If you feel like giving up on your online business? You’re not alone — and it doesn’t mean you’re failing either. In this post I aim to help you overcome digital marketing overwhelm before you call it quits.
There are many reasons you might feel like quiting and if they are personal then that is something I probably can’t help you with and you will have to evaluate your own situation but if it’s not then it usually means you’re overwhelmed, running on empty, or trying to do too much alone and have no or hardly any support.
Online business isn’t hard because of the work — it’s hard because:
- You’re learning 57 things at once (or at least you’re trying to).
- You’re comparing your start to someone else’s highlight reels — and it’s giving you a complex.
- You’re trying to be a one-person marketing team, content creator, tech support—and 17 other roles all at once.
And that’s a lot. So are you really surprised it feels a bit heavy at times?
What to Do When You’re Feeling Like Giving Up on Your Online Business
If you’re feeling like giving up on your online business, know this — it’s not a sign of failure.
1. Do a Reality Check (Not a Meltdown)
Ask yourself: “Am I failing… or just overwhelmed?”
Most of the time, it’s just information overload. You don’t need to quit — you just need a bit of clarity.
👉 Tip: If you’re feeling overwhelmed it doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means something’s out of alignment.
If you want a few quick strategies to help get back on track, check out this article on how to ditch the feeling of marketing overwhelm at marketingbaker.com
2. Simplify — Like, Ruthlessly
Unfollow a few “hustle gurus” shouting about 6-figure mornings and 5-day funnels.
Shut down the browser tabs that have been open since Tuesday.
Mute that podcast that makes you feel like you’re 12 steps behind.
Now ask yourself: “What’s one thing I can do today that would actually move me forward — even just a nudge?”
Just do that.— Not the 10 other things.
Not a 4-hour productivity routine.
Just that one thing.
That’s your win today. And yes — it counts.
3. Reconnect With Your ‘Why’
Why did you start this in the first place?
- Flexibility?
- More time for family?
- Earning from home without selling your soul to a boss?
That reason is still valid, but success doesn’t show up overnight — it’s built in small, consistent steps. Even the boring ones.
4. Talk to Someone (Not Just Your Inner Critic)
Business can feel lonely — especially when you’re doing it from your kitchen table. But isolation fuels doubt. A quick chat with someone who gets it can reset your whole mindset.
If you don’t have someone in your life who understands the online biz stuff yet, consider joining the Women Helping Women Entrepreneurs Facebook group — or shoot me a message. I mean it.
What Helped Me When I Felt Like Giving Up
One day I hit that “what’s the point” wall and wrote down:
- What I actually wanted from this
- What was overwhelming me
- What I could stop doing
It sounds simple, but it worked.
I realised I didn’t need to “crush it” every day — I just needed to keep showing up in small, doable ways.
So if you’re in that headspace right now, pause.
Breathe.
Simplify.
And don’t quit just because it’s hard — pause because it’s allowed.
Need a Little Help to Keep Going?
I send out honest tips and support for beginners who are trying to build an online business without losing the plot. No hype. No spam. Just what actually works.
👉 Grab my free checklist for beginners here:
https://tracyjmann.com/subscribe
It’s the kind of thing I wish someone had handed me when I started — before the 400 open tabs and coffee-fuelled spirals.
✍️ Want no-fluff tips for building your online biz?
If this post helped clear your head or made you feel less alone, you’re exactly who I write for.
Pop your name and email below and I’ll send you beginner-friendly advice, useful tools, and the truth about what really works online — straight to your inbox.
👇 Sign up and let’s figure this stuff out together.
💬 Over to You:
What’s the ONE thing that makes you feel overwhelmed and giving up on your online business?
I’d love to hear it — just hit reply to any of my emails and tell me, or share it with me over on my Facebook page. I read every single one. — or DM me if you don’t want to share it publicly. Either way, you’re not the only one.
SHARE — If you found this helpful, pass it on to someone else who’s figuring it out too.
Want no-fluff tips for building your online biz?
If this post gave you a lightbulb moment or a sigh of relief, you're not alone — that's exactly why I started sharing what I've learned.
Pop your name and email below and I'll send you beginner-friendly advice, useful tools, and the truth behind what really works online — straight to your inbox, no pressure.
👇 Sign up below and let's do this together.
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💬 Over to You:
What’s one thing you wish someone had told you before starting your online business?
I'd love to hear it — just hit reply to any of my emails and tell me, or share it with me over on my Facebook page. I read every single one.
SHARE – If you found this post helpful, why not share it with someone else who’s figuring it out too?
