Everyone knows that losing weight takes time.  It’s not something that you can decide to do and it just happens after a few minutes on a treadmill.  It’s the application of constant pressure to your muscles that makes them stronger.  And that constant pressure makes your body start to burn its fat reserves – thus making you a slimmer and trimmer you.

There are plenty of things in business that keep us from seeing the best results possible.  Usually they show up in the form of big expenses, lack of planning or ignorance of what you’re trying to accomplish (no goal setting).

Just like losing weight, building a strong web presence isn’t something that happens overnight.  It’s a process – one that most business owners don’t understand (or don’t want to understand).  Hiring a great designer that puts together an awesome site is definitely a step in the right direction.  Putting that new website up and promoting it on your business cards and newsletter is another step. But if you don’t keep your foot on the gas, it is all just a wasted effort.  You’ll end up right back on the couch eating a tub of ice cream and wondering why you can’t succeed.

I can’t tell you how many business owners I’ve met that are in this spot.  They’re looking for a fast fix or the next biggest marketing ploy.  They aren’t in it for the long haul – they’re after the quick dollar that will keep their business afloat.

Most of the blogs I write, the classes I teach and the webinars I do are because I’m investing in the long term future of my business.  I understand that the things I do today may benefit my business in six months or six years. I can’t count the amount of calls I’ve received years after someone saw me speak at a conference or event.

Nonetheless, once you’ve started marketing your business, you can’t stop. And your marketing needs to continually grow and evolve.  Relying on one marketing channel is a bad idea.  SEO is smart, but it’s not smart to solely rely on SEO.  Ask those business owners that are reeling from the Penguin update.  SEO, complimented with a good video strategy, a social presence, a good mobile strategy and maybe a little PPC will keep your business protected from any sudden changes that Google makes.

In closing, I just admonish you to keep your foot on the gas.  Don’t give up after a few months of investment.  Remember that you’re in it for the long haul, and money invested today will always reap a reward, just not tomorrow.