Top 10 Free Advertising Ideas for Small Businesses

Top 10 Free Advertising Ideas for Small Businesses

We researched the top ad ideas for your startup and small business - here are the results.

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Running a small and medium-sized business (SMB) means every penny counts. So, how can you promote your products or services without spending a fortune? That's where free advertising comes in, where smart ideas can boost your business without costing you anything.

Advertising can be a significant expense for small businesses, but it doesn't have to be. There are many free and effective ways to promote your business, increase brand awareness, and attract new customers.

Whether you're just starting out or have been in business for a while, we've gathered the best free advertising tips to help you succeed.

Top 10 free advertising ideas for your small business

At Salesforce, we talk to a lot of startups, small business owners, and growing organizations. They always mention getting their brand out there for the lowest cost possible. Here's what we tell them:

1. Max out your social media

Social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn are powerful tools for reaching a broad audience. Finding the most relevant social media platform varies depending on the type of business you own.

Find out where your customers are hanging out online, and engage with them there. Visual content like images and videos are growing fast and a number of small businesses are taking advantage of this free advertising channel by creating content, engaging with them, and sharing their knowledge and expertise in their industry. Here's how to make the most of social media posts:

• Use automation tools: With free tools like Salesforce, Sprout Social, Buffer, and Planable you can create and schedule out social posts.
• Create a content calendar: Plan your posts in advance to ensure consistent and engaging content, even if this means doing it in a Google Sheet
• Engage with your audience: Respond to comments, participate in relevant discussions, and comment and engage on other related content.
• Take advantage of local communities: For example, Facebook groups, hashtags, and tagging on Instagram and TikTok can be a great way to get your content in front of your potential customers.

2. Optimize your website for SEO

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps your website rank higher in search engine results, making it easier for potential customers to find you. This involves making sure you are properly targeting your main services, locations, and related topics on dedicated pages and blog posts on your website. This might take a little time to plan or to create the content, but Google will continuously return this content in the organic results for free. Here are some tips:

• Use relevant keywords: Research and use keywords that your target audience is likely to search for.
• Create quality content: Regularly update your blog with informative and engaging content.
• Check out competitor websites: Draw inspiration from competitors to see what type of content they have that is working well.

3. Start a blog

Creating informative articles is a great way to establish your expertise and provide value to your audience, and it's also directly related to your website's SEO. Blogging is an essential (and free) advertising strategy that businesses of all sizes use to scale. Here's how to get started:

• Create valuable content: Address common questions and pain points related to your industry. Think in terms of "how to", inspirational content, and anything related to your service or offering.
• Digital PR and collaboration: Try to connect with communities, business associations, and publishers who can get you connected.
• Promote your posts: Share your blog posts on social media and repurpose them into short-form video content or infographics for different styles.

4. Create automated email marketing campaigns

Email marketing, simply sending promotional messages to a group of people via email, is a direct way to reach your audience. To get the most out of it:

• Build an email list: Offer free content, webinars, and incentives like discounts or free resources in exchange for email sign-ups.
• Segment your audience: Tailor your emails to different segments of your audience for more personalized communication.
• Provide value: Share valuable content, such as reports, tips, news, events, invitations, and special offers.

5. Claim your Google My Business listing

Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool that helps businesses manage their online presence across Google. Here's what you can do:

• Complete your profile: Set up your Google My Business name and location. Ensure your GMB profile is complete with accurate information, photos, and business hours.
• Encourage reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave positive reviews.
• Post updates: Share updates, offers, and events directly on your GMB profile.

6. Join free communities

There are thousands of online communities available to grow your business. Join online forums and communities related to your industry and hear what the experts are sharing. This can help you build relationships and establish your authority. Some popular options include:

• LinkedIn: LinkedIn groups are a great way to network with other business owners, and share your business updates.
• Reddit: Join relevant subreddits and engage in discussions.
• Quora: Answer questions related to your industry to showcase your expertise.
• Facebook Groups: Join groups where your target audience is active and contribute valuable insights.

7. Collaborate with influencers

While many influencer collaborations require a budget, micro-influencers are often willing to collaborate for free or in exchange for products. To find the right influencers:

• Offer content swaps: Find creative ways to swap promotions, perhaps with a podcast interview, a guest blog, or a social takeover.
• Build relationships: Engage with and support their content before reaching out for collaboration. Introduce yourself and how you can work together.
• Propose mutually beneficial ideas: Offer something of value in exchange for their promotion, such as a free product or service.

8. Offer workshops or webinars

Hosting free workshops or webinars is an excellent way to showcase your expertise and attract potential customers. Here's how to do it:

• Choose relevant topics with experts: Choose an expert to host, and address common problems or interests to your potential customers.
• Promote your events: Use social media, email marketing, and local community boards to spread the word.
• Follow up: After the event, follow up with attendees by sharing additional resources, exclusive invitations, or special offers.

9. Network locally (or virtually)

Networking is done both locally and online now, which makes it easier for your business to get connected. Building relationships within your local community and online can lead to valuable word-of-mouth promotion. Consider these strategies:

• Attend local and virtual events: Participate in community events, online conferences, and networking meetups.
• Join local business groups: Engage with local chambers of commerce or business associations as well as community groups.
• Offer free services to nonprofits: Choose a nonprofit of your choice to volunteer or partner with. This can increase your visibility and build goodwill in your community.

10. Register on free online directories

Online directories can be great to build from. List your business in free online directories to increase your online presence. Some popular directories include:

• Yelp: A platform where users can write and read reviews about local businesses.
• Bing Places for Business: A free service that allows business owners to manage their online presence on Bing.
• Foursquare: A location-based social networking app that helps users discover and share information about places to go.

Get your ad out there for your small business

Advertising your small business doesn't have to break the bank. By leveraging free tools and resources, you can effectively promote your business, reach a wider audience, and drive growth. Consistency, creativity, and engagement are key to making the most of these free advertising opportunities.At Salesforce, we want your small business to grow. We are here to help you with any marketing needs in Salesforce Starter. Try it out for free.

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Kyle Place is a Senior SEO Analyst at Salesforce. Before working as an inhouse SEO he worked with an SEO agency, and in every position, he puts data behind every decision.

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