Business Vitamin: 5 Marketing Moves Every Business Must Make

By Craig Lourens, Business Coach – ActionCOACH

Let’s get straight to it.

Most business owners don’t have a marketing problem—they have a visibility problem.

If your business is living off word-of-mouth and referrals, you’re riding a revenue rollercoaster: busy one month, bone dry the next. That’s not a strategy. That’s hope. And hope is not a business plan.

Here are 5 no-nonsense marketing moves every serious business owner needs to make—yesterday:

1. Build a Website That Actually Works

Not just a digital business card. Your website should:

• Say exactly what you do and where.
• Make it easy to book, call, or get a quote.
• Show off recent work, case studies, or reviews.
• Capture leads 24/7 (yes—even while you sleep).

If your website isn’t working hard, you’re leaving money on the table.

2. Dominate Google My Business (GMB)

When someone Googles your type of business, do you show up?

If your Google Business Profile isn’t claimed, optimised, and active—you’re invisible. Update:

• Your service area or location.
• Photos of your work or team.
• Real reviews (aim for 50+).
• Posts with current offers or wins.

Local SEO is your low-hanging fruit. Grab it.

3. Run Paid Ads That Target Your Ideal Clients

Stop wasting budget “spraying and praying.” Smart business owners:

• Target the right demographics or locations.
• Promote offers with urgency (think seasonal or limited-time).
• Use retargeting to stay top-of-mind.

You wouldn’t fish in an empty pond—so stop marketing like it’s 2005.

4. Show, Don’t Tell—Use Social Proof

People buy from people they trust. So show them why they should trust you:

• Before-and-after shots.
• Short testimonial videos.
• “Behind-the-scenes” content with your team.

You’re not just selling a service—you’re selling confidence.

5. Follow Up Like a Pro

Most leads go cold not because they said no—but because nobody followed up.

Set up:

• Automated emails or SMS reminders.
• Follow-up calls within 24 hours.
• A lead tracking system (even a spreadsheet is better than nothing).

Fortune follows the follow-up.

Ready to grow?
Great marketing isn’t about being louder. It’s about being seen by the right people at the right time. Start with these 5, and your marketing machine will start to hum.

Craig Lourens, Business Coach – ActionCOACH