7 Marketing Strategies for People Who Hate Marketing

Let's be honest, a lot of us cringe at the thought of “marketing.”

We've all been bombarded with cheesy ads and pushy sales tactics, so it's no wonder the word itself can leave a bad taste in our mouths. I've heard it countless times from my clients: "I hate marketing." 

And you know what? I get it.

But here's the thing: effective marketing isn't about being annoying or intrusive. It's about connecting with the right people and talking about what you do—something you're probably passionate about anyway!

Even as someone who's worked in this field for two decades, I sometimes feel that twinge of unease. It's easy to worry about coming across as pushy or perhaps you simply assume that your audience will just magically find you.

But the truth is, marketing is essential for any business, big or small.

So, if you find yourself uttering the phrase "I hate marketing" a little too often, here are seven strategies that might just make things a little easier.

Seven Simple Marketing Strategies for People Who Hate Marketing

Marketing Strategy #1: Tell a Story (Because Humans Love Stories)

We're wired for stories. They're engaging, memorable, and humanizing. Think about how you connect with a good book or movie. That's the power of storytelling in marketing.

Instead of just stating facts, which we love too, weave those facts into a narrative that resonates with your audience. Share your own experiences, your "why," or even a funny anecdote related to your work.

For inspiration, check out examples like my “Truckload of Gravel” or “Paddleboard Fail” stories from my newsletter—they're not directly about my services, but they help people connect with me on a personal level and weave in some essential lessons.

Marketing Strategy #2: Answer Client Questions (They're Your Goldmine)

Your current clients are a fantastic source of marketing inspiration.

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Think about the questions they ask you. Chances are, potential clients have the same queries. Turn those answers into valuable content! A blog post, a FAQ page, even a short video can address common concerns and position you as an expert. I recently did this with my “Is Squarespace Good for SEO?” article— it stemmed directly from questions clients were asking.

Marketing Strategy #3: Celebrate Client Wins (Shine the Spotlight)

With their permission (and definitely talk to your business attorney about their recommendations for this!), showcase your clients' successes. What have they achieved by working with you? Sharing these stories can inspire others and demonstrate the value you bring. It can also make a challenging to understand field like financial services, law, or what I do—marketing—easier to digest. People can see it “in action,” so to speak, which makes the outcomes clearer.

This is the idea behind my “Thought Leader Stories” series, created in collaboration with Nailah from the Content Witches. It's a win-win: your clients get recognized, and you build credibility.

Marketing Strategy #4: Change Their Minds (Challenge the Status Quo)

This is one of my favorite content marketing approaches.

Every industry has its accepted wisdom, but sometimes, that wisdom is outdated or just plain wrong. What are some common misconceptions your clients have? What's a better way of doing things? Don't be afraid to challenge the status quo and offer a fresh perspective.

My friend Jamar's YouTube video is a great example of changing clients’ minds—he tackles common misconceptions in his field with authority and humor.

Marketing Strategy #5: Drop Some Knowledge (The “Did You Know?” Factor)

People love learning new things. it’s simply human nature.

Sprinkle your marketing with surprising facts, statistics, or insights related to your industry. These “Did You Know?” moments can grab attention and establish your expertise. For example, I often mention that over 90% of online experiences begin with a search. It's a startling statistic that highlights the importance of SEO and builds trust in my knowledge. (Yes, I have a database of fun facts—I'm a research nerd, and I own it and my clients benefit from it!)

Alignthority® Accelerator page, I changed the first CTA to “I'm Ready to Amplify My Authority.Marketing Strategy #6: Showcase Your Colleagues (A Rising Tide Lifts All Ships)

Highlighting your colleagues and collaborators is a smart marketing move.

It demonstrates that you're not just focused on yourself, but on providing the best possible solutions for your clients. It builds trust and positions you as a valuable connector. It also shows that your work isn’t about your ego, and your willingness to collaborate with others.

Notice how I mentioned Jamar and the writer I collaborate with earlier in this post? It's a subtle way of showing that I'm part of a larger network of professionals.

Marketing Strategy #7: Rethink Calls to Action (Make Them Compelling)

This is a tactical and therefore less strategic, but powerful, tip for those of you who hate marketing.

Most websites have weak calls to action (CTAs) like “Learn More” or “Contact Us.” If you use these exclusively they can get repetitive and your potential leads essential don’t see them. Instead, sprinkle around some that focus on the outcome. What will people gain by clicking?

On my Alignthority® Accelerator page, I changed the first CTA to “I'm Ready to Amplify My Authority.” This came directly from a client's testimonial and what she said the service did for her, and speaks to the specific benefit people are looking for. It's a small change, but it can make a big difference.

Hate marketing? Remember this next time you feel dread about this essential business task:

Marketing doesn't have to be a dreaded chore. By focusing on connection, value, and authenticity, you can create marketing that feels good—both for you and your audience. If you try any of these strategies, I'd love to hear about it, so be sure to zip me a message on Instagram and tell me how it went!