If you want your business to grow—and who doesn’t—you’ll need to put some time and money into marketing. The good news is that this can be done on a budget with excellent results, particularly if you are looking to increase visibility on a local level. Read on for marketing tips that won’t break the bank.

1. Search engine profile

One of the best tools for getting your business noticed locally is by creating a search engine profile. By creating a profile, your business will appear in the top results when searched with a “near me” query. In fact, a 2019 survey of online users found that there has been a 200% increase in “near me” searches since 2017. And according to On the Map, an internet marketing firm, 98% of consumers used online searches to find local companies in 2022.

Up your profile by adding more personalization. Google Business Profile lets you add photos, posts, offers, and more to attract customers. Bottom line, with available optimization strategies like geotargeting and search engine optimization, local businesses can rank in the top results without spending any money.

2. Email marketing

While there is a proliferation of social media platforms and a plethora of websites available, email marketing is still a viable, targetable optional. Email marketing continues to deliver significant return on investment (ROI). It can be informational to promote brand awareness, or promotional. Both are effective, because, for every dollar spent on email marketing, businesses receive on average $36 in return.

Here are just a few things you can do with email marketing:

• Craft personalized messages.
• Stay in touch with current and potential customers.
• Increase brand awareness.

3. Contribute to your community

By contributing to the communities where your goods and services are sold or offered, you are garnering respect and building a good reputation, which can go a long way in boosting your brand awareness. It also helps to make your community a better place to live and do business, something which will benefit both your business and those who work for you. Plus, helping others is a great way to connect and network.

Some ways to give back:

• Work with local governments/chambers of commerce on environmental and recycling projects.
• Volunteer for a non-profit or charity event.
• Organize marathons, sporting events, or block parties to raise awareness for a cause.
• Sponsor local sports teams.

4. Social media

Posting on social media platforms will definitely build brand awareness. As of January 2023, there were approximately 246 million users of social media in the United States. The key is to strategize in order to achieve a positive ROI from your social media marketing efforts. Here are a few strategies for success:

• Research the different social media platforms and their unique demographics. Then consider where your target audience falls and focus on those platforms.
• Use the analytics tools (generally free) to understand the characteristics of your audience.
• Engage, engage, engage. Post content that is entertaining, relevant, and useful to your audience. And remember, communication is a two-way street. When someone responds, listen to what they are saying.
• Post consistently.

5. Mobile marketing

Over 90 percent of users access the internet on their mobile device. They are accessing not only social media, but also webpages. To make the most of mobile, implement these tactics:

• Optimize your website and emails for viewing on mobile devices.
• Create mobile video (there are a number of free tools available).
• Add stories and content to social media.
• Generate SMS/text offers.

6. Custom print advertising

Custom printed items are a cost-effective brand-boosting form of advertising. It can deliver leads, sales, and create customer loyalty. Custom print includes traditional business supplies such as letterhead and business cards, to more promotional products like pens, water bottles, and coffee mugs. Here are just a few of the many ways to use custom print marketing, and remember, the sky’s the limit on creativity:

• Stickers: Great advertising and can placed on your vehicle or business location.
• Leaflets and brochures: Perfect for handing out at trade shows or community events.
• Bookmarks: Place these in libraries or schools, and at checkouts in bookstores, or other locations.
• Calendars: Keep your business top of mind all year long.
• Drink coasters: Great for restaurants, cafés, or any other location.