10 Strategies to Get More Marketing Done in Less Time

Do you want to continue to grow your VA business, but finding the time to do the marketing is a challenge? There are many reasons it may be difficult to find enough time in your day to market your business.

For example, even if you have quite a few clients, you might want to expand your team with other VAs. Or maybe you want more “ideal” clients. Or you might be transitioning from one business/job to another, and of course if you have children at home, time is always a challenge!

Whatever your situation is, when time is an issue, marketing often goes out the window. Here are ten strategies to help you get your marketing back on the list, and get more of it done in less time  so you can grow your business – and your profits:

1. Decide on how much time per week you need to market, then schedule those hours into your calendar, and treat it like an important appointment you simply can’t miss. It is an appointment – with yourself. And if you want to bring in more money and more ideal clients, you really can’t miss it.

If you’ve never tried it, don’t underestimate this first strategy. I’ve had clients who were sure they just didn’t have the time, but once they actually scheduled it in as non-negotiable, the time seemed to just magically appear.

2. Schedule Marketing time in larger chunks as opposed to bits here and there. At least two hours at a time is optimal. If you work on related tasks in the same time chunk, it’s possible for you to get through those tasks faster than you would otherwise, because your mind doesn’t have to make the transition. For example, if you are writing, do all your writing in one block of time.

3. Schedule your marketing time in when you have the most energy and vitality. Pay attention to your energy levels. When are you at your best?  It will come through in your branding and your message, and you’ll be less likely to put the task off because you’re tired. Save more familiar and repetitive tasks for times when you’re energy is lower.

4. Eliminate distractions. You’ve heard this one before, but it bears repeating. Sit down and make a list of all the things that can distract you, then do whatever it takes to make sure they don’t: Turn off the phone, turn off incoming email, and if anyone else is home, resist the temptation to be available to them because you aren’t doing ”work.” Instead let everyone know this is extremely important work.  Then put a “do not disturb” sign on your office door.

5. If you think it’s going to take you an hour to do a marketing task, give yourself 40 minutes. Psychologically you’ll be more motivated, You’ll be more efficient and often get it done sooner. Set a timer.

6. Let go of perfectionism. Just get it done! Marketing, unlike brain surgery, is one of those things where sacrificing a bit of quality in favor of quantity gets better results.

7. Plan and review. Take some time to strategize on how you will do a marketing task(s), rather than rushing in because you’re busy. You’ll often come up with creative ways to accomplish it in less time. Afterwards, do a quick review to see if there’s a way you might do it faster next time.

8. When marketing via social media, write down what you want to accomplish in advance and then stick to it (see #5). Don’t get distracted by your sister’s broken water pipe disaster. Save that for your “off” hours.

9. Make sure you choose something you can accomplish each time you work on your marketing, and do it first. Then if you leave some tasks partially done for the next time, the feeling of accomplishment from that first task will keep you motivated.

10. Hire a business or marketing coach. A good coach will help you come up with a customized marketing plan just for you, to get the most results in the least amount of time. They’ll help you plan what steps to take and when each week, and then hold you accountable for getting them done. A coach is a business investment that will pay for herself many times over by helping you bring in more money, faster.

To schedule a f.r.e.e. consult regarding your customized marketing plan: http://thevasuccesscoach.com/contact-kellie-deruyter/

If you’ve tried any of these strategies and have any further tips to share, please comment and share them with us,  thanks!