What’s the Best Marketing for Small Businesses?

Let’s face it: as a small business owner, you’re juggling a million things. You’re the CEO, the sales team, the customer service rep, and sometimes even the janitor! Marketing can often feel like another thing to add to your already overflowing plate.

You might be asking yourself:

• “What’s the best way to get my business out there?”
• “What marketing strategies actually work?”
• “How can I compete with the big guys?”

Well, after helping tons of small businesses for over a decade, I’m here to tell you: there’s no single “magic bullet.” But there are some really effective strategies that can make a HUGE difference, even on a tight budget.

The Core of Successful Small Business Marketing

The best marketing for small businesses is a mix of strategies that work together to get you seen, build trust, and bring in customers. Think of it as a team of superheroes, each with its own special power, working together to save the day (and your business!).

Top Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses

Here are some of the most effective marketing strategies that small businesses can use to grow their business:

1. Get Found Online: Local SEO is Your Best Friend

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is how you get your business to show up higher in search results on Google and other search engines. This is super important for local businesses because most people search online for businesses near them.

• Why it matters:
  
  • 97% of people learn more about a local company online than anywhere else. (Source: BrightLocal)
  • 50% of consumers who conduct a local search on their smartphone visit a store within 24 hours. (Source: Think with Google)
• How to do it:
  
  • Google Business Profile (GBP): This is your business’s listing on Google. Make sure it’s complete, accurate, and up-to-date.
    • Businesses with complete GBPs get 7 times more clicks! (Source: Google)
  • Local Keywords: Use words that people in your area are searching for, like “best pizza in [your town]” or “[your service] near me.”
  • Online Reviews: Encourage happy customers to leave you reviews on Google, Yelp, and other sites.
  • 72% of consumers trust a local business more because of positive reviews. (Source: BrightLocal)Get consistent citations: Make sure your business information (name, address, phone number) is consistent across all online directories.

2. Show Off Your Business: Video Marketing is a Game-Changer

Video is a powerful way to connect with customers and show them what your business is all about.

• Why it matters: Videos are super engaging and help people remember your business.
  
  • Viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video, compared to just 10% when reading it in text. (Insivia)
  • 86% of businesses use video as a marketing tool. (Source: Wyzowl)
• How to do it:
  
  • Make short, fun videos: Show off your products, your team, or your happy customers.
  • Answer questions: Create videos that answer common questions people have about your business.
  • Go behind the scenes: Give people a peek at what goes on behind the scenes at your business.
  • Let your customers talk: Ask your happy customers to make videos about their experience with your business.

3. Be Social (The Right Way): Social Media Marketing

Social media is a great way to connect with potential customers, build relationships, and show off your brand’s personality.

• Why it matters: Social media lets you reach a lot of people and build a loyal following.
• How to do it:
  • Choose the right platforms: Find out where your ideal customers hang out online.
  • Create engaging content: Share interesting posts, photos, and videos.
  • Interact with your followers: Respond to comments and messages.
  • Use social media ads: Pay to show your posts to a specific audience.

4. Don’t Forget Email: Email Marketing

Email marketing is a tried-and-true way to stay in touch with your customers and promote your business.

• Why it matters: Email lets you send personalized messages directly to your customers.
• How to do it:
  • Build an email list: Get customers to sign up for your email list.
  • Send regular newsletters: Share updates, promotions, and valuable information.
• Personalize your emails: Make them feel like you’re talking directly to each customer.

5. Focus on Your Reputation: Reputation Management

Your online reputation is super important. People check online reviews to see what others are saying about your business.

• Why it matters: Good reviews build trust and credibility. Bad reviews can scare customers away.
  • 72% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. (Source: BrightLocal)
• How to do it:
  • Get more reviews: Ask your happy customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, and other sites.
  • Respond to reviews: Thank people for good reviews and try to fix problems with bad reviews.
• Monitor your online reputation: Keep an eye on what people are saying about you online.

Statistics: Marketing That Works

• Content marketing generates three times as many leads as traditional marketing and costs 62% less. (Demand Metric)
• 74% of people use social media when making a purchasing decision. (Source: HubSpot)
• Email marketing has an average ROI of $36 for every $1 spent. (Source: Litmus)
• 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. (Source: BrightLocal)

Business Solutions Marketing Group: Your Marketing Team

At Business Solutions Marketing Group, we’ve been helping small businesses with their marketing for over a decade. We know what works, and we can help you create a marketing plan that fits your budget and your business.

Our services include:

• SEO
• Video Marketing
• Reputation Management
• Social Media Marketing
• Email Marketing
• And more!

Don’t let marketing overwhelm you. Contact us today for a free consultation!