20 Free or Inexpensive Marketing Tips for Small Businesses
Updated for 2026
Over the past 25+ years, I’ve helped many business owners solve marketing problems and grow their companies. Most of my clients are established small to mid-size businesses. However, I’m often asked for advice from start-ups, micro businesses and companies with 1–3 employees. Here are some of my favorite free or inexpensive marketing tips for small businesses.
Please Note: Whenever possible, I highly recommend hiring professionals to enhance your marketing program. Professionals can help with marketing strategy, branding, logo creation, graphic design, photography, website development, social media and more.
AI Tools
Tip #1: Use AI to Save Time and Generate Ideas
AI tools can help small businesses save time and create content faster. Free tools such as ChatGPT and Canva can help brainstorm ideas, draft social media posts, write emails, create graphics, generate images and more.
AI works best when paired with human oversight and editing.
Tip #2: Understand Privacy Considerations Before Using Free AI Tools
Some free AI tools may use submitted information to improve their systems. If confidentiality is a concern, consider paid options, which often start around $10–$25 per month and may offer stronger privacy protections.
Website
Tip #3: Create a Website — Even if You Start Small
If you don’t have a website, there are many inexpensive DIY website builders available today. Platforms such as Wix, Squarespace and Hostinger Website Builder can help you create a professional-looking website relatively quickly and without coding skills.
Tip #4: Upgrade to WordPress if Your Needs Become More Robust
If you have a larger budget and need greater flexibility and customization, WordPress paired with a quality template can provide significantly more options. However, WordPress generally requires more technical knowledge and often costs more once hosting, themes, plugins and development assistance are factored in.
Tip #5: Keep Your Website Fresh
Once you have a site, keep it updated with pictures, reviews and relevant content based on your business type. Focus on talking about what you are doing in your business and let content develop naturally.
If you are a handyman, post before-and-after pictures of projects. If you are a pet sitter, post pictures of the fur babies you are watching (with your client’s permission, of course).
Tip #6: Connect Your Website and Social Media Accounts
Be sure to link your website to your social media platforms so people can connect with you. Also make sure your social media platforms link back to your website.
Tip #7: Use an Email Address That Matches Your Website URL
When you set up a website, most providers offer email addresses that match your domain name. Using an email address that matches your website creates a more professional appearance.
Tip #8: Treat Your Email Signature Like a Mini Advertisement
Think of your email signature as a little ad or promotion about your company that goes out every time you send an email.
Spend a little time refining it. If you have multiple people in your company, make sure everyone uses a consistent format.
Google Business Profile
Tip #9: Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
If you don’t already have a Google account, create one. It’s free.
Claim and verify your Google Business Profile and complete as much information as possible including services, photos, descriptions and contact information.
Tip #10: Ask Customers for Reviews
This is VERY IMPORTANT.
Companies with strong reviews often generate more calls, traffic and credibility. Reach out to former customers and ask them to leave a quick review.
Social Media
Tip #11: Focus on One or Two Platforms Your Customers Actually Use
Create one or two social media accounts for your business and focus on the platforms your customers actually use.
Facebook is often helpful for business-to-consumer companies. LinkedIn is often helpful for business-to-business companies.
Pick platforms that make sense for your audience.
Tip #12: Remember That Social Media Should Actually Be Social
Don’t buy fake followers.
Interact with people by liking posts, commenting and participating in conversations. Remember, it’s called “social” media for a reason.
Tip #13: Consistency Matters More Than Quantity
Add content regularly.
Even simple content such as photos, tips, promotions, reviews and updates can work well.
Consistency often matters more than volume because it shows you follow through.
Tip #14: Consider Using Short Videos and Reels
Simple videos can perform well as social content.
Consider project updates, behind-the-scenes content, quick tips or demonstrations as posts or Reels on Facebook and Instagram or short video posts on LinkedIn.
Community Outreach
Tip #15: Participate in Community Groups, Marketplace and Nextdoor
If you sell directly to consumers, local online communities can still be helpful.
Look for neighborhood groups, county groups (for example: Cherokee Connect), Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor.
Participate naturally, answer questions and avoid over-promoting yourself.
Advertising
Tip #16: Test Online Advertising with Small Budgets
Google Ads and Facebook Ads can often be tested with relatively small budgets.
You do not need a huge advertising budget to experiment and learn whether a platform works for your business.
Marketing Materials
Tip #17: Start with Basic Marketing Materials
If you don’t have a budget to hire a professional designer, start with templates through online printers such as VistaPrint. At a minimum, consider business cards and simple leave-behind materials such as flyers, brochures or estimate sheets.
Tip #18: Consider Adding QR Codes to Printed Materials
Adding a QR code can make it easier for people to visit your website or connect online.
Relationships & Follow Up
Tip #19: Create a Simple Referral Program
Develop a simple referral program and communicate it regularly.
For example, a pet sitter might offer a discount on a future service when an existing customer refers someone new.
Make sure your referral offer appears on printed materials and email signatures whenever possible.
Tip #20: Stay in Touch With Customers and Prospects
Most small business owners struggle to stay in touch with prospects and former customers on a regular basis.
Keep records of names, emails, mailing addresses and notes.
If a CRM feels overwhelming, many very small businesses still use spreadsheets to track contacts.
If you are ready for a CRM, I’ve found Bigin by Zoho to be one of the easiest free systems for small businesses. HubSpot also offers a free CRM option with more features.
Connect with contacts on social media, ask for reviews and stay in touch with occasional emails and “snail mail” to people you already know including former customers, prospects and referral partners.
A fun greeting card, birthday card or holiday card can help keep you top of mind.
With a little planning, small businesses can represent themselves more professionally and stay connected with customers and prospects. By combining referrals, online visibility, social media and follow-up systems, you can create more repeat and referral business while also reaching new customers.
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