The 5-minute marketing audit for creative founders — find out exactly what's holding your business back, and how to fix it in less than an hour a week.
When a dream client (someone who'd pay top price for exactly what you do) tries to find you online, what do they find?
A portfolio that speaks for itself but it's scattered across platforms
Not much. I rely on word of mouth and referrals
My website, but I'm not sure it really explains what makes my work different
A strong presence. I know my stuff is out there and working
When you tell someone what you charge, what usually happens?
They go quiet or say "I'll think about it"... I rarely hear back
They say they love my work but ask if I can do it cheaper
Mixed: Some get it, some don't, but I can't predict which
The right ones say yes without much fuss
How much time are you realistically spending on marketing each week?
Almost none. Creating is my priority and marketing gets squeezed off of my to-do list
A few hours but it feels scattered and I'm not sure it's working
Too much. I spend ages on it and don't feel like I have much to show for it
I have a rhythm but I know there are gaps in my strategy
Think about your last five enquiries. How many were genuinely the right fit? i.e., people who understand the value of what you do and have the budget to match?
One or two at best. Most are looking for something cheaper
None really. I end up educating people on what I do and why it costs what it costs
Some were great but I couldn't always tell in advance which would be
Most were decent but I want to be attracting bigger budgets consistently
If I asked three of your best clients to describe what you do and who you do it for, would their answers be roughly the same?
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Probably not. I don't think I've ever been clear enough about it
They'd describe the work brilliantly but probably not who it's best for
Close but not consistent. I don't have a clear 'why me' message
Yes, mostly, but I struggle to translate it into my own marketing
When it comes to showing up on social media or creating content about your work, which feels most true?
I freeze. I don't know what to say or where to focus
I post when I remember but there's no real strategy behind it
I'm active but I'm talking to the wrong people or getting no real traction
I do it but I'm not connecting it to actual enquiries or sales
How would you describe your income from commissions over the last 12 months?
Feast and famine. Some months are great, others are dead
Steady but stuck. I can't seem to break through to a higher level
Growing but chaotic. I never quite know where the next client is coming from
Decent but I know I'm leaving money on the table somewhere
What does your ideal creative business look like in 18 months time, and how far away does it feel right now?
I have a clear vision but absolutely no idea how to get there commercially
I know the work I want to be doing but I don't have the clients or platform yet
I'm closer than I was but something's missing (I can't pinpoint what)
I'm nearly there. I just need someone to help me think through the final pieces