5 Marketing Moves That Actually Work for Small Businesses (Without a Big Budget)
Marketing as a small business owner can feel like a guessing game—especially when your time and money are tight. The good news? You don’t need a huge budget or a degree in marketing to make real progress. These five strategies are simple, low-cost, and proven to move the needle when done right.
1. Google My Business Is Free—Use It
This is your business card on Google. When people search for your business—or the services you offer—Google My Business (GMB) is one of the first things that shows up. If your profile isn’t complete, or worse, missing entirely, potential customers may skip right over you.
What to do:
Claim your listing (if you haven’t already).
Add accurate hours, phone number, and website.
Post regular updates and offers.
Upload fresh photos of your business, team, or products.
Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews.
Why it matters:
A strong GMB presence helps you show up in local search results and builds credibility before people even click your website.
2. Email Isn’t Dead—It’s Gold
Most small business owners overlook email because they think it’s outdated or too time-consuming. But here’s the truth: your email list is one of your most valuable marketing tools. It’s a direct line to your audience—no algorithm, no middleman.
What to do:
Start collecting emails from day one (in-store, online, social).
Use a simple tool like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or Brevo.
Send 1–2 emails per month with real value: a helpful tip, a behind-the-scenes update, a promo, or a new offer.
Why it matters:
Email nurtures your relationship with existing and potential customers. People are more likely to buy from a brand they hear from regularly (as long as you're not annoying about it).
3. Create One Piece of Content Per Week
You don’t need to be a content machine. But you do need to show up. Creating one helpful piece of content weekly—whether it’s a blog post, Instagram Reel, TikTok, or short YouTube video—keeps your brand visible and searchable.
What to do:
Think: “What are my customers always asking me?” and start there.
Use free tools like Canva for visuals, and your phone for videos.
Post it to your website or social channel. Repurpose it across platforms.
Why it matters:
Content builds authority. It shows you know what you’re talking about. Plus, it feeds your SEO and gives you something fresh to share in your emails or social posts.
4. Leverage Local Partnerships
You’re not in this alone. There are other small businesses near you who share your customer base—and collaboration beats competition. Whether it’s a joint event, a shared promo, or even just social media shout-outs, partnerships are a low-cost way to extend your reach.
What to do:
Look for businesses that complement (but don’t compete with) yours.
Offer to trade social mentions, co-host a pop-up, or bundle services.
Keep it simple and mutually beneficial.
Why it matters:
It’s free exposure. And when another business vouches for you, it builds trust with their audience instantly.
5. Stop Trying to Be Everywhere on Social
One of the biggest mistakes small business owners make is trying to post everywhere, every day. It’s exhausting—and it rarely works. Instead, focus on the platform your audience actually uses, and post with intention.
What to do:
Figure out where your ideal customer hangs out (e.g. Instagram for lifestyle brands, LinkedIn for B2B, Facebook for local services).
Commit to posting 2–3 times a week.
Focus on content that educates, entertains, or builds trust.
Why it matters:
Consistency on one platform builds momentum faster than spreading yourself thin across five. Better to be strong in one place than invisible everywhere.
You don’t need to do everything—you just need to do the right things consistently. Focus on small actions that bring real value to your customers, and the growth will come. These five steps aren’t just theory—they’re what actually works in the real world for small businesses like yours.
Want help building a simple plan using these steps? Just say the word—I can map one out for your specific business type.
