Marketing is Broken
Look, I’ve been in this game for over two decades. I’ve seen trends come and go, algorithms change, and strategies evolve. But honestly, I think marketing is broken. Not completely, but enough that it’s kinda depressing sometimes.
I remember back in 2004, when I was working at a tiny agency in Chicago with a guy named Marcus. We were trying to figure out this new thing called ‘social media.’ We thought it was gonna be a fad. Ha! Good one, past me.
But here’s the thing: most marketers are still stuck in that past. They’re chasing trends, throwing money at ads, and hoping for the best. It’s not working. And it’s not gonna work.
Stop Chasing Algorithms
Alright, let’s talk about this. You can’t outsmart an algorithm. You can’t game the system. You can’t hack your way to the top. It’s just… yeah. It’s not gonna happen.
I was having coffee with a colleague named Dave last Tuesday. He was telling me about this client who spent $87,000 on some fancy new tool that promised to ‘optimize their content for SEO.’ And what happened? Nothing. Zip. Zilch. Because you can’t buy your way to the top of Google.
You gotta stop chasing algorithms. You gotta stop trying to game the system. You gotta focus on what actually matters: real people.
Real People, Real Connections
Here’s what works: real people, real connections. I’m not talking about some fake, forced engagement. I’m talking about genuine, authentic interactions. Like, remember when we used to talk to each other? Yeah, that.
I was at a conference in Austin last year, and this woman named Lisa gave a talk about community building. She said, ‘People don’t want to be sold to. They want to be part of something.’ And that stuck with me. Because it’s true.
So, how do you build a community? You show up. You engage. You listen. You care. It’s not rocket science. But it’s hard work. And it’s gonna take time. But it’s worth it.
And look, I’m not saying you should ignore SEO completely. But you gotta focus on the right things. Like, actually useful content. Like, community events local activities. Like, stuff that matters to real people.
A Tangent About Cats
Okay, so this is kinda off topic, but bear with me. I have a cat. Her name is Miso. She’s a little gray ball of fluff who thinks she runs the place. And honestly, she kinda does.
But here’s the thing: Miso doesn’t care about algorithms. She doesn’t care about trends. She cares about food, and cuddles, and laser pointers. That’s it. And she’s happier than most people I know.
Maybe there’s a lesson in there somewhere. Maybe we should all take a page from Miso’s book. Maybe we should focus on the simple stuff. The stuff that matters.
Stop Being Lazy
Look, I get it. Marketing is hard. It’s complicated. It’s always changing. But that’s no excuse for being lazy. You gotta put in the work. You gotta show up. You gotta care.
I see so many marketers who are just going through the motions. They’re posting the same generic content, they’re chasing the same trends, they’re saying the same things. And it’s boring. It’s boring, and it’s not working.
So, here’s my challenge to you: be better. Be different. Be interesting. Be real. Be human.
And for the love of all that is holy, stop using the word ‘synergy.’ It’s the worst.
Anyway, I gotta go. Miso just knocked over a vase. Again. She’s a menace, but I love her.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Sarah. I’ve been a senior magazine editor for over 20 years. I’ve worked with some amazing people, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. I’m opinionated, I’m flawed, and I’m not afraid to say what I think. I love marketing, but I hate when it’s done wrong. So, I write about it. A lot. And I don’t apologize for it.
When I’m not editing or writing, you can find me hanging out with Miso, my cat. She’s a big part of my life, and she’s basically the co-author of this article. She’s very important.
I live in Chicago, I love pizza, and I’m always up for a good conversation. So, let’s talk. Let’s argue. Let’s make marketing better.
Oh, and if you’re in Chicago, let’s grab coffee. I know a great place on 5th. But be warned: I talk a lot. And I’m not always right. But I’m always passionate. And that’s what matters.
