In this article, we’ll break down 5 proven marketing strategies that small business owners around the world are using to grow — and how you can apply them too.

1. Leverage the Power of Social Media (But Pick Your Platforms Wisely)

Social media isn’t just for influencers and big brands — it’s one of the most powerful tools a small business can use. But trying to be everywhere will burn you out. Instead, focus on one or two platforms where your ideal customer actually spends time.

Real-World Example:
A local handmade soap business in Texas grew their sales by 300% just by posting short TikTok videos showing how each soap is made, packaged, and tested. They weren’t salesy — just real and relatable.

Action Steps:

• Choose 1-2 platforms (Instagram and TikTok are great for visual businesses; LinkedIn is great for B2B).
• Post 3–4 times a week consistently.
• Show behind-the-scenes moments, customer stories, and tips related to your product.
• Use hashtags and location tags to reach new people.

Tool tip: Try tools like Canva for beautiful graphics and CapCut for easy video editing.

2. Build an Email List from Day One

Unlike social media, you own your email list. It’s not affected by algorithms or platform shutdowns. And the ROI? For every $1 spent on email marketing, businesses see an average return of $36.

Real-World Example:
A small online bookstore offered a free downloadable reading guide in exchange for email signups. In 6 months, they built a list of 5,000 subscribers and saw a 40% increase in returning customers.

Action Steps:

• Add an email signup form to your website.
• Offer a lead magnet (discount, checklist, guide, free sample).
• Send weekly or biweekly emails with value: tips, new products, exclusive offers.

Pro tip: Use Mailchimp or ConvertKit to automate your emails and segment your audience.

3. Optimize Your Google Business Profile (It’s Free and Powerful)

If you’re a local business, your Google Business Profile is your digital storefront. People search for things like “best coffee near me” or “shoe repair Brooklyn” — you want to be in those results.

Real-World Example:
A neighborhood pizza shop optimized their profile with high-quality photos, updated hours, and responded to reviews. Within 3 months, they saw a 70% increase in calls and foot traffic from Google Search.

Action Steps:

• Claim your Google Business Profile.
• Add photos of your location, team, and products.
• Encourage happy customers to leave reviews.
• Post updates (specials, events, news).

Bonus tip: Always respond to reviews — even the bad ones. It shows professionalism and care.

4. Partner with Other Local Businesses

Collaboration is underrated. By teaming up with other businesses that serve a similar audience (but aren’t competitors), you double your reach — without doubling your marketing cost.

Real-World Example:
A yoga studio and a juice bar partnered to offer “stretch & sip” Sundays. They promoted it on their socials and shared costs. Both gained dozens of new customers.

Action Steps:

• Identify 3–5 local businesses that serve your audience.
• Propose simple win-win ideas: bundle offers, social media shoutouts, co-hosted events.
• Keep it simple, friendly, and aligned with your values.

Think: Cross-promotion = free exposure + shared trust.

5. Create Helpful Content That Solves Problems

People search online to solve problems. When your business shows up with helpful content, you build trust — and eventually sales.

Whether it’s blog posts, videos, or social media tips, content marketing positions you as an expert in your field.

Real-World Example:
A small accounting firm created weekly LinkedIn posts explaining taxes for freelancers. Over time, they attracted dozens of new clients without running any ads.

Action Steps:

• List out the 10 most common questions your customers ask.
• Turn each one into a blog post, video, or social post.
• Focus on being helpful, not pushy.
• Repurpose content: one blog post = several tweets, an Instagram Reel, and a newsletter topic.

Tool tip: Use ChatGPT or Notion AI to help brainstorm and draft content faster.

Bonus Strategy: Offer a Referral Program

Happy customers are your best marketers. Set up a simple referral program: offer a discount or freebie to customers who refer others.

It’s low-cost, builds loyalty, and drives word-of-mouth — the most trusted form of marketing.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars or go viral to grow your small business. These marketing strategies work because they’re built on relationships, value, and consistency.

Start with one or two — whichever feels the most doable right now — and build from there.

“Small consistent actions beat big inconsistent ones every time.”

Need help creating your first content calendar or social media plan? Let me know and I’ll help you map it out.