Free Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses

Small businesses often don’t have a large budget when it comes to marketing, but there are plenty of things you can do on a shoestring budget to promote your business and attract new customers. 

Publish content. Creating and sharing content on your website and social media platforms is a great way to connect with current customers as well as generate new ones. Newsletters, e-books, case studies, videos and podcasts are other content ideas to help bring visitors to your website. They are also easily shareable through email, texts and social media.  

Use free SEO tools. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps improve your search engine rankings and maximizes the visibility of your website and content. Free tools such as Google Analytics and Yoast SEO and keyword tools offered by WordStream or others will help you better understand what people are searching for and how you can incorporate those key words into your content.  

Establish your social media presence. Set up social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and other platforms to share content and interact with customers. Partner with influencers to help elevate your social media presence. 

Manage business review websites. Sites such as Yelp and the Better Business Bureau offer free business profiles. Once you register, be sure you keep all pertinent information such as location, hours and website information, up-to-date and respond to all customer reviews. 

Send digital newsletters. Keep your customers engaged with your business with a company newsletter. Platforms such as Mailchimp offer free plans for a limited number of contacts. You can also promote your digital newsletter on your website in exchange for email addresses, thus capturing another potential client. 

Develop a customer loyalty program. Many businesses have the origins that allow customers to accrue points or benefits with each purchase. The points can be redeemed for a free product or a discount. Loyalty programs encourage repeat purchases and brand loyalty and can be fairly inexpensive since you decide what they are. 

Donate to or sponsor fundraisers and charities. Participating in local fundraisers or contributing to local charities is a great way to show support for organization you are passionate about. In return, your company may be highlighted at an event or in printed material about the charity. 

Offer a free sample. Sometimes the customer just needs to give it a try to give it a buy. This is generally an inexpensive marketing idea to get your product or service on someone’s radar. 

Once you’ve used a marketing idea, evaluate its effectiveness and decide if it’s one you want to repeat. It doesn’t have to cost much to be effective and to bring awareness to your business or product.