5 Common Marketing Mistakes Columbus, Ohio Businesses Make

If you’re running a small business in Columbus, Grandview, Marble Cliff, or Upper Arlington, chances are marketing has made it onto your to-do list, and then quickly fallen to the bottom of it. You’re not alone. We work with local businesses every day who are juggling client work, operations, and all the curveballs that come with entrepreneurship. And through it all, marketing tends to get pushed aside… or done on the fly.

The good news? If things feel disjointed or like nothing is working, you’re likely making one (or more) of these common mistakes and every single one is fixable.

Let’s walk through the top five local marketing pitfalls and how to course-correct.

1. You're Marketing Without a Plan

Too many business owners post randomly on Instagram, throw some money at an ad, or order postcards, without any real plan in place. If that sounds familiar, know this: lack of strategy leads to wasted time and money.

What to do instead:

• Set clear, specific goals (e.g. grow email list by 50 subscribers or get 10 new consultations this month).

• Pick your top 1–2 platforms where your audience hangs out.

• Create a simple marketing calendar, even if it’s just a Google Doc. Know what you’re posting, emailing, or promoting each week.

Need help? Grab our free marketing workbook at myrebelmarketing.com/checklist to create your own roadmap.

2. You’re Not Showing Up in Local Search

When was the last time you Googled your own business? If you’re not showing up when someone searches “realtor near me” or “best coffee in Grandview Ohio,” you’re missing out on potential customers who are actively looking.

How to fix it:

• Claim your Google Business Profile. Already have one? Have you optimized it?

• Add local keywords to your website (e.g. “Upper Arlington dog grooming”).

• Encourage happy clients to leave reviews. Google loves those stars.

• Double-check that your business name, address, and phone number are the same across every platform.

These simple SEO steps can help customers find you right when they need you.

3. You’re Ghosting Your Audience on Social

You set up your Facebook page two years ago… and haven’t posted since. Or you post five times one week and disappear for the next month. Either way, inconsistency can make your business seem out of touch, or worse, out of business.

Let’s turn that around:

• Focus on just one or two platforms. You don’t have to be everywhere.

• Remember to post consistently. Even once a week is better than nothing!

• Share moments of behind-the-scenes, helpful tips, or customer shout-outs.

• Respond to comments and messages to build actual connections.

Do you participate in local events? Perfect! Bonus points if you post and tag other businesses in your area.

4. You’re Ignoring Email Marketing

Social media might get the buzz, but email marketing is the secret weapon that most local businesses forget. When someone gives you their email for marketing purposes, it's a sign of trust and that they want to hear more.

Here’s how to make email marketing work for you:

• Start collecting emails now! Use a signup form on your site or ask customers to opt in at checkout.

• Make sure to use an email marketing platform such as Mailchimp, Flodesk, or Constant Contact instead of just your business email or gmail account. There are tons more platforms out there. Look for automation to welcome your users as soon as they sign up.

• Send regular updates. Start with at least 1 time per month. Share helpful tips, promotions, or upcoming events. Think of upcoming holidays and schedule those email houtouts.

• Include a clear call-to-action (“Book a free consult” or “Stop by this weekend”).

Email helps keep your business top-of-mind and brings people back through the door.

5. You’re Doing It All Yourself

You’re the CEO, bookkeeper, customer service rep, and the head of marketing. Sound familiar? We see so many business owners trying to juggle it all, which leads to burnout and, eventually, marketing getting dropped altogether.

Here’s a better way:

• Identify your marketing pain points. Is it social media? Website updates? Content creation?

• Delegate what you can. Whether that’s working with an agency (like us!), hiring a freelancer, or just outsourcing a few hours a month.

• Focus on your strengths. When you’re not bogged down trying to write Instagram captions or figure out Google Analytics, you can focus on what you do best, running your business.

Even a little outside support can make a huge impact on your visibility and your sanity.

Ready to Fix Your Marketing?

You don’t need a big budget or a full marketing department to show up, stand out, and grow. What you do need is a clear strategy, a consistent presence, and the willingness to try something new.

Start by fixing just one of these five common missteps. Need help figuring out which one? Download our free workbook or reach out, we’re real people based right here in Columbus and love helping small businesses thrive.

Let’s make your marketing work smarter, not harder.

Need a partner who gets local business?

We’re Rebel Marketing. We're your go-to for strategy, websites, content, and brand clarity. Schedule a free consultation or DM us on Instagram @roblesdesignstudio.