The 5-Step Formula to Finding Clients Who Are Ready to Throw Money at You

Marketing Basics
Written By Deborah Stallings

If your marketing strategy feels like throwing spaghetti at the wall and praying something sticks, I’ve got news for you: that’s not a strategy—that’s chaos.

And let me guess:

  • You’re trying to do all the things—posting, emailing, maybe even running ads—but nothing feels like it’s working.

  • You’re overwhelmed because marketing has become one giant to-do list that never ends.

  • You’re second-guessing yourself because you’re not seeing the results you want, and now you’re wondering if you’re even cut out for this.

I see you. I get it. And I’m here to tell you that your marketing can be simple, effective, and (dare I say) even fun. But first, you need to stop doing everything and start doing the right things.

Why You’re Overwhelmed (And Why It’s Not Your Fault)

The biggest reason you’re overwhelmed is because no one ever taught you how to market properly. Instead, you’ve been hit with bad advice like:

  • “Post more!”

  • “Be everywhere all the time!”

  • “Just get your name out there!”

Let me be blunt: That advice is trash. Marketing isn’t about being busy; it’s about being strategic. Doing everything for the sake of “staying visible” is the fastest way to burn out.

Think of it this way: Marketing without focus is like trying to drive to a new destination without a map or GPS. You’ll spend all your time driving in circles, wasting gas, and getting frustrated. The solution? A clear map that tells you where you’re going and how to get there.

Step 1: Get Clear on Your Audience

This is the non-negotiable starting point. If you don’t know who you’re talking to, your marketing will never connect. Period.

Ask yourself:

  1. Who are you trying to help?

    • Be specific. Is it new moms trying to balance family and career? Women struggling with their fitness journey? High school seniors applying for college?

  2. What are their biggest pain points?

    • What keeps them up at night? What frustrates them about their business, career, or life?

  3. What do they want more than anything?

    • More time with their family? Confidence in their body? Acceptance letters to top-tier colleges?

Example: If your audience is moms struggling to juggle work and family, you’re not just selling them time management tips. You’re selling them peace of mind, less guilt, and more time to enjoy their kids.

Step 2: Stop Trying to Talk to Everyone

Here’s the tough love: If you’re marketing to everyone, you’re marketing to no one.

Your messaging needs to feel creepy. Like, “How did they know I was thinking that?” creepy. When your ideal audience reads your content, they should feel like you’re in their head, calling them out in the best way possible.

Example: Instead of saying, “I help people live healthier lives,” try:
“I help busy moms who are tired of crash diets create sustainable habits that help them lose weight and feel confident without giving up the foods they love.”

That’s how you make someone stop scrolling.

Step 3: Simplify Your Platforms

Another reason you’re overwhelmed? You’re trying to be everywhere at once. Here’s a secret: You don’t need to be on every platform—you just need to be where your audience is.

If your ideal clients are scrolling Instagram and TikTok, focus there. If they’re hanging out on LinkedIn, go all in on LinkedIn. Pick 1-2 platforms and give them your full attention.

Analogy Alert: Think of it like a party. If your audience is hanging out at the coffee shop on Instagram, why are you wasting time shouting across the street at the corporate networking event on LinkedIn? Go where they are.

Step 4: Focus on Clarity Over Perfection

Let me say this loud for the perfectionists in the back: You don’t need to have it all figured out before you start.Marketing isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being clear.

  • Post the messy video.

  • Send the email even if it’s not polished.

  • Show up for your audience and talk to them.

Clarity beats perfection every single time. Your audience doesn’t care if you’re perfect—they care if you understand them and can help solve their problem.

Step 5: Create a Simple Plan

Here’s how to start:

  1. Choose 1-2 platforms where your audience is most active.

  2. Post consistently (even if it’s just 3x a week).

  3. Focus on connecting with your audience instead of worrying about algorithms.

  4. Build a simple sales funnel to guide people from awareness to purchase.

This is your foundation. Once you’ve mastered this, you can layer in more advanced strategies—but for now, focus on the basics.

Final Thoughts: Marketing Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Here’s the bottom line: If you know your audience, speak directly to them, and show up where they are, your marketing will work. It’s that simple. The rest? It’s just noise.

So stop stressing over doing everything. Focus on doing the right things. Because once you have clarity, marketing doesn’t feel so overwhelming anymore—it feels like a tool to get you to where you want to be.

Ready for More?
If this post hit home, you’re going to love my YouTube video where I break this down even further (with examples!). Watch it here: [Insert YouTube Link]

Deborah Stallings