“Marketing Feels Like Hell”: Honest Survival Guide for Zero-Budget Founders

Marketing can feel like pure agony—especially if you’d rather build than sell.
Anyone who says otherwise is lying or selling something.

Why I Get to Say This

Confession: I’m a marketing guy who hates most marketing. I’ve been on the floor, doubting every cold DM and watching posts die with zero engagement. It sucks. But it’s not forever—if you do the right things, it pays off.

If You’re in the Pain Cave, Here’s Your Next Step:

• Show up where your ideal users already hang out: Reddit, tiny Discords, Slack. Watch where people vent, not just where they “promote.”
• Help first. Offer a real answer, not a pitch. That one comment is more powerful than 100 blog posts.
• Share ugly wins and losses. “Hey, this flopped, but here’s what sucked less...” People trust honesty.
• Track micro-wins: a DM, a thank-you, even a “not interested.” It means you poked the market.

I’ve written 50 posts that got nothing, then one random comment that landed my first recurring client. There’s no magic number, just a system of showing up.

You claim the “underdog” badge—people root for you when you show your story, not a polished Instagram feed.

Marketing pay-off is always weeks behind your effort, so start today. Future You will thank you for sticking with it.

Show up and answer one real question today—just one. Then log what happens.

PS: If you need a daily checklist to keep going, ping me for a free 7-day plan.
PPS: Swearing (out loud, not online) helps.