Let’s be real: Small business marketing can feel like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. Between shiny new tools, endless social media trends, and your to-do list that’s longer than a giraffe’s neck, it’s enough to make any business owner sweat.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do everything. You just have to do the right things—and have a blast while you’re at it.
So grab your coffee (or cocktail—zero judgment), and dive into these 10 big wins for small business marketing that’ll help you stand out, without feeling like a pushy salesperson—or burning your entire budget.
1. Small Business Marketing Starts with Your Website
Think of your website as your shop window. It’s gotta be:
✅ Fast (because nobody likes waiting around)
✅ Gorgeous (ugly websites repel customers)
✅ Mobile-friendly (because over half your visitors are on their phones)
✅ Packed with valuable content that keeps people coming back for more
And please—don’t ghost your SEO. Fewer than 1% of people click page two on Google. That’s basically the Bermuda Triangle of search results.
2. Get Strategic with Paid Ads
Paid search and display ads are still rockstars—if you use them smartly:
→ Research keywords with tools like Google Keyword Planner
→ Set a budget you’re comfy with
→ Experiment with visuals, headlines, and calls-to-action
→ Watch your data like a hawk
Think of marketing like dating. Test, learn, and tweak until you find your perfect match.
3. Content Rules Small Business Marketing—But Keep It Fun
Boring content is a snoozefest. Instead:
🎯 Launch a blog and keep it fresh
🎥 Dive into video (people watch an average of 17 hours a week!)
📝 Guest post on popular platforms
✨ Create evergreen pieces that stay relevant for years
Hot tip: Turn your blog posts into videos, or vice versa. Double the content, half the effort. Magic.
4. Build Content Clusters (It’s Nerdy but Genius)
Imagine your website like a spiderweb. In the middle is a big, juicy page on a major topic (your “pillar page”), surrounded by smaller articles on subtopics. Everything links together, keeping visitors on your site longer and telling Google, “Hey, I’m an expert!”
Example:
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Pillar page → “Small Business Marketing”
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Cluster articles → “Instagram Ads for Beginners” / “How to Host a Killer Webinar”
Your SEO rankings will high-five you.
5. Social Media: Pick Your Party
You don’t need to be everywhere. Choose platforms where your people actually hang out:
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Facebook → broad crowd
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Instagram → visual storytelling
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LinkedIn → B2B brilliance
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TikTok → the fast-growing, younger crowd
Show up, share value, and engage. Consistency trumps perfection every single time.
6. Conversational Marketing = Customer Love
Gone are the days of screaming into the void. People want two-way conversations.
💬 Add live chat to your website
📲 Respond quickly on social DMs
🤖 Try chatbots for FAQs
Think of it like being the friendly shopkeeper who knows your name—and your dog’s birthday. People adore personal attention.
7. Influencers Aren’t Just for Celebs
Influencers can work wonders for small businesses. And no, you don’t need a Kardashian. Micro-influencers—folks with smaller but fiercely loyal audiences—are often more authentic and affordable.
Find someone who genuinely vibes with your brand and already loves what you do.
8. Email Isn’t Dead—It’s Alive and Thriving
Email marketing still packs a punch.
✔ Segment your audience
✔ Share value, not just sales pitches
✔ Personalise beyond “Hi [First Name]”
✔ A/B test your subject lines to boost open rates
Better yet—automate some of it. Let the robots handle the boring bits so you can focus on your genius.
9. Show Up Without the Cringe Factor
If self-promotion makes you break out in hives, try these tips from business mentor Nicola Moras:
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Stop reading endless self-help books—take action instead
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Run a short “visibility sprint” for 5 days—share behind-the-scenes or daily updates
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Share opinions on safe topics to flex your confidence muscle
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Embrace your quirks—people connect with real humans
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Build a “hype squad” of friends who remind you how awesome you are
Remember, marketing isn’t bragging—it’s sharing your passion and helping people. Zero cringe required.
10. Measure Everything (Seriously)
If you’re not measuring your marketing, you’re basically flying blind. Track things like:
📈 Click-through rates
🎯 Conversions
💰 ROI and sales
🧐 Cost to acquire a customer
Use fancy software—or good old spreadsheets. Check your numbers, tweak your strategy, repeat. That’s how small businesses become big successes.
The Bottom Line on Small Business Marketing
Small business marketing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—or awkward. Pick a few strategies that fit your style, show up with authenticity, keep experimenting, and measure everything.
Because marketing isn’t just about selling stuff. It’s about connection, trust, and building a business you’re wildly proud of.
So go on—get visible, have fun, and create some marketing magic!
Want to be part of a clever bunch of business owners and grow your business? Let’s talk 📞
For even more EPIC marketing resources, go to: 👉 https://www.basicbananas.com/ or join us at the upcoming Marketing Virtual Summit: https://www.basicbananas.com/virtualsummit/
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