How to Audit Your Marketing in Just 5 Minutes

Let’s face it — small business marketing can feel overwhelming. One week, you’re on fire — posting, emailing, checking all the boxes.

The next? You’re staring at a blank screen, wondering where the time (and the inspiration) to achieve your marketing goals went.

From content creation and analytics to social media trends that change faster than the weather…it’s a lot. If that sounds familiar, take a deep breath — you’re not doing it wrong.

Sometimes, we just need a quick reset. A moment to pause and check in before moving forward.

Here’s the good news: auditing your marketing doesn’t have to be a huge time investment.

In fact, we believe you can learn a lot in just five minutes. This isn’t a full strategy session — it’s a quick pulse check you can run anytime you start feeling a little off track. This simple self-check helps you spot what’s working, what needs adjusting, and where your focus should go next. No spreadsheets. No stress.

Let’s dive in. ⬇️

Your 5-Minute Marketing Report Card

Ask yourself these five questions. You don’t need perfect answers — just honest ones!

1. Are your marketing goals still clear (and visible)?

When was the last time you looked at your marketing goals? If they’re buried in a notebook or lost in a Google Doc somewhere, it might be time to bring them back into the light. Realignment can happen anytime! If you’re having a hard time getting started, check out our goal-setting worksheet.

2. Is your message consistent everywhere you show up?

From your emails to your Instagram captions to your homepage, your brand should feel like one cohesive, trustworthy voice. If your messaging feels scattered, your audience might be feeling that too. Your brand voice should be consistent across digital platforms, team members, and all communication you engage in with your customers!

3. Are you tracking the marketing analytics that really matter?

It’s easy to get caught up in likes, views, and open rates. But what are those numbers actually telling you? Meaningful marketing analytics are the ones that help you make better decisions, not just feel busy. If you want to dive deeper into interpreting your marketing analytics, check out this article from Adobe for Business.

4. Are your visuals and voice still on-brand?

Brands evolve. That Canva template you used in 2022? It may have served you well, but if it no longer fits where you’re headed, it’s okay to refresh! Clean, consistent branding builds trust. Your brand should reflect where your business is today, not where it was years ago. In fact, we have a brand audit freebie you can dive into!

5. Is your audience engaged — or just watching?

Are people clicking, replying, booking, or buying? Or are they just hanging out silently? Lack of engagement is a helpful signal, not a failure. It’s your cue to tweak, test, and try again. Note: Unsubscribes aren’t a bad stat! It could be you refining your audience and reaching just the right people. But, the best way to keep your ideal audience is to engage with them! If you see a lack of engagement, try to start the conversation yourself.

✨Now what?

If those questions stir up some “uh-oh” moments, don’t stress, you’re in good company.

We’ve all been there. Small business marketing is a moving target, and it’s 100% normal to feel like some pieces are missing. But when your marketing goals aren’t aligned with your overall business goals, it starts costing you time, energy, and money.

That’s exactly why we created the Marketing Roadmap session — a guided strategy call to help you refocus, simplify your efforts, and walk away with a plan that feels doable.

Book a Marketing Roadmap session with Crystal Oakes, our creative director and founder. She’ll not only help you understand marketing as a whole, but she’ll also guide you through the steps and foundational pieces you need to invest in based on your unique situation and business.

Want to test drive the process first?

We’ve got you. Our free marketing framework masterclass walks you through the exact system we use to guide clients through their strategy — our signature 5 Phase Framework.

This framework has helped countless small business owners shift out of confusion and into aligned, strategic marketing that actually moves the needle. Whether you’re DIY-ing or ready to bring in support, it’s a game-changer.

Wherever you are in your small business marketing journey — overwhelmed, on track, or starting fresh — just know this:

💛 You’re doing better than you think.

💛 You don’t need to be everywhere.

💛 You just need a strategy that feels right for you.

💛 You’ve got this — and if you ever need a little help, we’re only a click away.

Now, go achieve your business and marketing goals!