Low-Cost Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses: Advice from a Local Agency

Marketing your business on a budget can feel like an impossible task, especially when you’re wearing multiple hats and juggling day-to-day operations. At VerriBerri, we understand the pressure that comes with trying to grow your brand without stretching your finances too thin. The good news? Effective marketing doesn’t have to eat into your hard-earned revenue.

Our team regularly works alongside small businesses, offering flexible support that complements the work they’re already doing. Whether you want to keep some elements in-house or hand over the reins completely, we’re here to help execute your strategy in the most cost-effective way possible.

In this blog, we’re sharing practical, low-cost marketing ideas for small businesses that deliver real results.

 

6 Low-Cost Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses

 

1. Refresh and Optimise Existing Content

 

Often, refreshing or optimising existing content can be just as effective as publishing something brand new. It’s quick, cost-effective, and can make a noticeable difference to your website’s performance.

Here are some small, easy ways to make a difference:

• Correcting outdated information in your web copy. This could include how long you’ve been in business, awards or press mentions, or changes in your services.
• Incorporating relevant keywords your audience is likely searching for. If you haven’t done any keyword research before, this is a great place to start.
• Making your content easier to read by using shorter sentences, bullet points, and adding visuals where possible.

If this feels a little overwhelming or you’re not sure where to begin, our team can help on a consultancy basis. We’ll provide a pair of fresh eyes, a strategic approach, and insights from the perspective of both marketers and your potential customers.

 

2. Run a Short-Term Social Media Campaign

 

A focused campaign can be a great way to build momentum around a new launch, without the need for paid ads. These campaigns give you a chance to create buzz, generate engagement, and drive interest over a short period.

There are lots of things you can share, from behind-the-scenes content and sneak peeks to customer testimonials. These types of posts don’t require a big budget, just creativity, consistency, and a clear message.

That said, short bursts of activity will only take you so far. Consistency is still key on social media. Regular posting helps you stay visible, and engaging with your followers builds the kind of trust that leads to enquiries and conversions.

If you’re not sure how to structure a campaign or want help making sure your content aligns with your wider goals, we’re here to help!

 

3. Collaborate with Local Businesses

 

Collaborating with other local brands is one of the best low-cost marketing ideas for small businesses. Not only does it help you expand your reach without spending money on ads, but it also allows you to build meaningful connections in your area and generate long-term community support.

People love supporting businesses that show personality and champion others, especially when it feels authentic. A strong local network can boost your reputation and introduce your brand to new audiences in a way that feels organic.

Here are a few simple ways to get started:

• Cross-promotions: Share each other’s content, feature one another in newsletters, or team up for a joint giveaway.
• Instagram takeovers: Let a local business take over your stories for the day and do the same in return. It’s fun, engaging, and helps diversify your content.
• Co-host a small event or live stream: This could be a workshop, Q&A, or behind-the-scenes tour.

Of course, it’s important that these collaborations feel aligned with your brand and audience. If you’re not sure where to begin or want help identifying strategic local partners, VerriBerri can help guide your outreach. We can also support on a project basis if you’re planning a larger launch or event that involves collaboration.

 

4. Improve Your Google Business Profile

 

Depending on your industry, more enquiries and sales might be coming from your Google Business Profile than you realise. Appearing in local search results, such as ‘accountants in Essex’ or ‘bodywork shops near me’ for example, is a powerful way to get your brand in front of potential customers.

While it might seem trivial, regularly reviewing and updating your profile can make a real difference. Something as simple as incorrect opening hours, an outdated phone number, or negative reviews left unanswered can create a poor first impression and cost your business.

Make sure your profile includes:

• Up-to-date contact details and opening hours
• Recent, high-quality photos
• Keyword-rich descriptions of your services
• Recent testimonials and replies to both positive and negative reviews

 

5. Ask for Customer Reviews

 

Getting into the habit of asking your customers to leave a review is one of the most underrated low-cost marketing ideas for small businesses. You can use these on your website, social media, and any other marketing materials to build trust, social proof, and credibility for your brand. Reviews are a sure-fire way to ensure your brand is seen as a leader in its field.

That said, knowing when and how to ask for reviews can feel awkward at first. Here are a few moments where it might feel more natural:

• After a successful project or delivery when the client is clearly happy with the result.
• When a customer expresses satisfaction in an email or conversation. Ask if they’d mind sharing it publicly.
• As part of your follow-up process such as within a thank-you email, invoice, or feedback survey.
• In exchange for a small incentive like a discount on their next purchase or entry into a giveaway.

Once you’ve gathered a few reviews, don’t let them go to waste. Share them across platforms, build them into social posts or story highlights, and feature them prominently on your website.

 

6. Review Your Website User Journey

 

When it comes to driving results, sometimes the issue isn’t how many people are visiting your website but what happens once they get there. If your site isn’t easy to navigate, slow to load, or lacks clear calls to action, you could be losing potential customers without even realising it.

Taking the time to review your user journey (how visitors move through your website) can reveal simple, low-cost improvements that make a big difference to conversions.

Here are a few things to look out for:

• Is your website mobile-friendly and fast to load?
• Can visitors find key information (services, pricing, contact) within a few clicks?
• Are your CTAs (calls to action) clear, visible, and compelling?
• Does the page flow make sense or are users likely to drop off early?

If you’re unsure where to begin, our team can carry out an extensive audit of your website and provide support thereafter if it’s needed. This will identify missed opportunities and ways to streamline your user experience (UX), as well as looking at the technical side of your website and your SEO.

From layout and messaging to on-page SEO, we’ll guide you through quick wins that can boost performance and turn visitors into customers.

 

Let’s Chat!

 

Whether you want help launching a new campaign, improving your strategy, or just getting advice on what to prioritise, VerriBerri offers flexible support tailored to all businesses.

For more information about low-cost marketing ideas for small businesses and working with our team, just click here.