10 Essential Lessons for Small Business Success

I’m Jill W. Fox, the founder of Fox Social Media and creator of Simple Marketing Academy, which I proudly run alongside my son, Tanner. After more than 15 years navigating the world of online business and digital marketing, I’ve learned a lot—often the hard way! My goal is to help you skip some of the mistakes, save time and money, and build a business you love.

Today, I’m excited to share the top 10 lessons I’ve learned that I believe every new (and even seasoned) small business owner should know.

1. Keep It Simple

It’s so easy to get caught up in the overwhelm—apps, platforms, tools, strategies... it never ends. My biggest piece of advice? Don’t try to do it all. Start small. Pick just two social media platforms you enjoy and feel comfortable using. Master those before adding more. You don’t need to be everywhere to make an impact—you just need to be consistent and authentic where you are.

2. Watch Your Costs

When I first started, I did everything myself—from building websites to managing emails—and while it was a challenge, it helped me stay lean and learn fast. You don’t need expensive tools or trendy subscriptions to succeed. There are plenty of free and low-cost options that work just fine. Save where you can, especially in the beginning, and only invest when you know it’s worth it.

3. Embrace Video Marketing

I was hesitant at first, but video completely changed my business. Platforms like YouTube are free and incredibly powerful for building trust and showing your personality. People want to connect with real people, and video is the fastest way to make that connection. If you’re nervous, start small—even short, casual clips can make a huge difference.

4. Build Your Email List Early

If I could go back in time, I would start building my email list from day one. Social media platforms change, but your email list is yours. It’s one of the best ways to nurture relationships, provide value, and ultimately grow your sales. Start simple: offer a freebie, newsletter, or resource in exchange for an email address—and then follow through with helpful, authentic content.

5. Keep Learning

Marketing is always changing—so we need to keep growing. Over the years, I’ve taught myself how to run Facebook ads, edit videos, build websites, and more. Each skill has not only helped me grow my own business, but also allowed me to better serve my clients. You don’t need to know it all today—just commit to learning a little bit at a time.

6. Say Yes to Extra Tasks

Sometimes taking on extra responsibilities can open unexpected doors. I've managed customer service, collaborated with web developers, and stepped into various roles for my clients. These experiences helped me develop new skills and expand my offerings. If you’re able to say “yes” to something new, do it—you never know where it might lead.

7. Ask for Referrals

I’ll be honest—this isn’t my favorite part, but it’s one of the most important. Referrals are gold for small businesses. If a client is happy, don’t be shy about asking them to refer you. Build a network of like-minded business owners who can support and refer each other. It’s one of the easiest ways to grow organically.

8. Join a Local Business Chamber

One of the smartest moves I made was joining my local Chamber of Commerce. It gave me access to a community of business owners, opportunities for collaboration, and new clients. It’s a great way to get your name out locally, build relationships, and stay connected to what’s happening in your area.

9. Choose Your Social Media Wisely

Not every platform works for every business. If you’re in the B2B world, LinkedIn is likely your best bet. If your business is more visual—like interior design, photography, or fashion—consider focusing on Instagram or Pinterest. Think about where your audience hangs out and go there.

10. Be Consistent

Above all else, consistency matters most. You don’t need to spend hours every day on marketing. Even 30 minutes of focused work each day can add up to big results. Schedule time for content, email, or community engagement—just make sure you’re showing up regularly.

Final Thoughts

Running a small business is exciting, rewarding, and yes—sometimes overwhelming. But you don’t have to go it alone. Here at Simple Marketing Academy, we’re all about making marketing feel doable, even for one-person teams with tiny budgets.

Make sure to download our FREE SMALL BUSINESS MARKETING RESOURCES HERE