How I Think About Marketing Systems in Acquisitions

When I buy a small business, one of the first areas I study after closing is marketing. Over time, I’ve learned that marketing systems often make the difference between a company that stagnates and one that scales. Most small businesses rely on word of mouth, referrals, or the owner’s personal hustle for sales. While that can work for a time, it’s fragile and hard to transfer. What creates true resilience and growth is a marketing system, a repeatable, predictable way of generating new customers.

I’ve made mistakes in the past by underestimating how weak marketing systems were in the businesses I bought. Now I treat marketing diligence as a central part of my acquisition process.

Why Marketing Systems Matter

Marketing systems matter because they:

• Create a predictable lead flow instead of random referrals
• Reduce dependence on the owner for sales
• Strengthen brand awareness and trust
• Support pricing power by differentiating the company
• Increase transferable value because growth is built on systems, not individuals

Without a marketing system, customer acquisition is unpredictable. With one, growth becomes sustainable.

My Early Mistakes

In one acquisition, I assumed steady revenue meant strong marketing. After closing, I realized all sales had come from the seller’s personal relationships. Once he left, the leads dried up.

In another case, I underestimated how expensive it would be to build a marketing engine from scratch. It took time and cash I hadn’t budgeted for.

Both mistakes taught me to analyze marketing systems carefully.

How I Evaluate Marketing Systems

When I review a business, I ask:

• Where do most leads come from?
• Does the company have documented campaigns and processes?
• What percentage of revenue comes from repeat vs. new customers?
• Is marketing outsourced or in-house?
• Are digital channels (SEO, ads, social) being used effectively?

The answers reveal whether marketing is a system or just luck.

What Strong Marketing Systems Look Like

• Documented campaigns with consistent lead generation
• Multiple acquisition channels (referrals, online, partnerships)
• Clear tracking of cost per lead and cost per acquisition
• A defined sales funnel with conversion metrics
• Repeatable playbooks that employees can run without the owner

How I Strengthen Marketing Post-Acquisition

After I buy a business, I build marketing systems by:

• Identifying the most cost-effective channels
• Building repeatable campaigns that generate leads monthly
• Creating content that educates and builds trust
• Investing in CRM tools to track customer interactions
• Training staff to run campaigns independently of ownership

Why Marketing Impacts Valuation

Businesses with strong marketing engines are worth more. Buyers like me pay higher multiples for companies where lead flow is predictable and transferable. Businesses dependent on the owner’s relationships are worth less.

Final Thoughts

I’ve learned that marketing systems are one of the most powerful levers in acquisitions. They determine whether a company can scale, transfer, and thrive after the seller leaves.

That’s why I evaluate marketing carefully and prioritize system-building after closing. Because in the end, growth isn’t luck—it’s the result of systems.

I continue sharing my acquisition strategies and playbook at DrConnorRobertson.com, where I document how I turn businesses into scalable operations.