I Thought I Needed Everything Figured Out Before Starting. Here’s What I’ve Learned About Marketing Instead.

When I started Peak Media, I thought I needed to have it all figured out — the perfect niche, the perfect offer, the perfect funnel.

What I’ve actually learned is this: marketing is just helping people.

If your product or service genuinely solves a problem, that’s where the magic starts. Sure, you could be selling the next viral trend, but most local businesses — the ones I love working with — are simply here to help. They’re solving everyday problems in their communities. So marketing isn’t some slimy sales tactic. It’s communication. It’s clarity. It’s connection.

If someone needs what you offer, they’ll eventually come to the conclusion that they should use your thing. If it’s a timing issue, your job is to stay top of mind until they’re ready.

Do the Thing. That’s Where You Learn.

When I built a content system for a large local real estate agency, it wasn’t about chasing trends. It was about showing up consistently, without sucking hours out of the admin team’s day.

People still tell me I should “do more fun content.” But unless they’ve managed a weekly content calendar across dozens of listings and audiences, it’s just noise. The content needs to be useful, not just flashy. Buyers want information they can act on. That’s what matters.

You Don’t Have to Wait to Build Your Voice

I sometimes wish I had content from the last six years to look back on. But truthfully? I needed that time to keep my head down and learn. Now I know better. You don’t have to wait until you feel “legit” to start building your voice. Your journey — right now — is already worth sharing.

AI, Tech, and a Head Start I Didn’t Realise I Had

AI is an incredible tool — not a replacement. It speeds up what I already do, but it won’t replace genuine strategy or connection anytime soon. You should be using it to your advantage, but don’t fear it.

Also, I used to think I was just naturally good with tech. But I had an IT dad who built our computers from spare parts (probably just to stop the sibling fights). We were off dial-up before most people. That gave me extra time to click around and learn. I realize now, a lot of people don’t have that comfort with tech — and that makes a big difference. You can’t build systems for a team without considering their digital comfort zone.

Marketing Isn’t Magic. It’s a System.

At the end of the day, marketing can feel overwhelming. But it really just breaks down into a few key things:

• Stages: Awareness → Consideration → Conversion

• Channels: Email, social, print, face-to-face — all still matter.

If you can build a system that helps you reach people across those stages and channels, you’re doing it right.

I Never Meant to Start a Marketing Business…

I meant to start an ecommerce store. That dream is still on the cards. But I needed to make money — fast. Offering a service and solving real problems is a solid way to build a sustainable business.

Now, I want to grow Peak Media into something I love — a business that gives me time for creativity, collaborations, my kids, and the life I’m building.

If you’re figuring it out as you go, same here. You don’t need to have it all sorted — you just need to start.