Stop Wasting Money: 5 Marketing Tactics That Rarely Pay Off
Marketing is full of shiny objects. Every week, there’s a new “hack” or “must-try” tactic promising explosive growth. The problem? Many of them don’t actually work — at least not for most small and mid-sized businesses.
If you’re not careful, these tactics can eat up your budget, burn out your team, and distract you from strategies that actually drive results.
At Red Ball, we believe in no-nonsense marketing — smart strategies, not hype. So today, we’re breaking down five tactics that rarely pay off (and what to do instead).
1. Chasing Vanity Metrics
It’s tempting to get caught up in likes, followers, and views. But here’s the truth: you can’t pay your bills with likes.
While engagement has value, focusing only on vanity metrics leads businesses to pour time and money into “growth” that doesn’t translate into customers.
Instead: Track metrics that actually move the needle — leads, conversions, and sales. Engagement should support your funnel, not be the end goal.
2. Paying for Followers or Engagement
Buying followers or “boosting” numbers with sketchy services might make your account look good on the surface — but it’s one of the fastest ways to tank your credibility.
Why?
Fake followers don’t buy anything.
Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are cracking down on this (and can penalize your reach).
It makes your analytics worthless.
Instead: Focus on growing an authentic audience by creating content people actually care about, and by engaging with your community.
3. Investing Too Heavily in Print Advertising
Print ads still have their place, especially for hyper-local businesses. But for many companies, they’re an expensive tactic with very limited ROI.
The cost of designing, printing, and distributing ads can quickly outweigh the return — especially compared to digital strategies that give you measurable results and detailed targeting.
Instead: If you want to reach local audiences, make sure you’ve nailed your local SEO and community-based digital marketing before sinking money into print.
4. Chasing Every New Social Media Trend
Remember Clubhouse? Or BeReal? Both platforms were hyped as “the next big thing”… until they weren’t.
For small businesses, jumping on every new trend is a distraction. You spread yourself too thin, and often the audience isn’t even your target market.
Instead: Pick 1-2 platforms where your ideal customers actually spend time, and show up consistently. Quality always beats being everywhere at once.
5. Running Campaigns Without a Clear Strategy
This one might sting — but one of the biggest money-wasters in marketing is diving into campaigns without a plan. Whether it’s a random ad boost, a last-minute holiday promo, or a rushed rebrand, throwing money at something without strategy is a gamble.
Instead: Build a plan around your goals. Know who you’re targeting, what problem you’re solving, and how you’ll measure success before spending a dime.
For a seasonal example, see our blog: Holiday Marketing Starts Now.
Final Word: Cut the Fluff, Focus On What Works
The fastest way to waste money in marketing is by chasing fads or falling for tactics that look good but don’t deliver. Instead, invest in strategies that actually connect you with your customers, drive conversions, and grow your business sustainably.
At Red Ball, we’re not here to sell you hype. We’re here to help you figure out what works for your business — and cut the rest.
Want to stop wasting money and start marketing smarter? Let’s talk.
