5 Signs Your Marketing Strategy Needs a Refresh
Jaci Russo 
(And How to Fix It)
Let me guess: You're working harder than ever on your marketing, but the results just aren't there.
You're posting regularly. Sending emails. Running campaigns. But something feels... off.
If this sounds familiar, your marketing strategy might need a refresh. Here are 5 telltale signs—and what to do about them.
Sign #1: Your Engagement Has Flatlined
The Problem:
Your follower count is growing (slowly), but no one's actually engaging. Likes are down. Comments are nonexistent. Your content is landing with a thud.
Why It's Happening:
You're broadcasting instead of connecting. Your content talks AT your audience rather than WITH them.
The Fix:
→ Ask questions. Real ones. Not "What do you think?" but questions that require thought.
→ Share vulnerable, behind-the-scenes content. People connect with humans, not brands.
→ Actually respond to comments within an hour. Engagement begets engagement.
Sign #2: You Can't Explain What You Do in One Sentence
The Problem:
When someone asks what you do, you launch into a 3-minute explanation involving words like "synergy" and "holistic solutions." Their eyes glaze over.
Why It's Happening:
You're too close to your business. You've overcomplicated your message trying to be everything to everyone.
The Fix:
Use this formula: "I help [specific audience] achieve [specific outcome] through [your unique approach]."
Example: "I help overwhelmed in-house marketers create high-converting campaigns without burning out."
If you can't say it clearly, you can't sell it effectively.
Sign #3: Your Website Traffic Is Up But Conversions Are Down
The Problem:
Google Analytics shows more visitors than ever. But your lead forms? Crickets. Your phone? Silent. Something's broken.
Why It's Happening:
You're attracting the wrong people, your calls-to-action are buried, or there's friction in your conversion path.
The Fix:
→ Audit your user journey. Where are people dropping off?
→ Simplify your forms. Every field you remove increases conversions.
→ Make your CTA impossible to miss. Big. Bold. Clear benefit.
→ Review your keywords. Are you targeting search terms that indicate buying intent?
Sign #4: You're Chasing Every New Platform and Trend
The Problem:
TikTok! Threads! BeReal! You're on every platform doing every trend, and you're exhausted. Meanwhile, none of them are actually working.
Why It's Happening:
FOMO. You're afraid of missing the "next big thing" instead of doubling down on what actually works.
The Fix:
Pick 2-3 platforms where your ideal customers actually are. Master those. Ignore the rest.
Consistency on two platforms beats sporadic presence on ten.
Stop chasing. Start focusing.
Sign #5: You Have No Idea What's Actually Working
The Problem:
Someone asks "What's your best-performing content?" or "What's your ROI?" and you... panic. You have no idea.
Why It's Happening:
You're creating content but not tracking results. You're busy, not strategic.
The Fix:
→ Choose 3-5 KPIs that actually matter to your business (not vanity metrics).
→ Review them monthly. What's working? What's not?
→ Double down on what works. Cut what doesn't.
Data over guesswork. Always.
The Bottom Line
If you recognized yourself in 2 or more of these signs, it's time for a marketing refresh.
The good news? You don't have to figure it all out alone.
At Brand State U, we help marketers like you cut through the noise and build strategies that actually work.
Ready to refresh your marketing?
Explore our course library at www.brandstateu.com/courses
Join our membership for ongoing support at www.brandstateu.com/membership
Download our free Brand Builder Bundle at www.brandstateu.com/courses/brand-builder-bundle
Because your marketing should work as hard as you do.
When you're ready, here's how I can help:
- Follow me on LinkedIn: Get daily tips to build your brand.
- Marketing Membership: Monthly courses and resources to guide you on your branding growth.
- Pick My Brain: Feeling stuck? Book a call with me to get the clarity you need to improve your brand.
- Marketing Mastermind: This monthly, online, small group, roundtable provides peer-to-peer and professional guidance.
- Enroll in Plan 2 Brand: Develop your strategic brand plan in my self-paced course.
- Work with my agency: brandRUSSO's team can help you with a strategic brand plan, brand audit, or rebrand. Let's see how we can help.
Categories: : Branding, Building Your Brand, Marketing, Messaging, Strategy