
  
  
  

Quality matters more than quantity. Even one well-thought-out post a week is better than five rushed ones.

4. Use Branding to Build Recognition

Brand consistency helps people remember you. If you're not a designer, start with tools like Canva to create post templates, set your brand colours and fonts, and build a professional look.

You can also build a media library with:

• Free images from Unsplash or Pexels
  
  

• Background music or sound effects from AI music tools like Beatoven or Soundraw
  
  

• Reusable assets like your logo, tagline, or calls to action
  
  
  

A strong and cohesive visual identity helps you stand out and feel more established, even if you're just starting. (Canva is incredible, by the way; I can’t stress that enough)

5. Use Analytics to Guide You

Data removes the guesswork. Wherever possible, use platform insights or free tools like Google Analytics to track what’s working.

Look at metrics like:

• Reach and impressions
  
  
  

• Engagement (likes, comments, shares)
  
  
  

• Website traffic and sources
  
  
  

• Conversion actions (form submissions, clicks, sales)
  
  
  

Use this information to double down on what’s performing and drop what isn’t. You don’t need to become a data expert; just pay attention to the basics.

6. Automate and Systemise Your Workflow

Time is a major barrier for most business owners. Automating your content and streamlining your workflow can save hours.

• Use Hootsuite, Buffer, or Later to schedule posts in advance
  
  
  

• Batch your content creation to get a week or month ahead
  
  
  

• Reuse and repurpose your content across platforms
  
  
  

• Create templates to speed up your design process
  
  
  

Even setting aside one or two hours every fortnight can be enough to keep your content going.

7. Use AI as a Tool, Not a Shortcut

AI tools like ChatGPT can help you generate ideas, write drafts, or even create designs and videos. But they aren't perfect. Use AI to save time, not to do the thinking for you.

Always review and tailor the content to your brand voice and message. Your audience wants to connect with a human, not a robot.

You don’t need a full-time marketing team or a huge budget. Start small. Stay consistent. Use the tools available to make your life easier.

Focus on being clear, visible, and helpful, and your marketing will start working for you.