40 Proven Small Business Marketing Ideas to Boost Your Success

Have you hit a wall in thinking of new ideas to grow your business? Or you may feel like you've tried everything, and nothing's working. 

No worries because I'm sharing the top 40 small business marketing ideas. 

Let’s dig in!

40 Proven Small Business Marketing Ideas

The ideas I will reveal are tested, and the result is incredible. So you can apply them without any hesitation depending on the nature of your small business.

1. Create a Website for Your Business

You can't even think of running your small business without a website. It's essential to building an online presence and increasing your reach to potential customers. According to a recent study by V12MARKETING, 

81% of retail shoppers conduct online research before buying. This means that the first impression your potential customer has is your website.

So, by creating a user-friendly and informative website, you can showcase your products or services, establish credibility, and attract customers.

We recommend you create your website using Dorik, one of the best website builders. 

If you wish to make a website for your small business without writing code, the following blog is for you.  

👉 How to Create a Small Business Website in Just 7 Steps

However, don't forget to promote your website after building it. 

2. Develop a Unique Brand Voice and Tone

Your brand voice and tone are essential to your small business's success. 

It's how you interact with your target audience. It should reflect your company's personality and values. The language and style of your brand can help differentiate you from competitors.

For instance, your brand voice might be friendly, approachable, and passionate about web design if you run a web design business. If you run a law firm, your brand voice might be professional, authoritative, and trustworthy.

3. Write Audience Focused Blogs 

Crafting impactful blog posts is a powerful way to attract organic traffic to your website. With the right approach and strategic optimization, your blog can become a magnet for attracting new visitors and generating leads.

According to HubSpot,

Companies that blog receive 55% more website visitors than those that don't. 

To write compelling blog posts, focus on relevant topics. Include keywords that your targeted audiences search for. Additionally, having a content marketing strategy is essential. Furthermore, exploring profitable blog niches can maximize your blog's potential.

However, you can write and manage your blogs using Dorik CMS. Read the following article to learn in detail.

4. Retarget Your Website Visitors and Social Media Engagement

The "Rule of 7" is a well-known principle in marketing. It asserts that people must encounter content at least seven times before being motivated to act on it. 

Again, a study shows that almost 95% of your website traffic won't return if you don't retarget them. 

So, you'll lose them if you are not retargeting your audience. It is purely a waste of your own time and money. Therefore, you should implement retargeting.

According to Kinsta, 

a) Retargeting increases your chances of converting website traffic by 70%.
b) Retargeting can produce 147% average conversion rates.
c) Retargeting dramatically improves brand awareness (by 500%) in search results.
d) Retargeting skyrockets your website traffic by 700% by bringing back previous visitors.

5. Adopt Email Marketing Strategy

Utilizing an email marketing strategy, you can directly reach and build strong relationships with your targeted segment and drive sales.

According to a study by Campaign Monitor, email marketing generates a return on investment of $44 for every $1 spent. This shows just how powerful email marketing can be for your business.

For instance, if you run an online course platform, you could send a weekly newsletter with special tips, course recommendations, and discounts.

Moreover, you can use email marketing automation tools like Mailchimp to automate your email campaigns.

One more thing to mention, you must give freedom to the subscribers to unsubscribe if they want.

Tips for Creating an Effective Email

6. Make it Effortless for Others to Find Your Contact Details

One of the most straightforward quick fixes you can take care of for your small business is ensuring your contact information is the same everywhere and easy to find. 

Just think that a potential customer wants to discuss with you before purchasing your product or service. But they can't find your contact information. Is it convenient? Of course, not.

So, create an effective Contact Us page on your website to help visitors communicate with you quickly. Plus, add the same information to your social media accounts.

7. Promote Successful Client’s Case Studies

Case studies are powerful small business marketing ideas as they demonstrate the real-world impact of your products or services. You can build trust and draw new customers by sharing real-life examples of how you have helped your clients achieve their goals.

For example, HubSpot features case studies highlighting how its platform has helped businesses increase leads and revenue.

If you want to write a compelling case study, conduct interviews with clients to gather detailed information about their challenges, the solutions you provided, and the results they achieved. 

Then, structure them in a narrative format, using data and statistics to support your points. 

8. Invest in Local SEO

Local SEO or search engine optimization is a strategy that helps small businesses rank higher on the search engine for local queries of local consumers. In addition, this strategy primarily focuses on Google Map optimization.

Moreover, It is cost-effective, too, in comparison to paid ads.

According to BrightLocal,

97% of consumers search online for local businesses. 

Whether you run a real estate business, rent services, cleaning services, local restaurant business, or any other local business, having an online and physical presence is essential.

👉 Learn how to create cleaning business website

If you perform local SEO for your small business, whether a brick-and-mortar business, you will receive many consumers from search engines. So, why would anyone leave money on the table? Thus, you can be a successful entrepreneur.

If you want to learn more about local SEO, read the following blog. 

Local SEO | A Comprehensive Guide for Local Business Owners

9. Set Your Google Business Profile

First thing first, let Google know that your business does exist. Enlist your business in the Google Business Profile, and verify. Because only after the verification on Google, your customers can find you online. 

So, it's essential to make your website visible on Google. 

10. Add Your Business to Other Directories

Google isn't the be-all and end-all when it comes to people's search habits. Depending on your industry, there are probably other Google alternative search engines and directories out there. You're letting your competitors beat you if you're not listed within those directories.

So, research and find see other directories relevant to your industry.

Here is a list of some other directories.

11. Automate Your Marketing Process

Salesforce reports,

Automation software will increase sales productivity by 14.5%, which is also a time savior and cost-effective. 

The most important benefit of Automation software is that it saves time. It completes repetitive tasks very fast than manually. It can simultaneously send the same email to various customers with a personalized touch. Also can schedule virtual posts and analyze campaign performance very quickly.

Most marketing automation tools generate leads, nurture them, and run various campaigns, including email campaigns, social network campaigns, and targeted advertising. They also provide analytics and reports to measure campaign performance and deliver customized content to individual customers and prospects.

In case your marketing efforts focus on different channels, building a custom Data Studio dashboard is the answer. It would allow you to have a centralized dashboard to track the performance of all marketing channels at one place, speeding up the decision-making process drastically. 

Related Read: AI Marketing: A Comprehensive Guide

12. Try Out Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing strategy. You have to pay affiliates only when a sale is made. It is a great marketing tactic for small businesses to increase sales without spending much on advertising.

To get started, research and reach out to potential affiliates who align with your audience and brand values. You can also utilize recurring affiliate marketing platforms and networks to connect with a wider pool of affiliates. 

However, if you’re interested in building an affiliate marketing website, read the following blog.

13. Team up with an influencer to access a larger pool of viewers

Influencer marketing is an outstanding small business marketing strategy for expanding your brand's reach and credibility. This industry is predicted to reach $17.4 Billion in 2023. 

To find the right influencer, you can adopt the following approaches:

It could include sponsored posts, product reviews, giveaways, or co-created content. By leveraging the influencer's established audience, you can boost your business.

Influencer Marketing Hub reports 

89% of People Surveyed Say ROI From Influencer Marketing Is Comparable to or Better Than Other Marketing Channels. 

14. Make Behind The Scenes Videos

People are always curious to see the unseen. And so, making behind-the-scenes videos is a practical way to show the audience the inner side of your business. It will humanize your brand and build trust. These videos can visualize your company culture, highlight your team members, or demonstrate how your products are made. 

According to HubSpot,

54% of consumers want to see more video content from a brand or business they support.

Imagine you own a restaurant and have created a website for your restaurant. So, you can create a behind-the-scenes video that shows how you prepare your food, how your staff interacts with customers, and how you maintain a clean and organized kitchen. 

One thing to mention, you don't need a huge marketing investment to create such videoes. You can create an engaging one using your smartphone.

15. Create a LinkedIn Page for Your Business

Creating LinkedIn Pages for your business is essential in establishing a solid professional presence on the platform. With over 700 million professionals using LinkedIn, having a dedicated business page can help you promote your brand. 

It's an effective platform for networking, sharing valuable content, and staying updated with industry trends. You can leverage LinkedIn to boost your business's visibility and credibility by consistently engaging with your audience and optimizing your page.

Thus, you can build valuable connections within your industry and increase positive impressions of your small business. 

16. Create A Private Facebook Group for Your Business 

Creating a private Facebook group can be influential because it's easier to join than a Facebook page. You can attract and retain members genuinely interested in your niche by offering exclusive content, hacks, and secrets. 

Regularly post valuable content, such as articles, videos, and live Q&A sessions, to keep the group active and engaging. Encourage group members to share their own experiences, ask questions, and provide feedback. 

It will assist you in building a community around your brand and allow you to gain insights into your audience's needs and preferences. 

For example, Dorik Community is a private Facebook group. It is created to report issues, share ideas, and discuss anything related to Dorik.

Think of your business page as being at the top of the funnel, and if they join your private Facebook group, they’re moving down your funnel closer to your conversion stage. 

17. Use Trending Hashtags on Your Social Media Posts 

If you found that your social media posts aren't taking off, you're not taking advantage of trends hashtags. 

There are multiple ways to tap into trends. You can utilize trending audio and songs in your short videos. Tap into trending hashtags on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and more. You can engage your target market using this free marketing tactic. 

18. Leverage the Power of Video Marketing

Video content is an essential tool for small business marketing. Videos are more engaging and shareable. They can effectively convey your message to your target audience.

So, create high-quality content showing the potentialities of your products or services. Tells your brand story and offers valuable information to your customers.

Utilize platforms like YouTube. It is now the second-largest search engine. Therefore, create a YouTube channel for your business and promote your videos. It will keep your audience connected.

For example, Dorik YouTube channel uploads informative videos to help its users.

19. Go Live and Answer FAQs.

Are you thinking of a free marketing idea? Here it is! By hosting live Q&A sessions on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, you can demonstrate your expertise, build trust, and foster a sense of community among your followers.

To host a successful live session, promote the event in advance on your social media channels and email newsletters. Make a list of faqs to address during the session, and encourage viewers to submit their questions in the comments. 

Finally, interact with your audience by responding to their comments and acknowledging their participation.

20. Start Posting Reels, Shorts & TikToks

Short-form video content are taking the internet by storm. Short-form video content is gaining popularity on platforms like Instagram, Facebook Reels, YouTube, and TikTok. These platforms offer a unique opportunity to showcase your products, share behind-the-scenes content, and much more in a fun and creative way. 

According to a study by Socialinsider,

The average reach rate for Instagram Reels stood at 20.59%.

If you want to engage your audience, focus on producing entertaining and informative content that aligns with your brand. Experiment with different formats, such as tutorials, product demos, or challenges, and use popular hashtags to increase your content's visibility.

21. Unlock the Power of Paid Advertising: Google Ads and Facebook Ads

Paid advertising through Google Ads and Facebook Ads can significantly boost your business's online presence and help you reach your marketing goals.

Google Ads is a powerful advertising platform. You can create and run ads on Google's search engine results pages (SERPs) and its vast network of partner websites and use a Salesforce Google Ads integration to analyze ad performance alongside your sales data.

The platform allows you to target specific keywords and audiences. As a result, your ads will be shown to the targeted people at the right time. It will increase conversions and maximize your return on investment (ROI).

Similarly, Facebook Ads also allow you to target specific audiences based on their interests, behaviour, demographics, etc. It may become a vast pool of potential customers for your small business as the platform has over 2.98 billion monthly active users.

22. Ask For Positive Reviews

Finalce Online reveals,

97% of the consuming public read reviews online to search for local businesses, and 12% do so daily.

Most of the time, people tend to leave bad reviews super fast if they are unsatisfied. And many happy customers don’t feel the urge to give a positive review. 

So, if your reviews are mostly negative, you must ask your existing customers or clients for positive reviews. Therefore, as a small business owner, provide exceptional customer service and ask satisfied customers to share their experiences.

Additionally, respond to all positive and negative reviews to show your commitment to customer satisfaction and address concerns.  

23. Offer Incentives for Referrals

If you already have a satisfied customer base, you can utilize them. A referral program can benefit you in this respect. You can attract new customers by offering your existing customers an incentive for referrals. 

For example, Dropbox, a cloud storage company, grew from 100,000 to 4 million users in just 15 months by offering extra storage space to users who referred others to the platform (source: Forbes).

According to Nielsen,

92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family more than any other form of advertising.

So, design a customer referral program that rewards customers for referring friends, family, or colleagues to your business.

Thus, word-of-mouth marketing can improve your business condition. 

24. Host A Social Media Giveaway

We all love free stuff, and giveaways are a fun and exciting way to offer value to your audience while promoting your brand. It's an easy jump-start that can boost your brand awareness, increase your follower base, and generate leads.

Tailwind says,

Instagram accounts that host giveaways grow 70% faster than those that don't.

You can choose a prize relevant to your audience, aligning with your brand to host a successful giveaway. Next, create rules and guidelines for participation, such as following your account, liking the giveaway post, and tagging friends in the comments. 

25. Post Polls To Encourage Engagement

Polls offer easy and accessible ways for your audience to interact with your content. Whether you use polls on your Instagram story, YouTube community, Facebook feed, or Twitter, you can generate huge engagement.

Polls are a popular choice for audience engagement because they require minimal effort. Participants can answer with a single click or tap rather than typing a response.

26. Start A Podcast

Podcasting is an effective marketing strategy for small businesses, allowing your brand to reach a vast global audience of billions of listeners. A significant portion of podcast listeners tune in with the intention of learning something new.

By leveraging podcasting, you can establish a loyal community around your brand if you can provide valuable insights on topics related to your product or service. Research indicates that on average, people listen to over seven hours of podcasts per week.

Consistently streaming podcasts enables you to cultivate a dedicated audience that will eagerly return to listen to your new episodes. This engagement helps guide them further along your sales funnel and deepens their connection and investment in your brand.

However, you can create a dedicated podcast website for your small business. 

27. Send Reminders for Abandoned Cart 

Abandoned carts are a common problem for small businesses, but sending reminders via text and email can help you recover lost sales. 

You can motivate users to complete their purchase by reminding the products they have left in their cart and offering incentives, such as free shipping or a discount. 

Moosend reports 

45% of cart abandonment emails are opened; 21% of all is clicked on, while 50% of the users who clicked purchase. 

Tips for sending abandoned cart reminders

28. Redesign Your Website

Redesigning your website is a significant small business marketing idea. You can conduct all of your online activities through your website. So, redesign it in such a way that it becomes easy to use, visually appealing, and up-to-date. 

Plus, you won't have to burn much money in redesigning, but it can lead to increased traffic, better user experience, and improved conversion rates.

If you create your website using Dorik, redesigning is much easier. You can edit, add, and delete any element of your website with its drag-and-drop interface. 

29. Generate A Pop-up On Your Website To Encourage Purchases

Are you getting a fair amount of website traffic but little action? Then try adding a pop-up on your website. Present them with exclusive offers or discounts in exchange for their contact information. It could be their email, cell phone number, or both.

However, consider using a clear call-to-action and a simple form to collect email addresses while designing a pop-up. Utilize exit-intent popups to convince the audience not to leave your website.

For example, if you run a web development agency, you can offer a 10% discount to users who sign up for an email newsletter. 

30. Create A Helpful Lead Magnet Tool

Creating a lead magnet is highly efficacious in enticing potential customers to your business. You can generate leads, grow your email list, and nurture customers by providing a helpful lead magnet. Examples of lead magnets include ebooks, free consultations, sample products, or webinars. 

You should identify a common pain point or challenge your target audience faces and develop a resource that addresses this issue to create a persuasive lead magnet.

After that, promote it on your lead generation website, email newsletters, or social media channels to attract potential leads.

31. Compare Your Marketing Cost with Your ROI

Another worth mentioning small business marketing idea is to audit your current spending and compare it to your return on investment (ROI). It will help you discover the sectors where you can reduce your costs or invest more to maximize your results.

According to a study by Nielsen,

The average marketing ROI is 2.6 times the investment. If your ROI is below this benchmark, consider adjusting your strategy.

32. Repurpose Your Existing Content

Content Marketing Institute reports,

Repurposing content can increase your reach by up to 500%. 

Repurposing existing content is a smart way to get more mileage from your already-created content. Following this approach, you can utilize your old content in a new way. Thus, the possibility of reaching a wider audience will also increase. 

One of the best tactics to reuse your existing content is to turn your blog posts into infographics, social media graphics, or videos. 

Additionally, you can create a lead magnet from long content, such as an e-book or whitepaper. A good writer can easily do all these things.

33. Celebrate Holidays With Special Deals & Discounts

Offering special deals and discounts during holidays can attract new customers and boost sales. 

For example, you can launch a limited-time offer for Valentine's Day, Cyber Monday, or a Black Friday sale. According to DontPayFull, 85% of people in the United States use coupons.

34. Send Free Samples To Potential Customers

Sending samples of your products or services to potential customers can help showcase your offerings and generate interest. 

For example, if you own a productized web design business, you can send samples of your best-selling services or products to potential customers. According to Forbes, offering free samples can increase sales by as much as 2,000%.

35. Make an Employee Your Brand Ambassador

Your employees can be your most valuable marketing assets. You can harness their enthusiasm and knowledge to promote your small business by turning them into brand ambassadors.

Encourage your employees to share their positive experiences with your products or services on social media, write testimonials, or participate in local events as representatives of your brand.

Provide them with branded apparel, business cards, and other promotional materials to help them spread the word about your business.

36. Host Webinars to Expand Knowledge

Hosting webinars is an excellent way to establish expertise, engage with your target audience, and build credibility for your small business. By offering valuable information and insights, you can position your business as a trusted resource in your industry.

Choose topics relevant to your customers' needs and interests, and promote your events through email marketing, social media, and local advertising. Be sure to record your webinars and make them available on your website or social media platforms for those who couldn't attend.

For example, if you have a photography website, you can share exclusive photography tips through webinars. 

37. Join in Social Media Community

Social media communities offer a unique opportunity for small businesses to get in touch with their target audience.

So, join relevant groups and forums on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Reddit. And actively participate in discussions by offering valuable insights and advice.

Share your blog posts, videos, and other content to showcase your expertise and drive traffic to your website. Additionally, respond to comments, answer questions, and acknowledge feedback to foster a sense of community and loyalty.

38. Place An In-Store Business Signage

If you run a brick-and-mortar business, in-store business signage is an effective way to attract customers and promote your products or services. Strategically placed signs can guide customers through your store, highlight special offers, and create a memorable shopping experience.

Consider using a mix of indoor and outdoor signs, window displays, and banners to maximize visibility and create a cohesive brand presence.

39. Craft a Brochure if Possible

A thoughtfully crafted brochure holds significant potential as a marketing asset for small businesses. It lets you showcase your products or services, share your brand story, and provide essential information to potential customers.

To create an effective brochure, focus on eye-catching design elements, concise and persuasive copy, and high-quality images. Distribute your brochures at local events, through direct mail campaigns, or as in-store handouts to reach your target audience.

40. Initiate SMS Marketing Campaigns

SMS marketing is a powerful tool that small businesses can use to connect with their customers. It is a direct and personal way to reach your audience, and it can be used to promote your products or services, announce new arrivals, or send out coupons and discounts.

To be successful with SMS marketing, it is important to build a list of opt-in subscribers. This means that people have specifically given you permission to send them bulk sms messages. You can collect phone numbers through your website, social media pages, or in-store signup forms.

FAQs of Small Business Marketing Ideas, Answered

What are the goals of marketing?

Here are several objectives commonly pursued in marketing:

Why is online marketing important for a small business?

Online marketing is important for a small business for the following reasons: 

What are some local small business marketing ideas?

Local marketing is vital for a small business. So, you can try the following creative marketing ideas.

If you want to explore more, check out our blog on the latest and best online business ideas.

Utilize Your Marketing Ideas for Success

Small business marketing ideas are the keys to unlocking your venture's full potential. Embrace innovative strategies, build brand awareness, and watch your business flourish. 

With our 39 unique marketing ideas, you can explore new horizons, harnessing the power of creativity and determination. 

So, take the leap and transform your small business into a thriving success story, leaving a lasting impact on your target audience and the world at large.

Furthermore, here are some suggestions for you if you plan to start your own business.

Dorik may become the central hub for your business for the below 3 reasons:

So, why are you waiting for? Grab the chance and grow your business. 

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