Yesterday morning, I was sitting on the back of a speedboat. The sun was hot on my shoulders and the lake water was bright blue. Every time we hit a wave, a little bit of cold spray would hit my face.
It felt great.
I was looking at the white wake behind the boat. It looked like a long, messy path we left behind. I started thinking about my life and my business. Today is my 22nd birthday. It feels like a big number, even if I'm still young.
I've spent the last few years obsessed with how businesses grow. I've seen people fail and I've seen people make millions. Most of the time, the difference isn't how hard they work. It's the rules they follow.
I wanted to give you something special for my birthday. I put together a list of 22 things I've learned about marketing. These are the rules I use at Hayes Advertising every single day. They're simple, but they work.
Key Points
- Great marketing is about being clear so people don't get confused.
- You need to own your audience on an email list instead of just renting space on social media.
- Systems are the only way to grow without losing your mind.
- Being a real person builds more trust than any fancy logo ever will.
1. Clarity is better than being clever
Don't try to sound smart or use big words that no one knows. If people can't tell what you sell in three seconds, they'll leave your site. Keep it so simple that a fifth grader could understand it.
2. Consistency is the only secret
Most people post for a week and then stop when they don't get a lead. You have to show up every single day if you want people to remember you. It’s like a gym. You don't get muscles from one workout.
3. Own your list
Social media is great, but you don't own your followers. If an app disappears tomorrow, you lose your business. Get people onto an email list so you can talk to them whenever you want.
4. Talk to one person
If you try to sell to everyone, you end up selling to no one. Pick one person and write everything for them. When your dream customer reads your stuff, they should feel like you're inside their head.
5. Fix a real problem
Marketing isn't about tricking people into buying stuff they don't need. It's about finding a problem and showing how you can fix it. If you help people get what they want, they'll happily pay you.
6. Show your face
People buy from people, not from cold companies. Don't be afraid to put your photo on your website or talk to the camera. It builds trust way faster than a stock photo of people in suits.
7. Use social proof
Don't just tell people you're good. Show them that other people think you're good too. Use reviews and photos of happy customers. It's much easier to buy something when you see that others liked it first.
8. Stop chasing every trend
You don't need to do every new dance or use every new app. Pick a few things that work and get really good at them. Jumping around just makes you tired and keeps your bank account empty.
9. Give more than you take
Try to help your audience before you ever ask them for money. Share your best tips for free. When you provide value first, people will come to you when they're ready to buy the big stuff.
10. Keep it easy to buy
If I have to click ten buttons to give you money, I'm going to stop. Make the path from "I'm interested" to "I bought it" as short as possible. Remove all the friction.
11. Sound like a human
Write your emails and posts like you're talking to a friend at lunch. Don't use "corporate speak" or sound like a robot. People like to deal with people who have a personality.
12. Ask for the sale
You can give out great advice all day, but you won't make money if you don't ask. Tell people exactly what to do next. If you want them to call you, tell them to call you.
13. Speed is a superpower
When someone asks a question, answer them fast. If someone wants to buy, get them the info right away. In a world where everyone is slow, being fast makes you stand out like a pro.
14. Quality wins over quantity
It's better to have one amazing video that helps people than ten boring ones. Don't just post to post. Make sure everything you put out there is actually worth reading.
15. Test everything you do
Don't just guess what will work. Try two different headlines and see which one people click more. Use the data to make your choices instead of just using your gut feeling.
16. Stop overthinking it
Perfection is the enemy of making money. It's better to put out something that is 80% good than to wait forever for it to be perfect. You can always fix it later.
17. Use video to build bonds
Video lets people hear your voice and see your eyes. It is the closest thing to meeting someone in person. Even a simple video on your phone can change how people see your brand.
18. Use plain language
I tell my team to avoid jargon at all costs. If you use fancy industry words, you just make people feel left out. Use the same words your customers use when they're complaining about their problems.
19. Build a path, not a flyer
Most marketing is just like throwing paper in the wind. You need a system that takes a stranger and turns them into a lead. That path should be clear and easy to follow every time.
20. Listen to your customers
Your customers will tell you exactly what to sell them if you listen. Ask them questions and read their comments. The best marketing ideas come from the people who are already paying you.
21. Focus on results
At the end of the day, people don't care about your "process." They care about what you can do for them. Talk about the wins you've had and the goals you've reached.
22. Get yourself a marketing agency that knows what they're doing.
You can't do everything by yourself if you want to be big. You need experts who have seen it all before. Having a team that knows how to build these systems will save you years of mistakes.
Growing a business shouldn't feel like you're drowning. It should feel like that speedboat I was on. You should have a clear direction and a lot of power behind you.
You can book a free 30 minute call with me here using the link below. We'll go through what you're currently doing together, and I'll help you make it so your marketing is systemized and working so that you can get leads on autopilot.
Thanks for reading!
Talk later,
Nick Hayes
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