6 Ways to Market Your Local Business on a Budget

Are you a small business owner struggling to find ways to market your company on a budget? You're not alone. A lot of entrepreneurs are in the same boat, especially when it comes to promoting their local businesses. But don't worry, there are plenty of cost-effective marketing strategies out there that can help you get the word out about your company. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Google my business

As a small business owner, you may be wondering why you should create a Google My Business profile. Well, there are a few key reasons why this is so important.

For one, having a Google My Business profile helps you to rank higher in local search results. This is because Google takes into account your business location when ranking its search results. So, if you have a strong presence on Google My Business, it's more likely that your business will come up when potential customers in your area are searching for businesses like yours online.

Another reason why you should create a Google My Business profile is that it allows you to connect with potential customers in your area. When people search for businesses like yours on Google, they'll be able to see your business name, address, and phone number. They can also read customer reviews, get directions to your business, and even view pictures of your products or services.

2. Facebook page

A Facebook page is another important tool for promoting your small business. The rule of thumb in marketing is to go where your customers are, and Facebook is definitely one of those places.

When you create a Facebook page for your business, you can add information about your company, such as its history, products or services, and contact information. You can also post updates about your business, share photos and videos, and answer questions from potential customers.

3. Facebook group

Another great way to market your small business is by keeping an eye and posting on your local Facebook groups.

This allows you to connect with potential customers who are already interested in what you have to offer. You’ll see plenty of posts where people are looking for an electrician, financial advisor, web designer….you name it.. And if you’re offering one of those services, that’s your opportunity to introduce yourself to a highly qualified prospect.

You can also post photos of your products or services, or offer special deals and discounts to group members.

4. You need a website

If you don't already have a website for your business, it's time to create one.

A website is a powerful tool for promoting your small business and gives you a professional online presence. Here are some benefits of having a website :

• A website is a great way to showcase your products or services.
• A website allows potential customers to learn more about your company and its history.
• A website makes it easy for customers to contact you.
• A website provides information about your business hours, location, and directions.
• A website helps you to rank higher in local search results.

When creating a website for your business, make sure to include keyword-rich content that will help you to rank organically in search engine results. You can also post blog articles on your website, which can help to attract potential customers to your site.

Having a website doesn't have to be expensive. We recommend a pay monthly website, to make it more affordable.

5. Referral marketing - local networking

One of the best ways to market your small business is by networking with local businesses. This allows you to connect with potential customers who are already interested in what you have to offer.

When you network with local businesses, make sure to exchange business cards and follow up with each other afterwards. You can also post about your networking events on your website or social media pages.

6. Stand out from the crowd

Whether that’s through a professionally designed website, an amazing social media / Instagram feed, or professional headshots. The reality is that you have only a split second to get someone's attention. So you need to make sure that your brand, whichever angle you look at from, stands out from your competition.

How do you do that? Simple. Research your competition, and do what they are not doing, or if they are, do it better:

• be more active on social media
• if they have a decent website, make sure yours is better, more modern
• learn how SEO can help your business
• and last but by no means least… reviews, reviews, and more reviews... The more reviews you get, the more you’ll stand out from your competition.

Conclusion

Small businesses have many options when it comes to marketing their products and services. In this article, we've outlined six of the most effective methods for marketing a local business on a budget. We recommend starting with a Google My Business profile, as it helps you to rank higher in local search results.

 You can also connect with potential customers on Facebook, through a Facebook page or group. Finally, don't forget to create a website for your business, as it's a powerful tool for attracting potential customers.

Make sure to stand out from your competition by doing things that they are not doing, or if they are, do it better. This will help you get more attention from potential customers.