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How to Market a Small Business on a Budget

Small business owner applying budget-friendly marketing strategies to boost brand growth
Successful budget-friendly marketing strategies for small businesses [Image: Adobe | NooPaew]

Running a small business on a tight budget? Here’s how to attract customers and grow your business with simple, cost-effective marketing strategies.

Running a small or medium-sized business (SMB) or a startup often involves coming up with creative ways to attract customers while making the most of limited resources. While marketing on a limited budget may seem challenging, it doesn’t have to be. 

You can grow your business by adapting your strategy and focusing on cost-effective tactics. A smart combination of technology and creativity can make a big impact. In fact, 76% of SMBs are investing more in technology this year than last. With a little imagination and the right tools, budget-conscious marketing can turn into an opportunity, not a constraint.

What we’ll cover: 

Build a low-cost website to get started

Kick off your marketing campaign with a free or low-cost website — the first impression of your business. You don’t need to spend a lot on your website to make it appealing to your audience. With easy to use ecommerce platforms you can create something simple, clean, and easy to navigate.

With the right mix of creativity and simplicity, your website won’t just be a platform, it’ll be a space where your story connects with your audience and keeps them coming back.

Here’s how to make it shine:

  • Tell your story: Share why you started your business. Introduce the people behind it, highlight your milestones, and show what makes you unique. Personal touches go a long way in building trust.
  • Keep it clean and catchy: Use simple, engaging language that speaks directly to your audience. Sprinkle in key terms they’re searching for, but keep it natural.
  • Make it fast and smooth: High-quality, compressed images help your site load quickly, giving visitors a great experience from the start.
  • Set up an online storefront: Add a commerce storefront to showcase your products. If your SMB is selling online directly to consumers, you can set up your storefront right from Starter Suite.

Kickstart your SMB with Starter Suite

Get started with CRM and see results from day one with Starter Suite — the all-in-one suite with the marketing, sales, service, and commerce tools you need to succeed. 

Get to know SEO and content marketing

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the practice of improving your website’s visibility on search engines like Google, making it easier for potential customers to find you online. SEO and content marketing are your best friends when it comes to getting discovered online without spending a ton. A little SEO and some well-written articles can go a long way. 

You can begin your SEO journey with free tools like Google Keyword Planner to discover what your audience is searching for, then add those terms naturally into your website content and blog posts.

Make the most of your (free) Google My Business profile

Google My Business (GMB) is one of the best ‌free tools that increases your visibility in local searches. Make sure your profile is complete with up-to-date contact details, business hours, and photos. A complete profile makes it easier for potential customers to find you and feel confident in choosing your business.

Google Reviews are a great way to market your business. You can request a review after a purchase in a quick follow-up email or social message. It shows that you care about your customers and helps build trust. You can also share updates, news, or special offers. For instance, a yoga studio could use GMB to promote a free class when submitting a Google Review, drawing in new customers looking for local classes. It’s a simple way to connect with people and encourage them to check out your business.

Create personalized email marketing campaigns that actually connect

Email marketing is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to stay connected with your audience. 

With the right email marketing tool, you can send emails about exciting new offers, special deals, a monthly newsletter, customer stories, or even a behind-the-scenes look at your growing business. When your emails feel personal and real, it helps build trust, keep your brand top of mind, and make them feel connected to your business.

Small business marketing done big

Send emails that count, with Starter Suite’s built in email marketing tools for personalized automated campaigns.

Invest in a CRM tool

A customer relationship management (CRM) platform is ‌your business’s go-to tool for keeping all your customer info in one place. With tools like Starter Suite, you can easily track leads, follow up at the right time, and create marketing campaigns that feel personal to each customer. 

With a CRM, you gain valuable insights into customer behavior, like their browsing history, purchase patterns, and preferences. This helps you connect with them in a more genuine way, building stronger relationships that drive more sales.

Maximize social without breaking the bank

We all know that social media is a free way to get your name out there, but it’s how you manage it that counts. You can get lost in the many hours of scrolling and commenting. Find the platforms where your target audience hangs out and set up shop. Here’s a few tips to max out your social: 

  • Use consistent language and branding throughout your platfroms. 
  • Post often, but save time by scheduling it out using social tooks like Buffer or Sprout Social
  • Share, like, and comment with followers and influencers. Support others as much as you post.  
  • Partner with other social accounts that can amplify your posts. 

If you’re authentic with your social messaging, it will shine through in your small business sales. 

Short content seems to have great engagement. You don’t have to be a video expert to use video or podcasts for your business. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube make it simple to create short, engaging videos that connect with your audience. These platforms are great for sharing quick tips, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or showcasing customer stories, all without needing fancy equipment or editing skills.

Podcasts are also gaining popularity and are perfect for building a deeper connection with your audience. It is a great way to connect, share your expertise, and build your brand. 

Starting is easier than you think. With free tools like Audacity for editing, and platforms like Anchor for hosting, you’re all set. Add a catchy podcast cover with Canva, plan your episodes, and stay consistent. It’s a simple yet powerful way to grow your audience and amplify your message.

Let your customers tell your story

Nothing builds trust like honest testimonials and reviews. Encourage your customers to share their thoughts, whether it’s a simple review, a photo, or a post on social media. Sharing real customer stories helps build trust and shows new customers that your business is as good as it sounds.

Here are some simple tips to get great testimonials:

Ask for feedback: After a purchase or service, ask customers to share their experiences with you. Avoid the hassle by providing a direct link or a simple suggestion of what to say.

Offer incentives: Offering a small incentive, like a discount or  a freebie, would encourage consumers to leave a review.

Get specific: Encourage customers to address the specifics of what they really loved, so their testimonial feels real and personal.

Mix it up: Use different formats like written reviews, photos, or videos to keep things fresh and engaging. 

Pro tip: Use artificial intelligence (AI) to write surveys, craft incentive emails, or request reviews — all available to you in an AI CRM

Track your progress with data-driven analytics

Once you’ve started marketing, it’s important to check in on how it’s going. A CRM system helps you track customer interactions and behaviors, allowing you to understand your audience better, personalize your approach, and build stronger relationships. This, in turn, enhances your marketing efforts. 

Additional tools like Google Analytics are free and give you great insights into where your traffic is coming from and what’s catching people’s attention. It’s all about refining your approach to keep getting better.

Pro Tip: Use AI-powered insights to find ways that you can improve. You can change things at any time, and as often as you need.

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Market your small business like a pro — without the big budget

Marketing your small business doesn’t require a huge budget; just a little creativity, consistency, and the right tools. By building a solid online presence, offering value through content, and connecting with your audience in a personal way, you can make a big impact. Get started with Starter Suite today and simplify your marketing while growing your business.

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