2025: Mistakes to Avoid & What to Do Instead

A new year sparks reflection, and I’ve done the thinking for you. Here are the key marketing mistakes I expect businesses to make in 2025—and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Talking About Yourself Instead of Solving Problems

Imagine calling a handyman for a leak, and all they do is talk about their tools and awards. Annoying, right? You don’t care about the wrench they’ll use—you care about getting the leak fixed. That’s how customers feel when businesses focus on themselves instead of solving real problems.

What to Do Instead: Ask: “What’s their biggest headache, and how can we fix it?” Frame your messaging around their needs first. Once you’ve made that connection, showcase your credibility with testimonials, awards, and case studies. Think of it like earning trust before proving your expertise.

Mistake 2: Marketing Without a Plan

Starting marketing without clear goals is like paving roads to nowhere—time and resources wasted, no results achieved.

What to Do Instead: Set specific goals, whether it’s generating leads or boosting sales. Experiment with strategies like email campaigns, social media ads, or video content, and track what works. A single, well-executed campaign beats ten scattershot efforts every time.

Mistake 3: Losing the Human Element

One of the biggest mistakes I see in marketing? It’s generic and bland. Over-polished, jargon-heavy content that sounds like a college thesis.

Here’s the reality: Businesses don’t make decisions—people do. Marketing that connects with real people, not faceless brands, wins every time.

Another pitfall? Using AI poorly. While tools like AI can streamline processes (ask me about JadeBot sometime), over-relying on it can backfire. Generic, mass-produced content makes your brand feel robotic, not relatable.

If you don't get excited about your content, chances are your audience won't be excited either.

What to Do Instead: Use AI to brainstorm ideas or refine drafts, but ensure your content remains human. Share behind-the-scenes moments, customer success stories, and team highlights. Add humor and personality. Showcasing authenticity builds trust—and trust drives decisions.

Bonus Tip: Trying to write content that people resonate with? Try out Hemingway (it's free). I love to check my work there because it shows the reading level (aim for 9th grade or below) and highlights what sentences are hard to read.

Mistake 4: Trying to Do Everything at Once

Ever try doing every single house project in one weekend? It’s chaos. You get sloppy. The same happens when you spread your marketing efforts too thin.

What to Do Instead: Focus on what works. If email campaigns generate results, pour your energy into them instead of chasing every shiny new platform. Strategic focus beats scattershot attempts every time.

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