Ever notice how some businesses take off like a rocket while others just… don’t? Let me spill the beans as a freelance digital marketer: it ain’t luck. It’s how you talk to folks online—like you’re shooting’ the breeze with your neighbour across the fence. No techy mumbo jumbo, no robot vibes. Just real talk.

Let me break it down for you.

1. Stop Selling. Start Talking.

People hate being sold to. You know that uncle who keeps pestering you about his “super-duper offer” every time you meet?
Yeah… don’t act like him.
. Instead, tell stories. Share how your product helped your cousin’s friend fix their leaky sink or saved someone time on their commute. Stories stick. Ads fade.

2. Show Up. Every. Single. Day.

Imagine your buddy only called you when they needed cash. You’d stop picking up, right? Same with your customers. Post on social media, reply to comments, send a funny meme once in a while. Be the friend who’s always there, not the one who ghosts.

3. Let Happy Customers Do the Work

You know what’s better than bragging? Letting others brag for you. If someone says, “Hey, your product rocks!” slap that quote on your website. Share their selfies using your stuff. Real people trust real people—not polished ads.

4. Don’t Try to Be Everywhere

You don’t need TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn unless you’ve got time to burn. Pick one spot where your customers hang out. Farmers? Maybe Facebook. Teens? TikTok. Lawyers? LinkedIn (but keep it chill). Focus where it matters.

5. Google Is Your Friend (Sort Of)

If your website’s buried on page 10 of Google, you’re invisible. Use words folks actually type, like “best plumber near me” instead of “premier hydraulic solutions.” Write like you’re explaining stuff to your grandma. Simple works.

6. Throw a Few Bucks at Ads (But Wisely)

Ads aren’t evil. Drop some money on Facebook to boost a post about your weekend sale. Target people in your town, or who like similar stuff. Just don’t get greedy—nobody likes the guy who shoves flyers in their face.

7. Keep It Real, Always

People smell fake from a mile away. If you mess up, say sorry. If you’re a small team, say so. Share behind-the-scenes pics of your dog napping in the shop. Be the guy they’d invite to a BBQ, not the suit in a boardroom.

Final Thought: It’s Not Rocket Science

Growing a business online isn’t about fancy tools or acting corporate. It’s about treating people like… well, people. Talk, listen, crack a joke, and solve their problems. Do that, and they’ll stick around.