Marketing on a tight budget

Digital marketing tactics work even with a limited budget. Digital marketing can be highly targeted, meaning you won't waste budget by reaching people not interested in your offering.

Help local customers find you

If you serve a local area, create and maintain a Google Business Profile. It can help customers find your business in Google Search and Maps.

Keep your opening hours, contact details, location, photographs, products and services up to date.

Build an email list

Email marketing can be a more cost effective alternative to direct mail. E-newsletters are cheap - or free - to produce.

Encourage people to subscribe and send useful information, updates and relevant offers. You must have a valid reason to use personal data and follow the rules on electronic marketing. See email marketing and data protection.

It's useful to include buying behaviour or demographic information in your email database. This means you can accurately target your messages to specific and relevant groups.

Focus on the right social media channels

You can promote your business using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. You can use them to answer questions, share useful content, build relationships and promote your products or services.

While there are paid advertising options, publishing great content can help you reach your audience without investing money. See content marketing.

Create useful online content

Create content that answers the questions customers ask before they buy. This could include articles, FAQs, videos, guides or case studies.

Useful content can help people find your business through search engines and understand why your offer is relevant to them. See search engine optimisation (SEO).

Collect and respond to reviews

Ask satisfied customers to leave an honest review on a platform that matters to your business. Monitor reviews and respond professionally, including when feedback is negative.

Measure your results

Track the measures linked to your goal, such as website visits, enquiries, email sign-ups, sales leads and conversions. Compare the results with the time and money you spent.