Starting a new business is exciting—but promoting it can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re working with limited time, money, or experience. The good news? You don’t need a full-blown marketing team or big budget to get the word out. With a few smart tools and simple strategies, you can start building awareness and attracting customers today.
Here’s how to start promoting your small business on your own—without breaking the bank or burning yourself out.
1. Claim and Complete Your Online Listings
Before you spend time creating content or running ads, make sure your business is easy to find.
- Google Business Profile: This is essential for showing up in local search results and Google Maps. Claim your listing at google.com/business, add photos, hours, a description, and encourage reviews.
- Yelp: Great for restaurants, service-based businesses, and local shops. Keep your info up to date and respond to customer feedback.
- Facebook & Instagram: Create business profiles and include your website, contact info, and logo.
- LinkedIn: For B2B companies or consultants, a LinkedIn business page can boost your professional presence.
Pro Tip: Consistency is key. Use the same business name, phone number, and address across all platforms to boost your search engine credibility.
2. Create a Simple Website
You don’t need anything fancy. A single-page website with your contact info, a short “about” section, and a way to book or contact you is plenty to start.
Easy website builders:
- Wix
- Squarespace
- Google Sites
- Carrd (great for one-page websites)
Many of these platforms offer templates, drag-and-drop design, and even free plans.
3. Use Free or Low-Cost Marketing Tools
You don’t have to be a designer or editor to create professional-looking content. These tools are beginner-friendly and affordable:
- Canva (Free and Pro): Create social media graphics, flyers, business cards, and even presentations.
- CapCut or Canva Video: Edit short videos or reels for social media.
- Mailchimp: Start building an email list with a simple form on your website and send newsletters or promos.
- Later, Buffer, or Meta Business Suite: Schedule your social posts so you can batch your content and save time.
4. What Content Should You Share?
You don’t need to go viral—you just need to stay consistent and show your audience what you offer and why it matters. Here are some simple, effective content ideas:
- Behind-the-scenes: Show your process, workspace, or a day in your life.
- Product or service highlights: What you offer, how it works, who it’s for.
- Customer testimonials or reviews: Social proof builds trust.
- Tips or how-to posts: Share your expertise in bite-sized bits.
- Before and afters: Especially effective for visual work like cleaning, design, beauty, or construction.
- Special offers or announcements: Grand openings, promotions, or new items.
5. Ask for Support from Your Network
Your first few customers will likely come from your personal network. Don’t be afraid to post on your personal Facebook or LinkedIn profile, ask friends to share, or invite people to follow your business page. People want to support you—they just need to know how.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to do everything at once. Pick one platform to start, commit to one or two posts a week, and build from there. As your business grows, you’ll learn what works best—and you’ll be in a stronger position to invest more time or hire help when you’re ready.
Remember: Marketing is just storytelling. Tell the story of what you do, why you do it, and how it helps people—and you’ll start attracting the right audience in no time.