How to grow your brand online (without doing the most)

Feeling overwhelmed by digital marketing with little to show for it? You’re not alone. Loren Tomlinson shares a refreshing, simplified approach to growing your brand online – built on clarity, connection, and content that actually converts.

I’ve been speaking with business owners and small teams who are juggling content, trying to stay visible, and wondering if any of it is actually working (and feeling stressed because they don’t have the answers). Underneath it all, there’s this quiet question of, “Is there a better way to grow online without constantly feeling behind?” 

The good news? Yes, there is. You don’t need to be on every platform. You don’t need to churn out content 24/7. And you definitely don’t need to be dancing (or pointing) on Reels to be seen. 

What you do need is a clear strategy, a message that actually lands, and a few simple systems that make your marketing feel more sustainable (and more effective). 

Here’s what I recommend if you’re ready to grow your brand online in a way that feels aligned, intentional, and actually doable. 

1. Clarity first, always 

Before you touch content, pick platforms, or schedule a single post, take a step back and ask, “who am I actually trying to reach and what do they need from me right now?” 

Most of the visibility issues I see stem from unclear messaging. When you’re fuzzy on your audience or trying to speak to everyone, you end up connecting with no one. But when you’re clear, your marketing becomes magnetic. The right people lean in because it feels like you’re speaking directly to them. 

Loren’s pro tip: Write down your audience’s top 3 challenges. Then build your next few posts or emails around solving them. 

2. Focus your energy where it counts 

You don’t need to be across every channel, you just need to show up consistently in the right ones. 

Look at where your best leads have come from over the past three to six months. Is it Instagram DMs? Email replies? LinkedIn conversations? That’s where your people are already paying attention. 

Choose one or two platforms that align with your strengths and audience, and give them your best. More reach doesn’t always equal more results, relevance does. 

Loren’s pro tip: Block two hours a month to plan content across those channels. Repurpose, simplify, and keep it focused (that’s what I do). 

3. Build visibility through real connection 

Some of the biggest growth I’ve seen with clients hasn’t come from paid ads or viral posts. It’s come from relationships. 

Think collabs with aligned brands, guest interviews, newsletter swaps, co-created content, or even just being visible and helpful in the right communities. These moments build trust, expand your audience, and open the door to new opportunities, often faster than content alone. 

Loren’s pro tip: Make a list of five people or brands you could partner with this quarter. Reach out with something simple and mutually beneficial. 

4. Use content to build credibility, not just visibility 

Not all content is created equal. If your content isn’t converting, it’s probably because it’s missing one of three things: 

• Clear positioning 
• Relevance to your audience’s current needs 
• A strong call to action 

Focus less on trends, more on clarity. Use your content to answer common questions, share helpful insights, and show how you solve real problems. That’s what builds trust and positions you as the go-to. 

Loren’s pro tip: Your best content often comes from your everyday conversations with clients. Turn those into posts. 

5. Prioritise your email list

If you’re relying solely on social media, you’re building on borrowed ground. Your email list is the one channel you own, and it consistently delivers the best ROI. 

Start simple (it doesn’t have to be complicated). Create a lead magnet that speaks directly to your audience’s pain point, then follow up with a nurture sequence or monthly newsletter that keeps you top of mind. 

Loren’s pro tip: Your lead magnet doesn’t need to be flashy. A helpful checklist, quick guide, or resource list is often enough to convert.

Read more: Your mid-year marketing reset: Five steps to unfreeze your strategy

6. Let your data do the heavy lifting 

Every month, take 30 minutes to review what’s working. You don’t need to track everything. Try and focus on: 

• Where your traffic is coming from 
• What content is getting engagement (saves and shares over comments and likes) 
• What’s converting into actual leads or sales 

This is where real growth happens. Not from guessing, but from observing and adjusting. Use the data to double down on what’s working and refine what’s not. 

Loren’s pro tip: Create a simple monthly dashboard (even in a Google Sheet) so you can track progress and make informed decisions. 

Final thoughts 

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to digital growth. But there is a better way than constantly feeling behind. 

It starts with clarity. With choosing strategy over speed, and connection over chaos. When you focus on what’s relevant to your audience, simplify your systems, and trust your voice, visibility becomes a byproduct of alignment. 

If you’ve been trying to grow but it’s felt hard, scattered, or just not quite right, maybe it’s time to reset. Strip things back, come back to the core of your brand, and build your visibility from there. 

Do you a marketing question of your own? I’d love to hear it (and help you out). Drop me an email at [email protected] and I might just answer it in an upcoming segment.