
As a freelance digital marketer based in Kannur, I’ve worked with many local businesses who unknowingly made some of the most common digital marketing mistakes in Kerala. Whether it’s spending blindly on ads or ignoring local SEO, these mistakes can slow down growth and eat up your budget.
The good news? Once you recognize them, they’re easy to fix. Below are the top 5 mistakes I see Kerala businesses make and how to avoid them in 2025.
Many small businesses either don’t claim their Google Business Profile or leave it outdated. This is one of the biggest lost opportunities in local SEO.
Most customers search for nearby services and GMB is the first thing they see.
Many local businesses still make avoidable digital marketing mistakes in Kerala from ignoring SEO basics to relying too heavily on Instagram. This blog covers the 5 most common ones and how to fix them quickly.
You’re one account ban away from losing your audience.
Build a website (even a 1-page site)
Collect emails and phone numbers
Run WhatsApp CTAs from social media instead of just likes
Tip: Use social media to drive people to platforms you own, like your website or email list.
Boosting posts randomly or running Google Ads without targeting is like burning money. Many small business owners “try ads” and then give up thinking they don’t work.
Digital ads work only when they’re backed by a clear offer, targeting, and conversion path.
Identify your most profitable service
Target ads to that with clear messaging
Use landing pages, not your homepage
Track every click and conversion
💬 “I’ve helped several Kannur based clients fix ad campaigns that were losing money every day by simply adding a landing page with a WhatsApp CTA.”
Even businesses with websites often forget about local SEO. Your site won’t rank for “café in Thalassery” or “digital marketer in Kannur” unless you optimize it.
People search with local intent, and Google rewards location based optimization.
Use location keywords in titles, meta descriptions, and headings
Add an embedded Google map
Include your address and contact clearly
Bonus: Add city-based keywords in image ALT texts and blog content for even better rankings.
Most local business owners don’t use tools like Google Analytics or track their performance they go by gut feeling.
You can’t improve what you don’t measure.
Set up Google Analytics and Search Console
Track WhatsApp clicks, contact form submissions, call-to-action buttons
Use these insights to improve what’s working
Just one look at your traffic sources can tell you where to invest more.
Mistakes happen, but smart business owners learn and grow from them. If you’ve made any of these mistakes you’re not alone. I’ve helped local businesses across Kerala fix these issues and finally see consistent results from digital marketing.
Want me to take a look at your current strategy and give feedback?
👉 Let’s talk – Book your free digital marketing audit
connect with me on LinkedIn
follow for more on Instagram