4 Ways You’re Wasting Your Marketing Budget

Julie Starr • December 24, 2020



Having a marketing budget is a must if you want to promote and grow your company. It’s there to allow you to advertise your business and bring in customers across the channels that make the most sense for you. But what if you’re spending money on marketing and that money is going to waste? Your business needs to use its marketing budget as wisely as possible so that you’re making money, not losing it. Even when you’re turning a profit, you could still be making less than you could be because your marketing spend is wasteful. Take a look at some of the big reasons you might be wasting money.

No Strategy

A marketing strategy is crucial if you want to be successful with your marketing plan. If you simply go ahead without trying to plan anything, you won’t be making informed decisions. Even if you manage to stumble into some successful moves at first, you will eventually find that you don’t really know what to do next. You need a strategy that forces you to set goals and work out the best methods for promoting your business. You should think about what marketing channels to use and how to make the most of them with your budget.

Poor Targeting

How well do you know your audience? Even if you know your target market well, are you actually targeting them properly? Poor targeting on marketing such as pay per click ads can be as good as throwing money down the drain. You’re wasting cash if your ads aren’t being seen by the right people. You can solve this issue with the right PPC management , which can take over your ads and improve the targeting. Your ads can be very cost-effective if only you use targeting tools correctly, but first you need to understand your audience.

Not Tracking Results

 

Do you know how well your marketing choices are working out? If you don’t know whether you’re getting positive results, you’re potentially wasting a lot of money. You need to know whether you’re getting leads or sales from your marketing and you can’t do that without tracking and measuring. There are various tools and methods for doing this, from online analytics tools like Google Analytics to CRM software. You can also leverage the best youtube link shortener tools for your marketing videos. Content creators and brands use link-tracking tools to help them make data-driven decisions by obtaining real-time campaign analytics on each link you create, user location, and how often viewers click a link. Understanding who discovered your business and where it came from can give insights to tailor your content marketing strategy. When you start tracking results, you will have a much clearer idea of the return on investment that you’re getting and how to improve it.

 

Budget Is Too Small

A bloated marketing budget can be a problem, but you might not realize that a small budget can be an issue too. If your budget isn’t big enough, you might be wasting the money that you are spending. By not doing enough to actually have a real effect on your business’s performance, you’re just spending money that isn’t really doing anything. You might need to consider increasing your marketing budget if you really want to have an impact.

Stop wasting your marketing budget and put it to good use by reassessing your spend and your marketing activities.

A Greener Supply Chain with Micro Fulfillment

By Julie Starr • May 23, 2025
A sustainable supply chain is made possible with some major shifts and minor changes that you may not consider at first. One of these is micro fulfillment, where strategically placed warehouses provide streamlined services to a smaller area. So, what are some of the benefits of changing your logistics? From consolidated deliveries to minimal eco-impact, here are a few. Closer Customer Proximity There are a few ways that micro fulfillment centers are revolutionizing the courier industry. Reduced emissions, local sourcing, and support for urban stability are just three of the many examples. Compact logistics are quickly becoming a solution for businesses that want to make a difference, and through small warehouse space for rent , as and when needed, environmental footprints are diminishing as companies deliver services and goods to a smaller customer area. Consolidated Delivery Options Efficiency is everything in business, but it is even more critical when a company is looking to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Through a micro-fulfillment system, a business is able to reduce the overall number of trips that a courier has to make. With consolidated deliveries concentrated in a smaller geographic area, there are many more options available that contribute to a lower impact, including efficient use of fuel for lower emissions. A Greener Supply Chain with Route Efficiency A company can make many changes when becoming the green link in the supply chain for a healthier logistical operation. However, an average home delivery round for a standard courier service is 50 miles, with 0.42 miles between each drop-off, producing 181g of carbon each. Focusing on a smaller area through micro fulfillment reduce the associated issues with couriers: Being closer to delivery routes reduces the need for extra shipping options. Electric delivery vehicles can be used as there is no need to recharge them. Knowledge of the area helps with routes as drivers can avoid congested areas. Lower Environmental Impact Of course, all efforts to go green and become more sustainable through logistics are to reduce the environmental impact that a business has on the area. Micro fulfillment contributes to this in a way that a wider operation cannot. Shorter routes and enhanced inventory management actively reduce waste. There is also much less energy used, as micro fulfillment centers are designed to be energy-efficient, and EVs and less transport contribute to emission reduction. Enhanced Socioeconomic Benefits There is also a social and economic impact of a business. An enhanced and more sustainable business using local micro fulfillment centers instantly creates more jobs, helping to prop up the local economy. Of course, the efficiency of this type of logistical operation also results in happier customers, increasing the chance of repeat business. From a business perspective, you demonstrate a commitment to ongoing sustainability , appealing to eco-conscious customers. Summary Being closer to customers for delivery helps create a greener supply chain when used with micro fulfillment centers. Local couriers and employees also know the area and can avoid congested areas for streamlined operations. However, there are also social and economic benefits such as job creation, improved customer experiences, and enhanced brand reputation.

Sustainability in Ecommerce: 3 Ways to Make Progress Where It Matters

By Julie Starr • May 21, 2025
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it's essential. That’s true across every industry, and ecommerce is no exception. But let’s be honest: building a more sustainable ecommerce business isn’t always straightforward. From packaging to supply chains to last-mile delivery, the challenges are real—and often feel like they’re outside your control. But here’s the good news: sustainable ecommerce is absolutely possible. And it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small, strategic shifts can make a meaningful difference—not just for the planet, but for your customers and your brand’s longevity. Here are three actionable ways you can move the needle toward a more environmentally responsible ecommerce business. Choose Sustainable Packaging That Works for People and Planet Packaging is often one of the most visible and wasteful—aspects of ecommerce. From oversized boxes to plastic fillers, the impact adds up fast. But it doesn’t have to. Thoughtful, sustainable packaging design can dramatically reduce your environmental footprint. Start by right-sizing your shipments to reduce excess material and emissions. Opt for recycled, recyclable, or compostable materials that align with circular economy principles. Better yet, one option is to design custom boxes with sustainable materials, for example. These custom packaging solutions eliminate unnecessary layers while enhancing your brand’s presentation. These aren’t just more sustainable choices, they’re smarter ones. Today’s customers care about where materials come from, and where they end up. Your packaging can reflect your commitment to both. Partner with Purpose: Choose Sustainable Suppliers Your supply chain is an extension of your brand and one of the most powerful levers you have to reduce your environmental impact. You could end up using more than a few suppliers when you’re running an ecommerce company . It’s always worth making sure these are as sustainable as possible . While you may not control every aspect of your suppliers’ operations, you do control who you choose to work with. Prioritize suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Look for transparency in sourcing, third-party certifications, and a clear track record of environmental and ethical practices. Ask the right questions: Are their materials responsibly sourced? Do they minimize waste and emissions? How do they treat their workforce? Choosing partners who align with your values not only improves the sustainability of your products—it strengthens your brand’s integrity and resilience. When your supply chain reflects your mission, it creates trust and long-term value across your business. Lead with Impact: Promote Environmental Awareness Sustainability doesn’t stop at your supply chain. As an ecommerce business, you have a unique platform to elevate environmental causes and inspire meaningful change within and beyond your operations. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of highlighting and supporting various sustainable initiatives and causes around the world. One powerful way to do this is by supporting organizations and initiatives that align with your values. Whether it’s donating a portion of your profits, partnering with mission-driven nonprofits, or amplifying important causes across your website and social channels, your advocacy matters. By shining a light on solutions and inviting your customers to participate, you strengthen your brand’s purpose and build a community rooted in shared responsibility. This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Sustainable ecommerce is entirely possible. With the right mindset and a few strategic shifts, your business can lead with integrity, reduce its footprint, and become part of a much-needed transformation in the digital economy.