25 Free and Low-Cost Marketing Ideas for Startups

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Marketing can, and often does, 

make or break just about any business. 

Whether you're already deep in your own business or interested in owning business, this is blog is likely worth the few minutes it will take you to read. 

Below you'll find 25 free and low-cost marketing strategies, 

some of which will get more sales rolling in than you can handle - and the only cost might be your time and perseverance:

1.  Social Media Presence: 

Establish a strong presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Seek out competitors and similar businesses on these platforms and take note of their pages - think structure, features, types of information and content, who and how many they're connected with, and how they're interacting with their audience. Do your best to regularly post content relevant to your audience - aim to be genuine and helpful.

2.  Google My Business:

Enhance local search visibility by claiming and optimising your Google My Business listing. This free and highly powerful tool (if used well) not only helps potential customers find you, but also enables them to post star ratings and reviews.

3.  Email Marketing:

Build an email list and send out newsletters with updates, promotions, and helpful content to keep your audience engaged. Take care not to 'spam' your clients - the optimal frequency for your business and audience will be somewhere between twice a week and once per month. Invite feedback, make it easy for email subscribers to unsubscribe. Track metrics such as conversion rates on offerings within your emails, subscription rates and direct feedback. Software like Mailchimp and MailerLite are built specifically to manage your email list and track data.

4.  Blogging:

Start a blog related to your industry. Share insights, tips, and updates to drive traffic to your website and establish authority. Google rewards websites with recent, helpful content by positioning those websites higher on search results than competing websites who lack such content.

5.  Networking Events:

Attend local networking events to connect with other business owners and potential customers in your community. And don't worry, you don't have to be an extroverted social butterfly to benefit from networking - just get out there and go with the flow.

6.  Referral Program:

Create a referral program that rewards existing customers for bringing in new clients. You can offer this to all your clients or just have such offerings available for highly satisfied customers (not a bad idea if you're just getting started).

7.  Collaborations and Partnerships:

Partner with complementary businesses to cross-promote each other’s products or services. This can be as simple as letting the right people know you exist and that you provide real value to your customers, and you're happy to recommend their business to your clients (provided you're confident their product or service is decent).

8.  Customer Reviews:

9 out of 10 people will read a review before purchasing a product online and 30% of shoppers under the age of 44 look at reviews for every purchase (Data from Trustpilot and Power Reviews). Get into the habit of encouraging satisfied customers to leave positive reviews online. First focus on the platforms that get the most traffic, such Google My Business, your website and your social media pages. Having highly-visible, positive reviews is one of the most effective, free marketing tools you can employ - also serving as a badge of honor you can pin to just about any other marketing strategy here and in your imagination.

9.  Content Marketing:

Develop valuable content like infographics, videos, and how-to guides to engage your audience. This has a dual effect of letting more people know about your business while also establishing yourself as a trusted authority in your industry.

10.  SEO Optimization:

Improve your online visibility by optimizing your website for search engines. Use relevant keywords, aim to publish helpful content, and ensure your site is mobile-friendly. Regularly update your website with fresh content and use tools like Google Analytics to track your performance and identify areas for improvement.

11.  Social Media Contests:

Increase engagement and brand awareness by hosting contests on social media. Encourage followers to participate by liking, sharing, or commenting on your posts. Offer attractive prizes that align with your brand. Contests can go viral, significantly increasing your reach and following.

12.  Local Sponsorships:

Gain visibility in your community by sponsoring local events, sports teams, or charities. This not only improves your brand's image but also helps you connect with potential customers in a more personal way. Choose sponsorships that align with your brand values and target audience.

13.  Business Cards:

Still relevant today, your business card should reflect your brand's personality and include all necessary contact information. Consider adding a QR code that links to your website, a page where they can leave a review, or receive a special offer. Distribute them at networking events, local businesses, or any in-person interaction.

14.  Guest Blogging:

Write guest posts for well-known blogs in your industry. This helps you reach a wider audience, establish credibility, and improve your website's SEO through backlinks. Pitch topics that are both relevant to the blog's audience and showcase your expertise.

15.  Webinars and Online Workshops:

Host webinars or workshops to demonstrate your expertise. Choose topics that you understand well, and are likely to be relevant and interesting to your target audience. Use popular and reliable platforms such as Zoom to provide valuable information, answer questions, and interact with attendees live. Make sure you prepare thoroughly and do at least one practice run (ie with your team, family, etc) before you go live with your first actual event. Webinars are a powerful sales generator if done well.

16.  Press Releases:

Issue press releases for significant company news or achievements. Target local newspapers, industry-related journals, and online news platforms. Well-crafted press releases can attract media attention, leading to free publicity. Start by studying the content of your local news outlets to get ideas and inspiration.

17.  Podcast Appearances:

Appear as a guest on podcasts that are relevant to your industry and you could also start your own podcast. This is an effective way to reach new audiences, share your story, talk about your products or services in a more personal and engaging manner, and establish yourself as a trusted authority in your industry.

18.  Community Engagement:

Participate in community events or charity work. Think about causes that resonate with you and your businesses core values and then commit to providing real value to whichever cause you decide to support. Community engagement, done with good-intent and integrity, is a genuinely positive thing to be doing while simultaneously boosting your brand's exposure, trust, and loyalty.

19.  Social Media Stories:

Get onto Instagram and Facebook Stories to share quick, engaging updates about your business. This can include behind-the-scenes content, product launches, or special offers. Stories are a great way to keep your audience engaged with daily updates.

20.  Quora and Forums:

Establish yourself as an industry expert by participating in forums like Quora. Answer questions related to your field to build credibility and direct traffic to your website or social media profiles.

21.  Influencer Collaborations:

Partner with micro-influencers who have a strong following in your target market. They can promote your products or services to their audience in a way that feels authentic and trustworthy.

22.  Free Samples or Trials:

Offer free samples or trial periods for your products or services. This allows potential customers to experience what you offer first-hand, and build a connection to your business, increasing the likelihood of future purchases.

23.  Online Directories:

List your business in relevant online directories to boost your online presence. Ensure your listings are up-to-date and include detailed information about your business.

24.  Facebook Groups:

Join and be active in Facebook groups related to your industry. Share your expertise, engage in conversations, and subtly promote your business without being overly salesy.

25.  DIY Promotional Videos:

Utilise tools like Canva or iMovie to create simple yet effective promotional videos. Share these on your social media channels and website to engage with your audience visually.

Start by working with one 

or a small handful of these marketing strategies and make an effort to measure the results. 

Many of these strategies could massively boost your business with the primary cost being your time or paying someone else to manage this for you - a wise choice if you find the right help.  

Bonus Tip 

When starting out with posts and any other content you decide to put out there, focus your attention on being genuinely helpful and authentic rather than worrying too much about being fancy with the production quality. The key is to be consistent, authentic, and genuinely engaged with your audience, as this builds trust and a loyal customer base who will buy and continue to buy from you.

Are you ready to launch a business or grow an existing one?

Book a free strategy call and we'll provide free advice on how to achieve maximum results with your new venture.