The Transcript For The Clear Business Growth Show:

You know that big marketing push you do when you’ve got time—posting everywhere, maybe even showing up on stories, sending a newsletter or two, following up with a past referral client, going to a networking event—and then… nothing. Silence.

Here’s the truth: those marketing bursts might feel productive, but they’re actually keeping you and your business stuck on a roller coaster.

Today, I’m sharing why burst marketing holds you back and how to create a simple, sustainable rhythm that actually grows your business.

Welcome to The Clear Business Growth Show—the podcast for service-based business owners ready to escape the overwhelm of juggling client work and marketing.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of inconsistent income, frustrated by not having a clear way to market and grow your business, and teetered on the edge of burnout—you’re not alone. I created this podcast for you.

I’m your host, Esther Gretton, business growth mentor and creator of the Clear Business Growth Framework. Each week, I share actionable strategies and real-world insights to empower you to grow your business so you can feel on track and in control.

If you’re listening to this, you’re probably no stranger to the marketing roller coaster: one week you’re on fire—posting, emailing, networking—and the next, you get buried in client work and marketing takes a back seat.

You already know you need to market consistently. That’s not news. But with your current schedule, client load, and energy, it feels impossible. Maybe you even feel a little guilt when you ghost your marketing for weeks—or months—knowing you “should be doing more” but just don’t have the space.

I get it. I’ve been there. I’d go all-in on marketing when I had time, then disappear when client work took over. And guess what? Every time I stopped, leads slowed down, panic set in, and I’d push hard again just to fill the pipeline. It was exhausting—and it made me question if I was cut out for business at all.

One client described it perfectly: “It feels like running on a treadmill, but it randomly speeds up when I least expect it.” She’s a brilliant designer, fully booked most of the time, but every time she took her foot off the marketing gas, inquiries slowed. That constant start-stop cycle left her feeling like she was failing—even though her work was excellent.

That’s the tension so many business owners feel: you’re great at what you do, but not fully clear on your marketing and sales process—or how to grow past your revenue ceiling without burning out.

Here’s the problem with burst marketing:
 • It burns through your time and energy.
 • It can chip away at your confidence.
 • It keeps you questioning whether you can really sustain growth.

The truth? Marketing works best when it’s simple enough to fit into your busiest week. That might look like a “lighter” version on weeks you’re swamped, and then more structured time once a month for bigger pieces.

Consistency beats intensity every single time.

So, what does that look like?

It doesn’t mean posting every day or hustling harder. It means having a clear message and a marketing rhythm that fits you—even if it’s just:
 • One strong piece of content a week
 • A few simple touchpoints along your customer journey to build relationships over time

Your challenge this week:

Ask yourself: What’s the minimum marketing rhythm I can commit to—even on my busiest weeks?

For some of you, that might be:
 • One email to your list
 • One Instagram or LinkedIn post
 • One short voice note to share an insight with your audience
 • One networking event
 • One call to a past or referral client

And remember: marketing isn’t just digital. Some of the highest-impact actions happen offline:
 • Following up with someone who sent you an inquiry
 • Checking in with a past client you haven’t heard from in a while
 • Sending a thank-you message to someone who referred you
 • Writing a handwritten note to a client you’d love to work with again
 • Grabbing coffee with a business peer who often sends you referrals

Imagine how it would feel to know your marketing was ticking over—even when client work is full on.

That’s the power of consistency. It doesn’t take more time—it takes a realistic, repeatable rhythm and treating it like any other client appointment.

Key takeaways:
 • Burst marketing feels productive but keeps you stuck in feast-or-famine.
 • Consistency—even at a smaller scale—builds stability and confidence.
 • Your “minimum marketing rhythm” might be just one or two actions a week—and that’s okay.

You don’t have to do more to grow. You need clarity and rhythm that works for you.

Want to go deeper?
Join me inside my free weekly newsletter, The Get Clear Weekly.

Every Tuesday, I share behind-the-scenes lessons from my business, plus one mindset shift and one practical step you can use to grow your business at your own pace. It’s thoughtful, practical, and way more grounding than a quick Instagram scroll.

Sign up now at esthergretton.com/thegetclearweekly.