Three Marketing Musts (that might surprise you)

When most business owners hear the word marketing, they immediately think of social media, advertising, promo events and networking.

Those "things" are really valuable when it comes to promoting your business, but here’s the real talk: none of those things matter if your paying clients don’t feel seen, served and supported.

In this TRG Blog Article, I share three Marketing Musts that have nothing to do with trends, algorithms or paid promotions and everything to do with what you can be doing consistently to make marketing more simple, effective and effortless.

You can post every day, pay for ads and hire a marketing agency- but if the people who actually pay you for your service or product aren’t having an exceptional experience and raving about it, you’re missing the most powerful marketing tool you have in your arsenal: an endorsement of the immense value you provide.

Those "things" I mentioned- I'm not saying scrap all other marketing efforts and never post again.

I'm saying take a pause and think about how you're doing what you already do, so that investment of effort and energy can double as a form of marketing, too.

Let's dive in...

Marketing Must #1: Serve Your Clients Really, Really Well

There’s no better marketing strategy than providing your Clients with exceptional service.

When your Clients feel like they’re in capable hands- when the process feels smooth, clear and professional- you don’t just leave them feeling satisfied. You leave them feeling impressed.

This is more likely to be your outcome when you have a clearly outlined Client Process- a path you follow consistently to guide your Clients from start to finish- one that builds trust in your expertise, respect for your leadership and regard for your time, talent and professionalism.

But a great Client Process isn’t just about efficiency- it’s also about creating a sense of flow.

When your operations run smoothly, you free up mental space to actually enjoy the work you do and connect more deeply with the people you serve and the team that supports you. And that energy is attractive. Clients can feel when you’re clear, organized and confident- and they remember that experience long after the final invoice is paid.

Think about it: when was the last time you referred someone because of how easy, enjoyable or thoughtful they made the experience? Recently?

People will always remember the way you made them feel, and that’s what inspires them to sing your praises.

So, if you want your marketing to feel more effortless, start by tightening your Client Process:

• Streamline your discovery and onboarding process so Clients feel guided from day one.
• Communicate proactively and consistently throughout each part of your process.
• Set clear expectations for what's going to happen, every step of the way.

Do those things well, and you won’t have to worry about chasing down new Clients- because your existing Clients will become your voice out in the world.

Marketing Must #2: Get Feedback on a Regular Basis 

If you really care about creating a smooth and enjoyable experience for your Clients, you need some good, honest feedback.

As your business evolves and your Client list grows, if you’re not checking in with your Clients along the way, you’re missing key opportunities to refine how you serve them (i.e. your Client Process).

Getting regular feedback- whether through surveys, weekly check-points or end-of-project debriefs- keeps your service fresh, relevant and Client-centered.

You're not chasing perfection. You're committing to refinement.

But feedback does more than help you improve your process- it strengthens your relationships.

When Clients see that you care enough to ask for their input, it transforms the dynamic from “service provider” to “partner,” which deepens trust and loyalty and increases repeat business.

Here’s the key: don’t just collect feedback- use it.

• When a Client highlights something that worked well, document it and make it standard practice.
• When a Client points out a hiccup, fix it and let them know you’ve taken action.
• When patterns emerge (good or bad), adjust your systems to reflect those insights.

Over time, you’ll build a reputation for being a business that listens with humility, care and professionalism.

Plus, feedback can become fuel for your content and marketing. You’ll hear firsthand how Clients describe the value of working with you- their exact words often become the best copy for your website, proposals, and testimonials.

So, keep the feedback loop open, not as a gateway for criticism- but as an opportunity for collaboration, which is why collecting and using feedback is one of the most powerful marketing tools you’ve got.

Marketing Must #3: Ask Them to Share Their Experience

You've served your Client well and asked for their feedback. Now, it's time to carry that momentum forward and invite them to share their experience with others.

From a marketing perspective, referrals are absolutely free- and they’re incredibly powerful.

When a happy Client shares your name with someone else, it’s like having a secret agent on your marketing team- someone who believes in you wholeheartedly and can't help but spread the word.

But here's the deal-eo: when it comes to asking your Clients to share their experience, you can't leave it to chance.

Be bold. Be direct. Ask for it:

• Ask for testimonials- a short blurb you can share on your marketing channels.
• Ask them to spread the word- tell their colleagues, family, friends about their experience working with you.
• Ask them to post a review or tag you when they share their experience (or your work) online.

Once your Client has shared, now it's your turn. Sprinkle those testimonials throughout your website, in your discovery materials and in your social posts.

Your Clients' testimonials are proof that what you do and how you do it works- and that’s the kind of brilliant, word-of-mouth marketing money cannot buy.

The Bottom Line

Marketing isn’t just about being visible in a feed and feeling compelled to pour money into the latest trend. It’s about being remembered, respected and regarded- for being an exceptional and masterful Creative and Leader.

When you serve your Clients exceptionally well, listen to their feedback and invite them to share their experience, you create a ripple effect that no paid campaign can replicate.

So before you worry about your next reel or how many networking events you've attended this month, take a look at how you're seeing, serving and supporting your Clients.

Because the best marketing tool you'll ever have is a Client whose life is made better because of you!