You didn't start your business to become a marketing expert. You started it because you're great at what you do, whether that's fixing pipes, baking cupcakes, or helping people find their dream home.
But here you are, drowning in a sea of marketing advice that makes your head spin. Funnels. Algorithms. Retargeting pixels. Content calendars. It's exhausting just reading those words.
Here's the truth: most of that complicated stuff? You don't need it. At least not right now.
What you need are simple marketing tips for small business owners who are strapped for time and just want to see results without getting a second degree in digital marketing.
Good news. That's exactly what we're serving up today.
These 7 DIY marketing hacks are quick, practical, and won't make you want to throw your laptop out the window. Let's dig in.
1. Claim Your Google Business Profile (And Actually Use It)
If you haven't claimed your Google Business Profile yet, stop reading and do it now. Seriously. We'll wait.
This free tool is one of the most powerful DIY marketing tools for business owners targeting local customers. When someone searches "best coffee shop near me" or "plumber in Phoenix," Google pulls from these profiles.
Here's your quick action plan:
- Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are accurate
- Add high-quality photos of your business, products, or team
- Pick the right business categories
- Respond to every review (yes, even the grumpy ones)
- Post updates weekly, think of it like a mini social media feed
That last point is gold. Most local businesses claim their profile and forget about it. Posting regular updates signals to Google that you're active and relevant. It takes five minutes and can seriously boost your visibility.
2. Turn Happy Customers Into Your Marketing Team
Word-of-mouth isn't just alive, it's thriving. People trust recommendations from friends and family way more than any ad you could run.
So why not give your customers a reason to spread the word?
Set up a simple referral program. It doesn't have to be fancy. Offer a small discount, a free add-on service, or loyalty points when someone refers a new customer. You can track this with a basic spreadsheet or use referral software if you want to get fancy later.
The key is making it easy. Give customers a link to share, a code to pass along, or even just a stack of business cards they can hand out. Remove every possible barrier between "I love this business" and "here's how you can try them too."
3. Show Up Where Your Customers Already Hang Out
You don't need to be on every social media platform. That's a fast track to burnout.
Instead, pick one or two platforms where your ideal customers actually spend time. Running a boutique? Instagram is your friend. B2B services? LinkedIn makes more sense. Local service business? Facebook groups and community pages are goldmines.
Once you've picked your platforms, focus on value over volume. Share:
- Quick tips related to your expertise
- Behind-the-scenes peeks at your business
- Customer success stories (with permission)
- Answers to common questions you hear all the time
You don't need professional equipment. Your smartphone and good lighting work just fine. Authenticity beats polish every single time.
Need more ideas? Check out our guide on where to find your customers online.
4. Start an Email List (Even a Tiny One)
Social media algorithms change constantly. One day your posts reach everyone, the next day they're invisible. You don't own your social media audience.
But you do own your email list.
Building an email list gives you direct access to people who've said, "Yes, I want to hear from you." That's powerful.
Start simple:
- Add a signup form to your website
- Offer something valuable in exchange: a discount, a free guide, or exclusive tips
- Send a short newsletter once or twice a month
Your emails don't need to be long or fancy. Share a quick tip, a special offer, or just check in. The goal is staying top of mind so when someone needs what you offer, you're the first business they think of.
Want to level up your email game? We've got tips from the pros to help you out.
5. Create Content That Answers Real Questions
Content marketing sounds intimidating, but it's really just this: answering the questions your customers are already asking.
Think about it. What do people ask you all the time? What confusion do you clear up in almost every consultation? Those questions are blog posts, videos, or social media content waiting to happen.
When you create helpful content:
- You position yourself as the go-to expert in your field
- You give Google something to show people searching for answers
- You build trust before someone ever contacts you
Start with one piece of content per month. A short blog post. A quick video. A helpful how-to guide. Quality over quantity. Consistency over perfection.
This approach to local business marketing costs nothing but your time: and it keeps working for you long after you hit publish.
6. Partner Up With Complementary Businesses
Here's a hack that's often overlooked: team up with other local businesses that serve the same customers but aren't your competitors.
If you're a photographer, partner with a florist or event planner. Own a gym? Team up with a healthy meal prep service. Run a pet grooming business? Connect with local vets or pet supply stores.
Cross-promotion ideas:
- Share each other's posts on social media
- Display each other's business cards or flyers
- Create a joint offer or bundle
- Host a small event together
You both get access to a warm audience that already trusts the other business. It's a win-win that costs nothing but a little coordination.
7. Get Out Into Your Community
Digital marketing is great, but don't sleep on good old-fashioned face time.
Local events, farmers markets, community fairs, and networking meetups put you directly in front of potential customers. You can shake hands, answer questions, and make a real impression that no Instagram post can match.
Even if you're not selling at these events, showing up matters. Sponsor a little league team. Set up a booth at a school fundraiser. Attend your local chamber of commerce meetings.
People do business with people they know and trust. Being visible in your community builds that trust faster than any online tactic.
Feeling Overwhelmed? You Don't Have to Do This Alone
Look, even "simple" marketing takes time you might not have. Running a business is already a full-time job (or three).
That's exactly why we built LocalWerx's EQUIP tools: to give local business owners like you practical, no-nonsense resources that make marketing manageable. We're talking templates, guides, and step-by-step playbooks designed for busy people who need results without the headache.
Whether you're just getting started with local business marketing or looking to tighten up what you're already doing, we've got your back.
Because you deserve to spend less time stressing about marketing and more time doing what you actually love.
Ready to simplify your marketing and start seeing real results? Explore how LocalWerx can help and discover DIY marketing tools for business owners who are done with complicated.
