This article was authored by Stand Out Online Member Allix Rawls, Bravely Forward
Marketing shouldn’t feel like throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. But for so many women entrepreneurs, that’s exactly what it feels like. You’re showing up, posting like crazy, trying to do all the things—and yet, you’re still not seeing the steady stream of clients you were hoping for.
If that’s you, let me start by saying this: You’re not alone. You’re not bad at marketing. You just haven’t been given the right framework yet. The problem isn’t that you’re not working hard enough—it’s that you’re working without a clear system.
Marketing doesn’t work when it’s just a collection of random efforts. It works when it’s structured, intentional, and repeatable. So let’s break down the biggest mistakes keeping women entrepreneurs stuck and, more importantly, how to fix them.
Mistake #1: Trying to Be Everywhere Instead of Focused on One Strong Platform
Somewhere along the way, someone told you that success means being everywhere. Instagram. Facebook. LinkedIn. TikTok. Pinterest. Email. YouTube. (Whew, I’m exhausted just writing that.) But the truth is, this is a one-way ticket to burnout.
And let’s be real—social media isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Those algorithms? They aren’t designed to help you grow your business. They’re designed to keep people scrolling.
Instead of spreading yourself thin, go deep on the platforms that matter. Where is your ideal client actually hanging out? Not where you wish they were, but where they really show up consistently. That’s where you need to be.
And listen, if you hate Instagram, stop forcing yourself to post there. If it drains you, it’s not sustainable. Find the platform that feels good for you and works for your audience. That’s where the magic happens.
Mistake #2: Creating Random Content Instead of a Clear, Strategic Plan
If you’re throwing out random tips, hopping on trends, or just posting when inspiration strikes, let me lovingly tell you: that is not a strategy.
Content isn’t just about showing up—it’s about guiding your audience through a journey. And that’s where the Attract-Engage-Convert framework comes in.
Attract: This is how new people find you. SEO, collaborations, viral-style content, and being featured on bigger platforms are your best friends here.
Engage: Now that they’ve found you, why should they stick around? This is where you prove you know your stuff—educational posts, storytelling, behind-the-scenes content, and testimonials all help build trust.
Convert: This is where people stop lurking and start buying. Clear calls to action, social proof, and showcasing your offers in a way that makes people say, “Yes, I need that!” are the key here.
Let’s put this into perspective. Imagine you’re an interior designer. You write a blog post about small-space design tips (Attract). Someone finds it on Pinterest and follows you on Instagram. There, you post design transformations and client wins (Engage). Then, you promote a free design consultation, and that new follower books a call (Convert). See how this works? It’s about making every piece of content work together.
Mistake #3: Relying on Social Media Alone Instead of Building a Lead-Generation System
Social media is great for getting eyes on your business, but it’s not a business model. You don’t own your Instagram followers. If Instagram disappeared tomorrow, would you still have a way to reach your audience?
This is why building a marketing funnel is non-negotiable. Here’s the simplified version:
Social Media or SEO → This is how people discover you.
Lead Magnet → A freebie that gets them onto your email list.
Email List → Where you build deeper connections and stay top of mind.
Nurture Sequence → Automated emails that introduce you, showcase your expertise, and keep people engaged.
Paid Offer → When they’re ready, they already know, like, and trust you enough to buy.
If all your marketing is happening on a platform you don’t own, it’s time to rethink that strategy.
Conclusion: Simplify to Scale (You Don’t Need to Do More—You Need a System!)
If marketing has felt overwhelming, it’s not because you’re doing it wrong—it’s because you’re doing too much. More platforms. More content. More effort. But more isn’t always better.
A marketing system is about working smarter, not harder. It’s about knowing exactly where to show up, what to say when you get there, and how it all leads back to your offers. It’s about setting up repeatable strategies that don’t require you to be glued to your phone 24/7.
Marketing isn’t meant to be a never-ending hustle. It’s meant to be a bridge—one that connects your business with the people who need it most. So let’s stop throwing spaghetti at the wall and start building something that actually works.
About Allix Rawls
Allix Rawls is a marketing and business growth strategist with over 12 years of experience helping female entrepreneurs and small businesses attract more clients, scale with ease, and build businesses that work for them—not the other way around. She’s passionate about simplifying marketing so that women can grow without the constant hustle. Through her company, Bravely Forward, she helps business owners ditch the overwhelm, create marketing systems that actually convert, and step into their role as confident CEOs.
When she’s not mapping out powerhouse marketing strategies, you’ll find her sipping on a Bailey’s-spiked coffee, wrangling her little ones, and reminding women everywhere that they are absolutely capable of building wildly successful businesses on their own terms.
Learn more at https://bravelyfwd.com/.