Running a small business? You’ve already got a full plate—admin, customers, products… and now marketing wants a seat at the table too? Deep breaths. Digital marketing doesn’t have to be another stressor—it can actually be the thing that brings in more leads, more customers, and more cash (yes please!).
This guide breaks it all down into bite-sized, doable steps. No fluff. Just fun, practical marketing moves you can use right now, even on a tight budget.
So, what is digital marketing (and why should you care)?
Digital marketing is simply how small business owners like you show up online, build trust, and get more sales. It’s your virtual megaphone—minus the shouting.
Here’s what it covers:
✅ Your website – Your digital home base. It should look schmick, be easy to navigate, and clearly show what you do and how people can buy or book.
✅ SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) – Helping your website show up when people Google things like “best plumber in Marrickville” or “organic dog biscuits Melbourne”.
✅ Social media – Engaging your audience where they already scroll (think Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn—depending on your crowd).
✅ Email marketing – Sending updates, tips, or offers straight to inboxes. Still one of the best bang-for-buck strategies out there.
✅ Content marketing – Blogs, videos, how-tos—stuff that positions you as the go-to expert in your space.
✅ Online ads – Fast-track your growth with paid ads on Google or social platforms.
Step 1: Know Your Ideal Customer (Seriously, this matters)
Marketing without knowing your audience is like throwing spaghetti at a wall and hoping it becomes lasagne.
Ask yourself:
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Who am I trying to help?
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Where do they hang out online?
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What keeps them up at night?
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What would make them say “YES” to my offer?
Quick persona tip:
Meet Sarah. She’s 42, a busy professional, wants her house cleaned yesterday, and scrolls Facebook daily. Boom—you now know who you’re talking to.
Step 2: Build a Website That Works While You Sleep
Your website = your online HQ. If it’s slow, confusing, or looks like it time-travelled from 2008, you’re losing business.
Make sure your site:
✅ Loads in under 3 seconds
✅ Looks fab on mobile and desktop
✅ Clearly explains who you help and how
✅ Has easy ways to contact or buy from you
✅ Includes SEO keywords your ideal customers are searching for
Pro tip: Blog regularly with topics your audience cares about. It helps with SEO and shows you know your stuff.
Step 3: Dominate Local SEO (Be the Big Fish in Your Local Pond)
If you serve local customers, this one’s non-negotiable. Get found in your own backyard by:
✅ Claiming and optimising your Google Business Profile
✅ Keeping your business name, address, and phone number consistent everywhere
✅ Encouraging happy customers to leave reviews
✅ Using keywords like “electrician in Bondi” or “catering Perth”
Local SEO = more foot traffic, calls, and bookings.
Step 4: Get Social, But Be Strategic
You don’t need to be on every platform. Focus on where your people hang out:
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Retail or lifestyle biz? Go Insta, Facebook, or TikTok.
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B2B or professional services? Think LinkedIn + Facebook.
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Local legend? Facebook + Google Business Profile all the way.
Post useful, engaging stuff. Show your face. Share behind-the-scenes. Ask questions. Marketing is about connection, not perfection.
Step 5: Email is Still the MVP
Email is like that loyal mate who always shows up. It’s cost-effective, direct, and works like a charm when done right.
✅ Offer something juicy to get people on your list (discounts, freebie, guide)
✅ Send regular updates, stories, and offers
✅ Keep it friendly, clear, and valuable
And yes—follow the legal stuff (like privacy and unsubscribe options). No one likes a spammer.
Step 6: Add a Dash of Paid Advertising
Got a bit of budget? Paid ads can supercharge your growth.
Start small with:
💥 Google Ads – For people actively searching for what you offer
💥 Facebook/Instagram Ads – For building awareness, targeting interests and behaviours
Test. Track. Tweak. Repeat.
Step 7: Measure What Matters
You can’t improve what you don’t track. Tools we love:
✅ Google Analytics – See who’s visiting your site and what they’re up to
✅ Social insights – Learn what content hits the mark
✅ Email stats – Track opens, clicks, and conversions
Use the data. Make smarter decisions. Easy.
Step 8: Start Small, Stay Consistent
You don’t need to do everything at once. Just start somewhere.
Try this:
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Post twice a week on socials
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Send one email a month
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Write a blog post every 30 days
Consistency beats perfection every time. Little steps = big results.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
Digital marketing isn’t rocket science. It’s more like baking a cake—follow the right recipe, add your own flavour, and don’t be afraid to get a little messy.
Focus on progress, not perfection. Take bold action. Have fun with it.
You’re not just a small business owner. You’re a brand-builder, a story-sharer, a customer-connector. And this is your time to shine online.
To discover more marketing strategies, make sure you join us at the next Marketing Ecosystem Workshop to map out your one-page marketing plan. Here is the link to register (no cost!): https://www.basicbananas.com/virtualsummit/
Or apply to join the popular Clever Bunch program to accelerate your business growth. https://www.basicbananas.com/cleverbunch/
Here’s to creating ripple effects of brilliance everywhere we go!
The Basic Bananas Team