Guard your budget from “shiny object” software traps.
At Pullman Marketing, we’re here to help businesses grow smart—not just fast. And sometimes, that means telling our clients the truth they don’t want to hear:
That new, expensive software you bought? It might have been a waste of money.
We hate those conversations. So here’s your early warning system: the top three reasons why marketing automation might not be the magic solution you’ve been sold.
Reason #1: Believing That Automation = Instant Sales
Let’s start with the obvious—marketing automation tools aren’t magic wands.
From HubSpot to Keap (formerly Infusionsoft), the platforms promise slick dashboards, automated emails, and sales on autopilot. The reality? You still need to do the work.
Setup takes time. Writing workflows takes brainpower. And figuring out how it all ties together? That takes strategy.
Want to avoid a regret purchase? Ask yourself:
- Do I have 5–10 hours a week to get this thing up and running?
- Will I write the content myself—or do I need to hire help?
- What pain point will this actually solve in my business?
If you’re unsure about any of that, hit pause. Don’t invest in software until you have the bandwidth—or the partner—to make it pay off.
Reason #2: Assuming Automation Can Replace Good Content
This one hits hard: You can’t automate your way out of a content gap.
Most marketing automation tools still need:
- Clear messaging
- Strong email copy
- Social posts that connect
- Offers that actually convert
If you’re hoping the software will “do the heavy lifting,” it won’t—unless you’re already doing the hard part right: creating content that resonates with real humans.
Here’s the truth:
Automation is a force multiplier. But if you multiply zero effort or weak content, you still get zero results.
Look at companies like BuzzFeed or Duolingo—love ’em or not, they stay top of mind because their content is consistent and tailored for their audience. You can’t fake that with a workflow builder.
Reason #3: The “It’s Only $XX/month” Trap
Those low starting prices are designed to get you hooked. What they don’t show right away are the add-ons, upgrades, and hidden user fees.
Take Salesforce. Their basic plan starts at $25/month—but doesn’t include things like lead management, opportunity tracking, or even task tracking unless you jump up to $75/user/month. Add industry modules or API access? Now you’re looking at enterprise pricing.
This adds up fast. And when you’ve got 3 or 4 subscriptions doing overlapping things, you’re burning through budget with little ROI.
How to stay smart:
- Ask hard questions in the demo—especially about “extras.”
- Only give access to the people who need it.
- Use software review sites like G2 to compare tools and check for common user complaints.
- Reach out to a pro (hey, that’s us!) to walk through the options.
Real Talk: You Might Not Need Automation Yet
There’s no shame in keeping things simple. If you’re still figuring out your messaging, your audience, or your lead flow, then focus there first.
Once your content is dialed in and your sales process is humming, that’s when automation can actually amplify what you’re doing.
Until then? Keep your tools lean, your goals clear, and your budget protected.