11 Free Advertising Ideas For Small Businesses That Actually Work

When you’re running a small and medium-sized business (SMB, every dollar matters — and sometimes, there just isn’t room in the budget for big advertising campaigns. So, how can you promote your products or services without spending a fortune?

There are plenty of free (yes, free!) ways to promote your business, build brand awareness, and connect with new customers. With the right approach and a little creativity, you can make a big impact without much spending. In this post, we’ll explore 11 smart, free advertising ideas for small businesses to help you succeed. 

Top 11 free advertising ideas for your small business

So, how do you actually spread the word without spending a cent? The answer: a mix of smart, practical ideas that help you show up where your customers are. You need to focus on what works with the time and tools you have. Let’s begin with one of the easiest and most effective ways to promote your business.

1. Max out your social media

Social media is one of the most powerful ways to reach your audience. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram give you direct access to your customers, whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand.

The key is knowing where your audience spends their time online. A local bakery might thrive on Instagram and TikTok, while a business to business (B2B) service could find more engagement on LinkedIn. Once you’ve figured that out, start showing up consistently with content that’s helpful, interesting, and true to your brand.Here’s how to make the most of social media posts:

• Use automation tools: With free tools like Sprout Social and Buffer, you can create and schedule out social posts. 
• Create a content calendar: Plan your posts in advance to ensure consistent and engaging content, even if this means doing it in a Google Sheet
• Engage with your audience: Respond to comments, participate in relevant discussions, and comment and engage on other related content.
• Take advantage of local communities: For example, Facebook groups, hashtags, and tagging on Instagram and Twitter (X) can be a great way to get your content in front of your potential customers.

2. Optimize your website for SEO

If your website isn’t showing up on search engines, like Google, you’re missing out on a huge number of potential customers. Search engine optimization (SEO) helps your website rank higher in search results so people can find you when they’re looking for businesses like yours. It’s your website’s way of telling search engines what you do, where you are, and why you’re relevant. 

This might take a little time to build out with content, but Google will continuously return this content in the organic results for free. Here are some tips to optimize your site for search:

• Use the right keywords: Think about the keywords and phrases your customers might type into Google (like “affordable marketing tool for SMB”). And now, AI Overviews (AIO)s — quick summaries Google shows at the top of search results — are reading your website, too. 
• Curate for AI overviews (AIO): Focus on answering common questions for AIO with concise, accurate information to increase your chances of appearing in these AI-generated summaries and attract more visitors to your site. Tools like Ubersuggest or Google Keyword Planner can help you find popular search terms.
• Build dedicated landing pages: Make sure your main products or services each have their own landing page with dedicated keywords. This makes it easier for search engines (and people) to understand what you offer.
• Check out competitors: See what kind of content shows up when you Google similar businesses. What topics do they cover? How do they structure their pages? Take notes and find ways to do it even better.
• Make it mobile-friendly: More people browse on their phones than desktops. A mobile-optimized website improves user experience and helps you rank higher in search results.
• Keep it fast: Slow websites lose visitors. Use free tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check your site’s speed and find quick fixes.

3. Start a blog

Creating informative articles is a great way to establish your expertise and provide value to your audience, and it’s also directly related to your website’s SEO. Blogging is an essential (and free) advertising idea for your small business to scale. Here’s how to get started:

• Write helpful content: Address common questions and pain points related to your industry. Think in terms of “how to”, inspirational content, and anything related to your service or offering.
• Share your expertise: Blogs are a great way to show that you know your stuff. Break down industry terms, share tips, or offer behind-the-scenes insight into how you work.
• Connect with others: Reach out to local business groups, community newsletters, or online publications. A blog post shared through the right network can reach hundreds of new readers — and potential customers.
• Promote your content: Don’t just hit “publish” and hope for the best. Share your posts on your social channels, link to them in your emails, and even repurpose them into short-form video content or infographics to reach different audiences.

Check out the Salesforce for Small Business blog for more information. (See what we did there?)

4. Create automated email marketing campaigns

Email marketing still works really well. It’s a direct line to your customers, and once someone signs up for your list, you’ve got a chance to build a real connection.

The key is automation. Tools like Starter Suite help you set up email journeys instead of sending one-off blasts. You can welcome new subscribers, check in after a purchase, or nudge curious browsers who didn’t hit “buy.” To get the most out of it:

• Grow a strong email list: Offer something valuable in return —  a free guide, early access to a product, or even a short checklist. Make your sign-up form feel like a helpful invitation.
• Segment your audience: Divide your email list into segments based on what people signed up for or what they’ve clicked on. That way, your emails feel more personal.
• Deliver value: Give people content they’ll actually want to read like behind-the-scenes stories, useful tips, exclusive deals, or early previews of what’s coming next. Think of every email as something they’d be glad they opened.

5. Claim your Google Business Profile

When someone searches for your business (or even for products or services you offer) you want to show up front and center. That’s where your Google Business Profile comes in.

It’s a free tool that lets you control how your business appears on Google Search and Maps. And it’s one of the easiest ways to get found by people nearby who are ready to buy. Here’s what you can do:

• Personalize your profile: Add your business name, location, phone number, online store, and hours. Upload photos that show off your products, space, or team. The more complete your profile, the more trustworthy you’ll look.
• Ask for reviews: Happy customers are often willing to share their experience if you simply ask. A short follow-up email or message asking to leave a review can go a long way. And don’t forget to reply, even just to say thanks.
• Keep it updated: Use your profile to post special offers, events, or announcements. It only takes a minute and gives people a reason to check you out.

6. Join free communities

There are thousands of online communities available to grow your business. Join online forums and communities related to your industry and hear what the experts are sharing. This can help you build relationships and establish your authority. Some popular options include:

• LinkedIn: LinkedIn groups are a great way to network with other business owners, and share your business updates. 
• Reddit: Join relevant subreddits and engage in discussions.
• Quora: Answer questions related to your industry to showcase your expertise.
• Facebook Groups: Join groups where your target audience is active and contribute valuable insights.
• Trailhead: Join Salesforce’s free online learning community to connect with peers and share your expertise while growing your business network.

7. Grow your business with customer referrals

Word of mouth still works, and it works even better when you give it a little nudge. Referrals are one of the most powerful (and affordable) ways to attract new customers, because people trust recommendations from people they know. Here’s how to build a referral engine that runs on happy customers:

• Make it timely: Right after a purchase, a positive review, or a helpful support interaction is the perfect time to ask for a referral.
• Make it easy to share: Create a simple referral link, a pre-written message, or even a QR code. The less work they have to do, the more likely they’ll follow through.
• Make it count: You don’t need a fancy rewards program. A one-time discount, early access, or a freebie is enough to say “thanks.”
• Make it visible: Mention your referral program on your website, emails, invoices — anywhere customers already interact with you.

8. Collaborate with influencers

You don’t need a celebrity endorsement to make a big impact. Partnering with micro-influencers — people with smaller but highly engaged followings — can help you reach the right audience without spending a fortune.

And the best part? Many are open to creative, low-cost collaborations, especially with local businesses or brands they genuinely like. Here’s how to make influencer partnerships work for your business:

• Offer content swaps: Find creative ways to swap promotions, maybe with a podcast interview, a guest blog, or a social takeover. 
• Engage before you pitch: You wouldn’t cold-DM someone asking for a favor. Instead, follow them and show that you appreciate their work. Build a natural connection before bringing up a collaboration.
• Propose mutually beneficial ideas: Make sure your offer is worth their time. This could be a free product, early access to something new, or promoting them to your audience in return.

9. Offer workshops or webinars

Teaching is one of the best ways to build trust. Hosting a free workshop or webinar can help you do just that. Whether it’s online or in person, showing people how you solve real problems can naturally draw them closer to your brand. Here’s how to make your workshop or webinar count: 

• Choose relevant topics with experts: Choose an expert to host, and address common problems or interests to your potential customers.
• Promote your events: Use social media, email marketing, and local community boards to spread the word.
• Make it interactive: Allow time for Q&A, polls, or live demos. People remember what they experience, not just what they watch.
• Follow up: After the event, follow up with attendees by sharing additional resources, exclusive invitations, or special offers.

Here are some free webinars for small business owners to get you started: Get AI-Ready: Build a solid foundation for AI in your small business, Unlocking Growth: AI and Tech Strategies for SMB Success in 2025, and Start Selling Online with Storefronts in Starter, Pro, and Foundations.

10. Network locally (or virtually)

Networking is done both locally and online now, which makes it easier for your business to get connected. Building relationships within your local community and online can lead to valuable word-of-mouth promotion. Consider these strategies:

• Attend local and virtual events: Local meetups, business expos, small business events, or even casual coffee mornings can put you in front of potential collaborators or customers. Virtual conferences and webinars are great, too.
• Join local business groups: Engage with local chambers of commerce or business associations as well as community groups.
• Give before you ask: Offer your time, advice, or resources to causes you care about. Partnering with nonprofits or community groups can increase your visibility and trust, while genuinely helping others.
• Host an event: Invite a few local entrepreneurs or small business owners for a casual get-together. These informal settings often lead to great conversations, fresh ideas, and sometimes even referrals.

11. Register on free online directories

Listing your business on online directories might sound basic. But it’s one of the easiest ways to improve your visibility, especially for local searches. Think of directories as digital signposts — the more places your business appears, the more chances people have to discover you. Many are free and require just a few minutes to set up. Some popular directories include:

• Yelp: A platform where users can write and read reviews about local businesses.
• Bing Places for Business: A free service that allows business owners to manage their online presence on Bing.
• Foursquare: A location-based social networking app that helps users discover and share information about places to go.

Get your ad out there for your small business

Advertising your small business doesn’t have to break the bank. By using free tools and resources, you can effectively promote your business, reach a wider audience, and achieve growth. Consistency, creativity, and engagement are key to making the most of these free advertising opportunities. At Salesforce, we want your small business to grow. And we’re here to help you do just that.

Kickstart your journey with the Starter Suite today. Looking for more customization? Explore Pro Suite. Already a Salesforce customer? Activate Foundations and try out Agentforce today.

AI supported the writers and editors of this article.