Bradmarke | Branding, Advertising, and Marketing Solutions

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Headquarter

Bradmarke Interactive, G.R.A, No. 60 Isaac John St, Ikeja GRA, Ikeja 101233, Lagos, Nigeria.

Bradmarke Interactive, No. 39 Ikot Ekpene Rd, Opposite Chicken Republic, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Marketing Gurus Are Lying to You

Unpacking the clichés and bad advice that’s holding your brand back.

Let me tell you about the time I tried to make “perfect jollof rice.” You know, the kind that’s always trending on social media—deep red, perfectly fluffy, with that smoky party rice aroma. I followed every tip from self-proclaimed jollof experts on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

But when I tasted it? Omo, it was mid. Not bad, but not great either. Turns out, I didn’t need ten different spices or five fancy cooking techniques. What I needed was to stop overthinking and focus on getting the basics right: good tomatoes, proper seasoning, and that essential low-and-slow firewood simmer.

Here’s the thing: just like those jollof “gurus,” many so-called marketing experts are overcomplicating the process. They tell you to follow their “secret formulas” or jump on every trend, but most of it? Pure noise.

1. The “Perfect Strategy” Lie

Ever hear a guru promise that their one-size-fits-all strategy will skyrocket your brand? It’s nonsense. What works for a tech startup in Silicon Valley won’t necessarily work for a streetwear brand in Lagos.

Fix It:
Tailor your strategy. Understand your audience, their needs, and where they hang out. Then build a plan that speaks directly to them. Forget the hype; focus on what matters.

2. The “You Must Be Everywhere” Lie

“Be on TikTok! No, wait—LinkedIn is the future! Actually, you need a YouTube channel, NOW!” Some marketing advice sounds like you’re being chased by NEPA when there’s no light—chaotic and unnecessary.

Fix It:
You don’t have to be everywhere; you just need to be where your audience is. Choose 2–3 platforms that make sense for your brand and show up consistently. Master those before expanding.

3. The “Go Viral” Lie

Ah, the holy grail of bad marketing advice: “You need to go viral.” Sure, virality is nice, but it’s not a strategy—it’s luck. Chasing it often leads to gimmicks that don’t align with your brand.

Fix It:
Focus on value, not virality. Create content that informs, entertains, or inspires. Build a loyal audience, and trust me, when the time is right, they’ll help you spread the word.

4. The “More Followers = More Success” Lie

This one kills me. Some gurus act like your follower count is a direct measure of success. But what’s the point of 10,000 followers if only 50 of them care about your product?

Fix It:
Prioritize engagement over numbers. A small, loyal audience is infinitely more valuable than a big, uninterested one. Remember: na quality dey matter, no be quantity.

5. The “Marketing is Quick and Easy” Lie

You’ve seen the ads: “Get 10x sales in 30 days!” or “Build a million-dollar brand with this one tool!” Marketing isn’t magic; it’s work. And the results take time.

Fix It:
Set realistic goals. Commit to consistent effort, whether it’s posting content, running ads, or building partnerships. Success comes from dedication, not shortcuts.

6. The “Trends Are Everything” Lie

There’s always a shiny new trend. Yesterday it was NFTs; today, it’s AI. Tomorrow? Who knows. But blindly chasing trends without understanding them is a fast way to waste money.

Fix It:
Before jumping on a trend, ask: does this align with my brand? Does my audience care about this? If the answer is “no,” skip it. Focus on timeless principles instead.

Now So What?

Here’s the truth: there are no shortcuts in marketing. It’s about knowing your audience, being consistent, and delivering value. Forget the gurus and their quick-fix formulas.

So, I’ll ask you: are you ready to stop chasing myths and start building something real?

Let’s cut through the noise together. Ready to create a strategy that actually works? Let’s Talk!