You don’t need a $10,000 ad budget to grow your business—you just need consistency, creativity, and strategy. The truth is, some of the most effective marketing moves are also the most affordable. And for local business owners, personal connection and word-of-mouth still reign supreme.
So if your marketing budget is more ramen than caviar, don’t worry—we’ve got you. Here are 6 low-cost marketing strategies that actually work (and won’t eat up your time or money).
1. Turn Every Email Into a Mini Billboard
You’re already sending emails every day—why not let them market for you?
✅ Add a clear, clickable email signature with your logo, website, social media links, and a short call to action like:
“Book a free consultation”
“See our spring specials”
“Download our service guide”
💡 Pro tip: Tools like Wisestamp or HubSpot can help you create a polished email signature—for free.
2. Maximize Your Google Business Profile (It’s Free!)
For local businesses, this is a must-have. Your Google Business profile is often the first impression people get when they search for your services.
✅ Make sure your info (address, hours, website) is up-to-date
✅ Add photos regularly (your own, not stock!)
✅ Ask happy clients to leave reviews and respond to them
✅ Use the “Posts” feature to share updates and promos—just like social media!
This one tool alone can help you show up in local search results and attract warm leads for zero cost.
3. Teach What You Know: Share Value, Not Just Sales Pitches
People buy from businesses they know, like, and trust—so let them get to know you by sharing helpful insights.
✅ Post short tips on social media (think: “3 questions to ask before hiring a contractor”)
✅ Record a quick how-to video or FAQ
✅ Write a helpful blog or newsletter article (like this one 😉)
✅ Host a free “Lunch & Learn” or webinar—team up with another EAGA member for double exposure!
When you teach, you build trust—and trust leads to business.
4. Use Social Media… But Keep It Simple
You don’t have to post every day, be on five platforms, or go viral. Just pick one or two platforms your clients actually use, and focus on:
✅ Behind-the-scenes posts
✅ Client success stories or testimonials
✅ Local events or collaborations
✅ Short videos or “Did you know?” tips
💡 Bonus: Use scheduling tools like Later, Buffer, or Meta Business Suite to batch posts in advance—for free.
5. Partner Up for Cross-Promotion
Two audiences are better than one! Look around your network (especially within EAGA) and ask:
Who serves a similar audience but offers a different service?
✅ Cross-promote each other on social media
✅ Swap guest blog or newsletter features
✅ Bundle services into a joint offer
✅ Hand out each other’s flyers or cards
It’s free, fast, and helps everyone grow.
6. Ask for Referrals—Then Make It Easy
Word-of-mouth is still the most powerful (and budget-friendly) marketing tool you have. But many business owners don’t ask for referrals consistently.
✅ After a job or service, send a quick message:
“If you know anyone else who might need help with [what you do], I’d be honored if you passed my name along.”
✅ Have a one-pager or short link ready that makes it easy to share
✅ Consider a small thank-you gift or shoutout to those who refer you
The more referable you are, the less you’ll need to advertise.
🎯 Final Thought: Scrappy > Flashy
You don’t need to be flashy—you just need to be present, visible, and consistent. Focus on showing up with value, connecting with your audience, and making it easy for people to do business with you.
💥 Action Step:
Pick one of the strategies above and commit to trying it this week.
The best marketing plan is the one you’ll actually use.