If you’re reading this, chances are you’re wearing about seventeen different hats today. Those hats could be business owner, parent, community volunteer, and chaos commander. Maybe you’ve got a school event on the calendar, a customer who needs your attention, and that nagging feeling that you ‘should’ be doing more to market your business. The problem with that nagging feeling is that you may not even sure where to start.
I see you. And I want you to know something important: you don’t need a big budget or fancy tools to start getting your business noticed. You just need to know where to focus your energy.
So grab your coffee or tea (or let’s be real, reheat that cold one from this morning), and let me walk you through the absolute best places to start marketing your business without spending a dime.
Start Right Where People Are Already Looking: Google Business Profile
Here’s the thing about Google Business Profile it’s like having a storefront on the busiest street in town, except it’s completely free.
When someone in your community searches for what you offer, your Google Business Profile can be the first thing they see. And the best part? Setting it up takes less time than watching an episode of your favorite show.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Claim your business listing at Google slash business.
2. Fill out every single field, even the ones that seem optional. Business hours, phone number, website, services you offer, the works. Make sure that your address and phone number match what you have in other places on the interwebs. If you don’t have a physical location, you can set your business up as serving a particular area.
3. Add photos that show the real you. Your team, your workspace, happy customers (with permission, of course). People connect with people, not stock photos.
4. Ask your happy customers for reviews (send them a direct link) and respond to every single one, even the negative ones. When you respond, make sure you mention what they said in their review. It shows you care and that you actually read the review. If they had a bad experience, respond to it kindly and ensure them that you want to resolve the issue.
5. Post updates regularly – share what’s new, upcoming events, or helpful tips. Think of it as your mini-blog that lives right in your Google listing.
The beautiful thing about your Google Business Profile? It helps the people in your own backyard find you. The folks who might see you at soccer practice or the grocery store – they’re searching for businesses like yours, and this makes sure they find you.
Meet Your Customers Where They Already Hang Out: Social Media
I know. Social media can feel overwhelming. But here’s what I want you to remember: you don’t need to be everywhere. In fact, you will burn out if you try to be. You just need to be where your customers are.
Choosing Your Platform (Just One to Start!)
Facebook is still where a lot of local customers hang out, especially if your clients are parents or community members. It’s great for building relationships and sharing the story behind your business.
Instagram works beautifully if your business is visual. If you create something people want to see or if you are comfortable on video, this is the place for you.
LinkedIn is your friend if you serve other businesses or professionals.
Pick ONE. Just one. You can always add more later, but right now, we’re building a foundation you can actually maintain. Learn about the platform. What does it want you to post? What does it want you to do besides post? Dig deep so that you know what you should do.
What to Post (Without Losing Your Mind)
You don’t need to post every day. You don’t need to go viral. You just need to show up consistently and be you. Customers buy from people they know, like and trust.
Here are some easy ideas to get you started:
- Share your why: Why did you start this business? What drives you to do what you do? (Hint: people connect with purpose)
- Behind-the-scenes moments: Your team working hard, the process of creating your product or service, even the messy parts
- Customer stories: With permission, share how you’ve helped someone (people love to see real results). It doesn’t have to be about a specific client. It can just be the story of the process, the outcome and the transformation.
- Quick tips: Share one helpful piece of advice related to what you do. Give people something they can do to move them forward.
- Community connection: Are you sponsoring the little league team? Volunteering at the school? Share it! Your values matter to your customers.
The secret? Think of social media as a conversation, not a billboard. You should have a good blend of personal and business posted. No one wants to read post after post that screams “buy my stuff!” Respond to comments and answer questions on your posts. Show the human side of you and your business because that’s what people remember. Again, customers buy from people they know, like and trust.
Your Game Plan: Start Small, Stay Consistent
I don’t want you to finish reading this and feel like you have to do everything at once. That’s a recipe for burnout, and you’ve already got enough on your plate.
Here’s what I want you to do this week:
- Set up or update your Google Business Profile (30 minutes)
- Ask 3 happy customers if they’d be willing to leave you a review. If you don’t have any customers, you can ask friends who have worked with you and know what you do to leave you a character review.
- Choose ONE social media platform to focus on and spend 20 minutes learning about it.
In the next 2 weeks, start posting on the platform and engaging with others. Talk to them about what they need without pitching what you offer. Learn more about their needs and pain points and use that as social media content going forward.
See? Nothing crazy. Nothing that requires you to hire someone or spend money. Just consistent, genuine effort to show your community who you are and how you can help.
A Little Reminder for the Road
Marketing can feel like just one more thing competing for your already-stretched attention. But here’s the truth: the best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing at all. It’s just you, being authentic, showing up for your community the same way you show up for your family and neighbors.
You started this business for a reason; probably because you’re really good at what you do and you genuinely want to help people. These free tools? They’re just ways to make sure more people know you exist so you can help them too.
You’ve got this. Start small but stay consistent and build up over time. And remember – you don’t have to do it all at once and it doesn’t have to be perfect. Just take the first step.
And hey, if you need someone in your corner cheering you on? Consider me that friend. You’re doing great, even on the days when it doesn’t feel like it.
Now go update that Google Business Profile. Your future customers are looking for you right now.
*P.S. – Once you get comfortable with these basics, there are plenty of other free and low-cost tools we can explore together. But for now? Master these two. They’ll take you further than you think.*