How to Prepare a Basic Marketing Plan Without Wanting to Scream Into the Void

Marketing Plan for Small Business, Braeden Rhys

Because copying your competitors isn’t a strategy - it’s sabotage.

Let’s be real — “marketing” can feel like a never-ending to-do list from hell.

TikToks. Hashtags. Funnels. Emails. Influencers. Reels. AI. Analytics.

🤯 Make it stop.

Here’s the truth: You don’t need to do it all.

You just need a basic plan that cuts through the noise and actually supports your goals.

And no, winging it on Canva and crossing your fingers does not count.

What Even Is a Marketing Plan?

At its core, a marketing plan is your game plan for how you’ll attract, engage, and convert your ideal customer.

It answers three essential questions:

1. Who do you want to reach?

2. Where are they hanging out?

3. What are you going to say that makes them give a damn?

Braeden’s Zero-BS Marketing Plan Framework

I’ve built marketing plans for over 5,000 businesses - from bougie skincare brands to adult content platforms and circus cabarets. The best ones all follow a simple structure:

1. Your Audience

• Who are they? (Real people, not “millennials” or “everyone.”)

• What do they actually want?

• What are they Googling at 2am when your product could save them?

2. Your Message

• What are you saying?

• Is it clear, authentic, and relevant?

• Are you selling the solution, not just the product?

3. Your Channels

• Where do you show up? Instagram? SEO? PR? Email?

• Focus on 1–2 you can do well. Not 10 you’ll half-ass.

4. Your Budget

• How much time and money can you actually commit?

• Are you investing in tools, freelancers, or ads?

5. Your Metrics

• What does success look like? Sales? Leads? Bookings?

• If you’re not tracking it, you can’t grow it.

Real Talk from Braeden: The Clients Who “Did Everything” (Except Strategise)

One of my clients - let’s call her Emma - came to me after spending $15K on Facebook ads, influencer promos, and a social media agency.

She was burned out, broke, and booked nothing.

Why?

No strategy. 

No real audience targeting.

No cohesive brand message.

No funnel.

She copied what her competitors were doing and they were barely surviving.

Once we created a tight, simple marketing plan together?

Boom booked out in 60 days, fully aligned with her dream clients, and loving her brand again.

The Danger of “Just Posting Content”

I’ve had clients post every day for years and wonder why they’re not making money.

Why? Because content ≠ strategy.

Your content is the execution.

Your marketing plan is the intention.

Without one, you’re shouting into the void and wondering why no one’s buying.

What Makes a Great Marketing Plan Work?

✅ Clear audience

✅ Messaging that slaps

✅ Strategy before spending

✅ Consistency over perfection

✅ Data over drama

✅ YOU. In full, authentic form.

Don’t Let Panic Run Your Marketing

You don’t need 20 landing pages and a perfectly polished sales funnel to start.

You just need a roadmap. Something that helps you stop guessing and start growing - with confidence.

Let’s Write Your Plan Together

If your marketing currently feels like a chaotic mess of Canva posts and last-minute reels, I’ve got you.

I’ll help you build a bold, beautiful plan that aligns with your goals, audience, and your actual life.

📩 Book a Clarity Call — and Let’s Get to Work

...and let’s get your business marketing like a pro, not a panic attack.