Let’s be real. Running a small business in today’s world isn’t just about offering a good product or service anymore. It’s about showing up where your audience is, connecting with them in meaningful ways, and standing out in a digital world that’s louder and faster than ever.
The good news though? You don’t need a massive team or a Fortune 500 budget to get results. You just need a smart strategy, good digital marketing, consistency, and a bit of creativity.
So how to promote a small business? Here are 7 strategies we swear by (and use with our own clients) to help small businesses grow online and offline.
How to Promote a Small Business?
1. Build a Digital Home You’re Proud Of
Marketing for small business is not just about having a website. Your website is often the first impression people get of your business. So make it count. People expect websites to load fast, look clean on mobile, and make it easy to find what they’re looking for. If your site takes forever to load or looks like it’s stuck in 2012, visitors will bounce and probably won’t come back.
Here’s what to focus on:
- A clean, mobile-friendly design.
- SEO-friendly pages with the right keywords.
- Clear CTAs (calls to action) like “Book a Call” or “Get a Quote”.
- Testimonials or reviews to build trust.
Tip: Don’t sleep on having a blog. It’s still one of the best ways to bring in organic traffic (and show off your expertise).
2. Show Up Locally with Google (and Beyond)
If you’re a local business, being easy to find on Google is everything. And no, that doesn’t mean running ads 24/7.
Start by fully optimizing your Google Business Profile:
- Add updated photos of your space, team, and products.
- Use keywords in your description (e.g., “Affordable hair salon in Brooklyn”).
- Ask happy customers to leave reviews. It really makes a difference.
Moreover, get listed on other platforms like Yelp, Bing Places, Apple Maps, and local directories relevant to your industry. The more visible you are, the more people will trust that you’re legit.
3. Be Strategic with Paid Ads (You Don’t Need a Huge Budget)
Paid ads can work wonders, but only if you’re targeting the right people at the right time. We’ve seen small businesses throw money at Facebook or Google ads and get little to no return, simply because the setup wasn’t strategic. Don’t let that be you.
Here’s what works:
- Google Search Ads for high-intent traffic (“emergency plumber near me”).
- Meta Ads (Facebook & Instagram) for retargeting visitors who didn’t convert.
- YouTube Shorts Ads or TikTok Spark Ads for visual industries like fashion, beauty, and food.
Tip: If you’re not sure where to start, start small. Test different creatives and audiences, and double down on what works.
4. Create Content That’s Actually Worth Sharing
Content marketing isn’t just about filling up your Instagram feed. It’s about telling your story, building trust, and solving real problems for your audience.
For small businesses, this could mean:
- Writing blog posts that answer common customer questions.
- Posting behind-the-scenes videos of your process or team.
- Sharing tips, FAQs, or customer stories on Reels or TikTok.
- Going live on Instagram to show off new arrivals or answer queries.
And no, you don’t need to go viral to make an impact. One helpful post seen by the right 50 people can lead to real sales.
Tip: Don’t love writing? That’s where we come in. We help small brands create content that actually converts.
5. Tap Into the Power of Micro-Influencers
Micro-influencers are under-rated gems. We’re talking everyday creators with 2K–50K followers who have real influence in their niche communities. They’re more affordable than big influencers, and their audiences actually trust what they say.
Why this works:
- Their engagement rates are usually higher.
- They feel more relatable to everyday consumers.
- You can build long-term, authentic brand relationships.
Make sure to reach out with a genuine pitch, offer a sample or service, and propose a collaboration that’s mutually beneficial. However, please don’t just send a cold DM saying “Hey, collab?”.
6. Collect and Showcase Social Proof
You know what sells better than any ad? A happy customer.
If people see that others love your business, they’re way more likely to trust you too. So make it easy for your customers to rave about you and then repurpose that feedback.
Here’s how to do it:
- Ask for Google or Facebook reviews after every purchase.
- Share customer photos or testimonials on your website and socials.
- Create simple before/after posts if relevant to your service.
7. Stay Consistent and Keep Testing
This one’s not so glamorous, but it’s the secret sauce.
You know those brands that win? They don’t just “try something once and see if it sticks.” They test, tweak, and show up consistently, even when the algorithm is being annoying or a post flops.
Keep an eye on your analytics. See what your audience actually likes. Adapt. Try again. That’s the cycle that leads to real growth.
Final Thoughts
Promoting your small business doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. The most important thing is to show up consistently, focus on value, and build genuine connections with your audience.
And if you need a team to help you bring your brand to life, that’s literally what we do at FEC Webs. Let’s chat about how we can help you grow your business with digital marketing. Book a free strategy call today.
