If I had to start over as a business owner tomorrow, here’s what I’d do differently…
We launched Breezy six years ago when I was only 25. I truly knew nothing about running a business. While I had a very seasoned partner in Josh Webb, everything I was responsible for was a whole lot of figuring-it-out-as-I-go, because while I had worked in marketing for a few years, starting your own company is just a whole different game.
Back then, I thought marketing meant a cool logo, a bunch of content, some boosted posts, and emails. But if I’ve learned anything in the past six years, it’s this:
Your online presence isn’t just about “marketing.” It’s about reputation aka how people experience you before they ever hit your contact form.
When you’re running a service-based business, that reputation is the business.
If we were starting from scratch tomorrow — no clients, no credibility, just a blank slate — these are the five areas I’d put my time and money into first.
1. Build a website that’s simple, clear, and actually says something.
I’ve seen too many beautiful websites that say… nothing.
I’ve also seen many ugly websites that say a million things that end up resulting in…nothing.
Quality design is important, but your site ultimately needs to tell the audience…
- Who you are
- What you do
- How you help
- Why they should trust you
If a potential client lands on your site and still has to guess what you do, they’re already gone.
What matters most:
- Clear messaging that speaks to your audience’s pain points
- Copy that reflects your tone, not just generic filler
- Clean, easy navigation so people don’t get lost
There are 1.09 billion websites online (Forbes). Most are forgettable. Don’t let yours be one of them.
2. Post valuable content and be the face of it.
Here’s what I tell our clients all the time: Don’t hide behind your brand. Especially early on, people want to know who they’re working with.
I made this mistake early on, and the level of embarrassment I would feel in filming myself was insane. But guess what? It was necessary! Why?
Because your content should reflect who you are. Your voice, your take, your experience. And yes, I know content is everywhere. But value is not. That’s where you can create an advantage.
What I’d do:
- Pick 1-2 platforms (LinkedIn and Instagram are great starting points)
- Post 3x/week, even if it’s just quick video takes, insights from your day, or reactions to trends
- Prioritize founder-led content that builds trust, not just visibility
3. Write long-form content that builds credibility.
This is one of the most underrated things you can do, especially early on.
Writing longer pieces (blogs, newsletters, articles) helps you:
- Show you know what you’re talking about
- Build trust with potential clients
- Improve SEO so people can actually find you
- Repurpose ideas across platforms
Don’t overthink it. You’re not writing a novel. You’re sharing your perspective, your process, and what you’re seeing in your industry.
Where I’d publish:
- Your website blog
- Substack
- LinkedIn articles
- Guest blogs or small publications
Curious about length? Articles between 2,250–2,500 words earn the most organic traffic according to Hubspot. One of these a month would create endless amounts of content for you.
4. Pitch yourself for podcasts, even small ones.
If I were starting from scratch, I’d say yes to every relevant podcast that would have me.
They don’t need to be huge either. You just need to show up in third-party places with consistency, credibility, and to get repurposable content. Podcasts give you all three.
Why this matters:
- You get to share your story in your own words
- You’re positioned as an expert by someone else (huge trust builder)
- You can turn episodes into content for weeks
PS: Look for shows your audience listens to not just the ones in your industry.
5. Test paid ads in small, smart ways.
Notice I said test, not dump your entire budget into Meta Ads and hope for the best.
Start small. Boost your best-performing post. Run a simple ad to a lead magnet. Use PPC to drive traffic to a high-converting page. But make sure you’re tracking what actually moves the needle.
- Set a clear goal (more clicks, more downloads, etc.)
- Test one variable at a time
- Use the data to guide your next move
Small Business Marketing Doesn’t Have to Be a Mystery
When you’re building from scratch, everything feels urgent. But you don’t need to be everywhere. You just need to be seen in the right way with the right message, showing up consistently.
That’s what I wish I knew when we started Breezy. And it’s exactly what we help business owners focus on today.
So if you’re stuck in a cycle of…
- Creating content that doesn’t convert
- Wondering why no one’s reaching out
- Or spinning your wheels trying to “do all the things”
…it might be time to rethink how you’re showing up.
And if you want a resource that lays it all out — how to build a brand that actually earns trust — check outReputation Pillars. It’s totally free and packed with the exact frameworks we use every day.
You don’t have to do it all. You just have to do the right things, well.
