Low-Cost Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses

It is absolutely possible to find low-cost marketing ideas for small businesses, you've just got to know where to look!

Even though, we've been brought up in a capitalist world with the phrase:

"You've gotta spend money to make money."

While this may be true in some form, it is tough to start up a business as an individual with a BIG dream (and a much-needed pursuit in helping change the narrative when working toward being a more inclusive, sustainable, and better world) when money is tight.

So, in this article, I explore three low-cost marketing ideas and accompanying tools that can help your small business thrive without breaking the bank.

No. 1 – Social Media Engagement

Social media platforms provide a valuable and cost-effective way to connect with your ideal client. Here are two ideas:

1. Create useful and educational content and share it on the platforms where your audience mostly hangs out (NEWS FLASH! You don't need to be on every platform 😱).
2. Encourage your followers to save, comment, and share your posts to increase visibility. Remember, the best way to boost engagement is to interact with your audience via comments and messages (you're not just posting something and running away).

Not sure which Social Media platform is right for you and your business? Learn more here.

Free design tools

Adobe Express: Besides being a fabulous and free design tool, they are also committed to sustainability and social impact by reducing its carbon footprint, supporting education and creativity, and promoting diversity and inclusion.

Free Social Media scheduling software

Meta Business Suite: Make sure you're logged into Facebook and then click this link. It will open the Meta Business Suite, where you can use the social media scheduling feature. While we're often dubious about corporate giants like Meta, if you feel it is your only option to get started, then you can read about their sustainability practice here.

No. 2 – Email Marketing Campaigns

Did you know that for every £1 spent on email marketing, the average return is a staggering £42? That's an ROI of 4,200%! 

Here are 2 ideas:

1. Build an email list of your ideal clients and send them regular newsletters, event invitations, or updates. (remember, a small engaged list is better than a huge disengaged list!)
2. Personalise your emails to make them more relevant to your subscribers.

Read more about the Power of Email Marketing here.

Email marketing platform with a free plan

Hubspot: Hubspot offers several free options for using their platform. Within the Marketing Hub software, there is a free plan where you can use their email marketing software. Hubspot is also one of the few big companies with the aim of reaching net-zero carbon by 2040.

Ecosend: If you're a B Corp, Ecosend offer a free plan for 12 months. Climate is at the top of their agenda, and if you need to measure the carbon footprint of your email marketing, you'll find all the data you need right there in the platform.

No. 3 – Network with Peers

Building connections with industry peers can significantly impact your small business.

Here are two ideas:

1. Identify individuals who share your brand values and have an authentic following.
2. Collaborate with them online or through in-person events to promote your products or services. You can do this through joint content creation, knowledge sharing, or networking opportunities.

By leveraging the expertise and network of these individuals, you can enhance brand awareness and attract new customers.

Curious about the benefits of networking? Read my article  The Art of Networking: Maximising Your Impact at a Networking Event

How to find free networking events

• Linkedin: Linkedin is actually an excellent resource for joining online communities and finding free events within your field or who share your values. Use their search engine to find the right time of communities for you and be an active member.
• Eventbrite: Eventbrite is an online platform that helps people create, discover, and attend events. It's also committed to reducing its environmental impact and supporting social causes through its products, operations, and community.

To Sum Up…

Implementing low-cost marketing ideas can significantly benefit your small business. By engaging on social media, leveraging email campaigns, and collaborating with industry peers and those who share a similar audience with you, you can effectively market your business even when money is tight. Start exploring these strategies today and watch your business grow!

If you liked what your read today, there are two ways I can help you:

• If you are a small business owner, coach, or consultant seeking bespoke digital marketing support, I invite you to schedule a complimentary 30-minute Momentum Match Meet video call with me. During our conversation, we can delve into your unique challenges and aspirations, and I will provide guidance on how we can collaborate effectively within your budget. This call also serves as an opportunity for us to determine if we are a good fit for each other.
• If you liked today’s article, consider signing up for my Maven of Momentum Monthly newsletter – a free newsletter providing socially conscious small businesses, coaches, and consultants with exclusive insights on business trends, sustainability, and social impact, along with practical tools to streamline operations and inspiring stories of positive global change. Subscribe here.