Marketing is Like Frying Chicken

It’s An Art, Not a Science

Business owners and entrepreneurs often approach marketing with the same expectation they would a math problem. In most entrepreneur’s eyes there is a single, correct answer. Fortunately for all of us, marketing isn’t about finding X; it’s more like frying chicken than solving algebra.

Ask ten people how to fry chicken, and you’ll get ten different answers. Some will swear by buttermilk, others by brine. Some prefer high heat, while others opt for low and slow. Why is this? Experience, beliefs, cuz their “momma said do it like this”, and personal taste. Well, the same goes for marketing.

True marketers bring a unique blend of skills, knowledge, and intuition to the table. What works for one business might be a flop for another. Like really good fried chicken, marketing is an art, not a science. There’s no one-size-fits-all recipe for success.

1. Just like frying chicken, marketing requires trial and error. What works today might not work tomorrow.
2. Marketing also demands preparation. It’s the seasoning of the chicken. Things like market research and strategy development are  crucial for success.
3. And, most importantly, both require a deep understanding of your audience. What kind of chicken do you like? Spicy, mild, or extra crispy? Similarly, who are you trying to reach with your marketing? What do they want and need?

They Myth of the Guru

There’s a pervasive belief in the business world that these social media marketing gurus possess secret formulas for success. These “gurus” are often seen as magicians capable of transforming struggling businesses into overnight sensations. Trust me when I tell you, most of them are FULL OF IT!! There’s no such thing as a guaranteed, foolproof marketing plan.

Real marketing experts have a deep understanding of how people think, and what makes audiences say “yes”!

The best of us have a solid foundation in marketing principles, are able to capture the vision of our clients, and possess the ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

And EVEN THEN, success is not guaranteed because marketing is about nurturing.

To truly excel at marketing, you need to think like a writer, a storyteller, and a linguist. Effective marketing is about communicating with your audience in a way that is clear, compelling, and relevant. It’s about using language to evoke emotions, create desire, and drive action.

You’ll also need to embrace trial and error. You’re not going to always get it “right”. (whatever that means) Nothing about marketing is set in stone. Even if we (the experts) talk like it is, it’s not. It’s an ongoing experiment, which is why it’s essential to constantly test new ideas and measure the results.

Think about the chicken again. Developing a new recipe takes a lot of test and trial. You start with a basic formula and make adjustments based on taste tests. But you ONLY make adjustments, after you tasted it first. That’s how you know if it needs more salt, or less pepper, or needs to be deep fried, instead of pan seared. The same approach should be taken with your marketing campaigns.

Don’t forget the Data

While marketing is an art, measuring the response of people to that art is SUPER important. Consider these responses to your art, marketing data. By tracking key metrics, you can gain insights into what’s working and what’s not.

For instance… “opens” tell you how connected people are to your brand.

“Likes” let us know if people resonated with what you had to say, and agreed with, or saw themselves in your message.

“Comments” convey if your message inspired thought or triggered someone else’s beliefs. (both are okay to do)

“Clicks” tell us if your message was compelling.

Your “unsubscribe rate” indicates you were either barking up the wrong tree or burned out a particular person or audience.

“Bounce rate” tells us when we’re talking to a wall

“Time watched” communicates interest and agreement with the video you shared.

However, it’s important to remember that data is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s essential to combine data with intuition and creativity to develop effective marketing strategies.

Remember, marketing isn’t just about selling products or services. It’s about building relationships and nurturing those relationships with prospective customers. And a key component of building strong relationships is providing exceptional customer experiences.

Every interaction a customer has with your brand is a touchpoint. From the moment they visit your website to the moment they receive their product or service, every experience matters. By creating positive customer experiences, you can build brand loyalty and advocacy. I’m going to have to build something out on this, because it really is a difference maker.

Don’t know if you’ve noticed this or not, but marketing isn’t easy. It’s simple, but it’s not east at all. Just like frying chicken, it’s an art that requires creativity, intuition, and a deep understanding of your audience. And to truly refine it and make it great, you’ll also need some data and analysis.

Approach marketing like you would self-improvement. It takes continuous learning, improvement, and adaptation. By embracing the challenges and opportunities that marketing presents, you can build a strong brand and see the long-term success you’re looking for.