August is officially a procrastination month for me. But not the lazy, unproductive kind where I spend hours watching Hallmark movies (though I’m not a stranger to that either—oops!). No, this is the type of procrastination I could almost brag about.
I’m talking about “Marketing Procrastination”, an apparently useful form of delaying action that feels productive but, in reality, isn’t moving the needle.
It all started when I sent out a newsletter on SEO for writing coaches. Some of you responded, letting me know how helpful the information was. That feedback convinced me that I needed to double down on my own SEO efforts.
So, that week, I spent around 20 hours researching SEO. I went over my work hours, canceled plans with friends, and even picked my kid up later from nursery. I was doing very serious work… Or was I?
The False Productivity Trap
I was caught in the trap of marketing procrastination. I was researching SEO, diving into strategies and tweaks, but I wasn’t actually implementing much of it. It felt productive, but in reality, I was avoiding more impactful tasks—like connecting with potential clients or working on content that would directly grow my business.
Marketing procrastination looks productive on the surface, but it’s a sneaky form of delay. You’re staying busy, but you’re not focusing on what will really make a difference.
Breaking Free from Marketing Procrastination
If you find yourself spending too much time on tasks that seem important but aren’t truly moving your business forward, it’s time to stop and refocus. Here’s how you can break free from marketing procrastination:
- Prioritize Impactful Actions: Identify the tasks that will have the greatest impact on your business. Is it SEO, or is it connecting with clients and refining your services? Focus on what will bring real results.
- Set Time Limits: Allocate specific amounts of time to tasks like research. If you’re spending hours on something without seeing a return, it’s time to shift gears.
- Take Action: Don’t get stuck in endless research or preparation. Implement what you learn as you go, and adjust based on results, rather than aiming for perfection from the start.
Final Thoughts
We all fall into the trap of marketing procrastination at times. The key is recognizing when it’s happening and shifting your focus back to what will truly grow your business. Next time you find yourself spending too much time on seemingly productive tasks, ask yourself: Is this really moving me forward?
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