Marketing Suggestions for Small Businesses That Actually Work
You’ve Built the Business — Now What?
You’ve poured your heart into your business, got the offer, the branding, the website... but now you’re wondering how to actually get people in the door (or into your DMs, inbox, or checkout cart).
If you’ve ever Googled “marketing suggestions for small businesses” and felt overwhelmed by vague advice like “use social media” or “start a blog,” we’ve got you.
Here are practical, tested suggestions — complete with examples — that work for real businesses just like yours.
1. Use Email Marketing to Nurture and Sell
Email isn’t dead. In fact, it’s one of the highest ROI tools you’ve got. You don’t need a huge list to make an impact — just a consistent voice and something worth opening.
Try this:
- Welcome sequence when someone signs up
- Weekly or fortnightly value emails (share tips, stories, behind the scenes)
- Product or service feature emails with soft CTAs
Avoid the Junk Folder: To make sure your emails land in the inbox (not the spam box), here are a few tips:
- Use a reputable email platform (like Flodesk, MailerLite, or ActiveCampaign)
- Avoid spammy language in your subject lines (no all caps or excessive exclamation marks)
- Personalise your emails where possible (using their name, past purchases, etc.)
- Ask subscribers to add your email to their contacts
- Always include a visible unsubscribe option — it builds trust and keeps your list healthy
Why it works: Email goes directly to your customer’s inbox — no algorithm interference. It’s personal, direct, and builds trust over time. Plus, it keeps you top-of-mind when they’re ready to buy.
Example: A handmade ceramics business sends a monthly “From the Studio” update with process photos, links to new products, and early-bird access to restocks. Customers feel involved and engaged — and always ready to buy.
2. Create a Local SEO Strategy
Want nearby customers to find you? Focus on local search.
Steps to get started:
- Set up and optimise your Google Business Profile (including your services, hours, and photos)
- Add location-based keywords to your website (e.g. “Perth wedding florist”)
- Get reviews from happy clients and reply to them promptly
- Create blog posts or landing pages targeting suburbs or regions you serve
Why it works: Local SEO helps you appear in Google Maps and nearby search results, especially when people are looking for a service “near me.”
Example: A mobile physio in Joondalup creates individual pages for each suburb they visit, increasing their chance of showing up in local searches — and getting booked.
3. Start a Blog (Strategically)
Blogging isn’t just journaling. Done right, it’s an SEO powerhouse.
Make sure you:
- Do keyword research first (use tools like Ubersuggest, Semrush, or Google’s “People Also Ask” panel)
- Answer actual questions your audience is Googling
- Include internal links to your other services or blog posts
- Format your blog for readability (use H2s, bullet points, short paragraphs)
Why it works: Google loves content that answers questions clearly, thoroughly, and in a structured way. Strategic blogs build your authority, help you rank for more keywords, and keep people on your site longer.
Check out our guide to SEO copywriting here
Example: A dog groomer writes blogs like “How Often Should You Wash a Cavoodle?” and “Signs Your Dog Needs a Nail Trim,” bringing in thousands of organic views every month — many of whom become paying clients.
4. Lean Into Short-Form Video
Love it or hate it, short-form video is still hot. But you don’t need to dance or overshare.
Ideas for small businesses:
- Time lapses of your work
- Packing orders
- Before/after clips
- Quick tips or how-tos
Why it works: Video content is favoured by most platforms and creates higher engagement than static posts. Plus, it helps people see what you do in a way that builds connection.
Example: A nutritionist creates 15-second videos showing “3 Lunchbox Swaps for Picky Eaters” — it’s fast, helpful, and easy to share. That visibility builds their audience and their bookings.
5. Collaborate With Other Small Businesses
Collabs are a great way to share audiences and build credibility.
Ways to collaborate:
- Co-host an Instagram giveaway
- Feature each other in email newsletters
- Team up for a limited-edition product or package
Why it works: You get in front of a new but relevant audience — and add value for your existing customers at the same time.
Example: A photographer and a florist create a “Mother’s Day Mini Shoot + Flowers” bundle and promote it to both their email lists and socials. Each business gets fresh leads and extra sales.
6. Re-engage Your Existing Audience
Sometimes your best marketing isn’t about new traffic — it’s about waking up the people who already know you.
Suggestions:
- Re-share your best content with a new caption
- DM past clients with a personal check-in or special offer
- Create a “Where are they now?” post featuring past customers or testimonials
Why it works: You’ve already done the hard work of building trust. A gentle nudge can bring those customers back to buy again or refer others.
Example: A branding designer revisits old client projects and shares updates on how their businesses have grown — great content and social proof in one.
7. Run a Seasonal or Themed Promotion
Whether it’s Christmas, EOFY, Valentine’s Day or “Back to School” — tie your marketing to something timely.
Tips:
- Create a landing page just for that promotion (not just a shop link)
- Build hype early with teaser posts or countdown emails
- Use SEO to target gift-related searches (e.g. “gifts for busy mums” or “eco-friendly teacher gifts”)
Check out our guide to seasonal SEO here
Why it works: Seasonal promotions create urgency and relevance. When people are already thinking about buying, you’re meeting them with a curated, well-packaged offer.
Example: A honey business creates a “Gift Packs” page for Christmas with thoughtful bundles, keyword-optimised copy, and customer reviews front and centre.
Final Word: Start With What Feels Doable
Don’t try everything at once. Pick 1–2 ideas, try them consistently for 2–3 months, and track what works.
Marketing is just communicating the value of what you do. When done well, it doesn’t have to feel pushy or awkward — it can feel genuinely helpful.
If you want help figuring out what to try next, our SEO packages and website audit service are designed to meet you exactly where you’re at — whether you’re a total beginner or ready to scale.
Let’s turn those ideas into momentum.