The truth about MARKETING: The slow crawl through the mud

January 13, 2025
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Marketing isn’t a silver bullet. It’s not a flashy Instagram post or a viral TikTok reel that magically transforms your business overnight (as much as many would have you believe). It’s a grind—a slow, deliberate, sometimes painful journey. It’s that crawl through the mud that separates the brands people remember from the ones they scroll past and forget. If you’re ready to get your hands dirty, here’s the truth about marketing in today’s noisy, hyper-individualistic world.

Quick Truths

The average person is exposed to between 6,000 and 10,000 ads every day. (Source: Forbes)
84% of millennials don’t trust traditional advertising. They rely on authenticity, social proof, and peer recommendations. (Source: HubSpot)
Organic reach on Facebook is now as low as 0.07% for brands. (Source: Hootsuite)
It takes 5 to 7 impressions for people to remember a brand, and up to 18 months to see a significant ROI from consistent marketing efforts. (Source: ActionRocket & Wordstream)
95% of purchase decisions are subconscious. (Source: Harvard Business Review)

Consumerism Culture: The Double-Edged Sword

Modern consumerism thrives on overindulgence, pushing brands to scream louder to be heard. But this constant barrage of advertising has dulled the public’s senses. People don’t want more—they want better. Effective marketing isn’t about contributing to the noise; it’s about finding the signal that cuts through.

The Age of Individualism = More Noise

In a world where everyone’s the main character, the market is saturated with personal brands, influencers, and businesses shouting “Look at me!” Consumers are exhausted. To stand out, brands must be genuine, consistent, and focused on their audience—not their ego. Do yourself (and us) a favor, stop adding to the noise, and please, start standing out.

People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” – Simon Sinek

Posting on Social Media ≠ Marketing

Social media is a tool, not a strategy. Tossing up a post now and then isn’t marketing; it’s the digital equivalent of tossing pennies into a wishing well. Real marketing involves strategy, storytelling, and engaging with your audience consistently across channels.

Patience Pays Off in the Long Run

Marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. Building trust, establishing authority, and creating a loyal customer base takes time. Quick fixes might get you clicks, but they won’t get you loyalty. In other words, marketing takes time. Are you ready for the long game?

Psychology Beats Hype Every Time

Effective marketing taps into human behavior, emotions, and psychology. Brands that understand their audience on a deeper level—fears, desires, aspirations—win the long game. The hype fades; emotional connections don’t. Remember, hype fizzles, strategy lasts.

Conclusion

Marketing is not sexy, it’s not glamorous. It’s not a highlight reel of viral posts and overnight success. It’s a trench war—where patience, strategy, and authenticity are your best weapons. Stop looking for shortcuts. Start investing in the long, muddy crawl. Because in the end, the brands that endure are the ones willing to get dirty.

So, buckle up. This isn’t a quick trip to the mall. It’s an expedition through the jungle. And if you’re ready to fight for it, you’ll come out the other side with something worth remembering.