How the Trump Tariffs Could Disrupt Small Business

Trouble at the Border: What Trump Tariffs Mean for the Rest of Us

When the headlines scream “Trump Tariffs Impact,” your wallet and workload might be next in line.

President Trump’s new round of tariffs—nicknamed the “Liberation Day” tariffs—are here, and they’re no small change. A 10% blanket tariff on all imports, with a jaw-dropping 60% slapped on Chinese goods? That’s not just economic policy. That’s a power move.

For some, this might feel like just another blip in the news cycle. But for small businesses, creatives, and marketing agencies like Bold Copy Agency (BCA) and Russell Otway Music (ROM), this could turn into a major budget buster.

So what do we do when international trade politics hit home? We strategize, adjust—and try not to cry into our spreadsheets. This blog dives into the real-world impact, from higher gear costs to client budget cutbacks, and outlines how small business owners can pivot smartly.

The Cost of Creating Just Got Pricier

Your next mic, steelpan/steel drum, or software update might cost more than your last gig paid.

Let’s be honest—this isn’t the best time to be upgrading your creative gear. If you’re a musician or media pro, you probably use imported tech every single day: microphones, audio interfaces, cameras, cables, lights… and that beloved steelpan? Chances are it wasn’t made in Cleveland.

Now, thanks to import tariffs, those costs are about to go up.

At Bold Copy Agency, we depend on a full suite of tools to deliver results for clients. Hootsuite, HighLevel, Canva, Lumen5, Logic Pro X—you name it. Most of these tools either rely on foreign developers, imported components, or cloud infrastructure tied to global networks. If licensing or support costs rise, so do our operating expenses.

Over at Russell Otway Music, it’s more of the same. Music production gear, streaming tech, event promotion tools—none of this stuff is immune to cost creep. That’s money out of our pockets, and out of yours too, if you’re in a similar space.

The takeaway? Plan your purchases. Be selective. And maybe wait until after Black Friday before buying that third ring light.

Clients Tighten the Purse Strings (And Their Marketing Budgets)

Marketing is usually the first to go—right after the free office snacks.

Tariffs don’t just make gear more expensive. They can squeeze the entire economy. Higher costs mean tighter profit margins, and for your average small business owner, something has to give.

Spoiler alert: it’s usually the marketing budget.

Bold Copy Agency works with SMBs across industries—auto shops, medical practices, food trucks, you name it. When these businesses feel the pinch from inflation or rising costs, they start cutting corners. And that fancy marketing retainer? Suddenly it looks like a “nice-to-have.”

That’s a big challenge for any agency or freelancer. But it’s also a wake-up call. If you’re not demonstrating ROI in every campaign, showing the real results of your email automation, funnel builds, or social media content, you’ll lose the deal to budget anxiety.

So what’s our plan? Double down on value-first automation, build smarter campaigns with AI tools, and lead with free educational content that keeps us top-of-mind—until their wallets open again.

Let’s Find Your Answer

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Turning Pain into Positioning: Play the ‘Buy American’ Card

If you can’t beat the tariffs, beat your competitors by being more local than a farmer’s market.

Not everything is doom and gloom. With global imports getting more expensive, U.S.-based service providers just got a marketing upgrade. And for us at BCA, that’s huge.

First off, Bold Copy Agency is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). We’re not just local—we’re lean, agile, and built to serve with honor. That means we can tap into contract opportunities, build trust with federal and local partners, and attract brands looking to “shop small” and “buy American.”

Our sister brand, Russell Otway Music, benefits too. Whether you’re performing live, producing digital media, or promoting events on public radio, highlighting your local roots and community impact builds deeper audience loyalty.

If the tariffs close one door, they open another: positioning. People want transparency, trust, and proximity. Now’s the time to lean in with clarity, storytelling, and sharp branding that screams, “We’re right here, and we get you.”

Survive, Adapt, and Crack a Few Jokes Along the Way

It’s going to be a bumpy ride. At least we’ve got punchlines and planning skills.

Look, none of this is easy. Watching your costs creep up while clients freeze spending can make even the bravest entrepreneur question their sanity. But here’s the good news:

We’ve been here before. Recessions, pandemics, policy shifts—resilient small businesses survive by pivoting smart, staying lean, and making noise in all the right ways.

Here’s how Bold Copy Agency and Russell Otway Music are riding out the Trump tariff wave:

• Investing in long-term content that educates and builds authority.

• Repackaging services to deliver more value with lower upfront cost.

• Offering automation and AI-powered tools that do more with less.

• Showing up as a veteran-owned U.S.-based business you can trust—on radio, YouTube, and social.

If you’re feeling the pinch too, you’re not alone. Reach out, drop a comment, or share this post with someone who needs a laugh and a plan. We’ve got this.

🎯 Ready to adapt, pivot, and thrive?

Before you go, download our Free Trump Tariff Survival Checklist—designed specifically for small businesses and creative agencies.

👉BOOK WITH US

📞 Need help planning your next move? Book a Free 30-Min Strategy Call with Bold Copy Agency.

Sources

• CNN – Trump’s 2025 Tariff Plan

• Financial Times – Trump’s Tariff Shock

• Barclays Economic Impact Report – Q2 2025 Referenced in FT

• Bold Copy Agency internal tools: GoHighLevel, Hootsuite, Canva, Logic Pro X, Lumen5, Constant Contact (Thanks to Verizon Small Business Digital Ready)

Russell Otway

Russell Otway is the driving force behind Bold Copy Agency, a bespoke content creation service specializing in the music industry. With over a decade of experience in copywriting and a deep passion for music, Russell has carved out a niche for himself as the go-to expert for artists, labels, and music professionals seeking to elevate their brand with compelling narratives.

Having worked with a broad spectrum of clients from up-and-coming musicians to established industry giants, Russell’s expertise lies in crafting narratives that resonate with audiences and amplify an artist’s presence in a crowded market. His work is characterized by a blend of creativity, industry insight, and a keen understanding of digital marketing trends, ensuring that his clients not only stand out but also achieve their marketing objectives.

A firm believer in the power of storytelling to connect and inspire, Russell continuously explores new and innovative ways to bring music stories to life. When he’s not weaving compelling artist biographies or dynamic press releases, he can be found sharing his insights at industry conferences or contributing to leading music and marketing publications. Russell’s mission with Bold Copy Agency is simple: to help music professionals tell their stories in the most impactful way possible, unlocking their full potential and propelling their careers to new heights.