Spokane is full of ambitious entrepreneurs — builders, creators, and service providers who are out there every day grinding to grow their businesses. But many of them are unknowingly making costly marketing mistakes that hold them back from reaching their potential.

If you’re running a business in Spokane, this guide will help you avoid the most common marketing missteps and refocus your efforts on strategies that actually work.

1. Relying on Word-of-Mouth Alone

Word-of-mouth is great — but it’s not scalable. If you’re depending only on referrals or friends of friends, you’re stuck in the slow lane. Spokane is growing fast, and if you’re not marketing online, you’re missing out on massive opportunity.

2. Not Having a Clear Offer

Too many business owners talk about themselves instead of their solution. Your marketing should clearly answer:
“What problem do I solve, and why should someone choose me over a competitor?”

A confused customer won’t buy. Make your offer simple, specific, and easy to understand.

3. Skipping Google My Business

Some Spokane businesses still haven’t claimed their Google Business Profile. That’s a huge mistake. This free listing is often the first thing customers see when they search for your service.

Without it, you’re practically invisible on local search.

4. Having a Website That Doesn’t Convert

A pretty website that doesn’t drive action is just an expensive business card. Your site needs:

• A clear headline
• A call-to-action
• Trust signals (like testimonials or Google reviews)
• Mobile responsiveness

Your website should turn visitors into leads — not just show off your brand.

5. Ignoring SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Many Spokane entrepreneurs don’t understand how powerful SEO can be. If your business isn’t showing up for local searches like “Spokane contractor” or “Spokane marketing help,” your competitors are getting those leads instead.

SEO isn’t just for big companies — it’s for smart local ones too.

6. Trying to Be on Every Platform

Don’t waste time trying to be everywhere. Focus on the platforms where your ideal customers actually hang out. For some, that’s Facebook. For others, it might be Google or Instagram.

Pick 1–2 platforms, show up consistently, and do them well.

7. Not Following Up With Leads

You get an inquiry… and never follow up. Sound familiar?

The truth is, most customers don’t buy right away. You need a system — email, text, or phone — to follow up consistently and build trust over time.

8. Running Ads Without a Plan

Boosting posts or running random Facebook ads without a real strategy is like burning money. Every ad needs a clear goal, an offer, and a landing page that matches.

Test, measure, and adjust — don’t just hope for the best.

9. Not Collecting Customer Reviews

Online reviews are one of the most powerful marketing tools you have. They build trust, improve SEO, and make it easier for people to choose you over someone else.

If you’re not asking for reviews, you’re leaving easy leads on the table.

10. Doing Everything Alone

Trying to handle all your marketing on your own will burn you out. You’re the business owner — not the web designer, copywriter, ad strategist, and SEO expert.

Even if you’re not ready to hire full-time help, at least start building systems you can delegate later.

Final Thoughts

Marketing in Spokane doesn’t have to be complicated — but it does have to be intentional. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll be ahead of 90% of the competition.

Start small, stay consistent, and always keep your message clear. That’s how you grow a business that lasts.