How to Get Started with Marketing for Your Small Business

Getting started with marketing can feel a bit like standing at the edge of a pool, dipping your toes in and wondering how cold the water will be. But don't worry - it doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and you don’t need a huge budget to make a splash. Here’s a quick guide to help your small business dive into marketing, with some easy wins you can set up and forget about, plus a few longer-term strategies that are worth the effort.

Quick Wins to Get You Up and Running

Claim Your Google My Business Profile

If you do one thing today, make it this. Google My Business is a free tool that lets you manage how your business appears on Google Search and Maps. Setting it up takes just a few minutes, and it’s a great way to ensure that customers can find you easily. Add your business details, opening hours, and some photos, and you’re good to go. The best part? Once it's set up, it pretty much runs itself!

Get Social on Social Media

You don’t need to be on every social media platform - just pick one or two where your customers are most likely to be. Create a business page, add some basic information, and start posting. You can use free tools like Canva to design posts, or simply share updates, behind-the-scenes photos, and special offers. Consistency is key, but it doesn’t have to be time consuming...schedule your posts in advance with tools like Buffer or Hootsuite.

Start Collecting Emails

Building an email list is one of the most valuable things you can do for your business. Even if you’re not ready to send out newsletters just yet, start collecting emails from your customers. You can use a free tool like Mailchimp or Hubspot to create a sign-up form on your website or offer a small discount in exchange for an email address. When you're ready, you’ll have a list of people who are already interested in your business.

Longer-Term Wins That Are Worth the Effort

Content Creation

Creating content, like blog posts or videos, is a longer-term strategy that can massively pay off. It helps you build a connection with your audience, improves your SEO (search engine optimisation), and positions you as an expert in your field. Start small - maybe one blog post a month or a short video answering common questions. Over time, this content can drive more traffic to your website and boost your credibility.

SEO Basics

Speaking of SEO, getting your website optimised for search engines is one of the best investments you can make. Start with the basics: ensure your website loads quickly, is mobile-friendly, and has clear, relevant content. You don’t need to be an SEO guru—just focus on creating helpful content that answers your customers’ questions, and use tools like Yoast SEO (for WordPress users) to guide you.

Build Relationships with Customers

Word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful marketing tools around. Take the time to build strong relationships with your customers - respond to their comments, ask for feedback, and reward their loyalty. Happy customers are more likely to refer you to others, and those personal recommendations are priceless.

Final Thoughts

Marketing your small business doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Start with the quick wins that can give you a strong foundation, then gradually build on that with longer-term strategies that will grow your business over time. Remember, you don’t have to do everything at once - just start where you are, with what you have, and keep moving forward.

At Bearhat Marketing, we believe in making marketing simple and accessible for all businesses, no matter their size or budget. If you’re looking for more tips or need help getting started, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Are you not sure marketing is worth the hype? Take a look at our blog that explains why it's not only worth the hype, but it's absolutely crucial for you to grow your small business.

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