Marketing Monday #4 | You Don’t Need a Big Budget to Market Your Business Online

When it comes to marketing your business in the digital world, many people assume that you need a big budget to succeed. The reality? You don’t need a huge advertising budget to get the word out. When I started Appalachian Outlaws in 2021, I had no massive marketing fund, but what I did have was creativity and a solid understanding of organic marketing strategies.

We didn’t spend a dime on paid ads. Instead, we focused on organic content—posting consistently on Facebook and Instagram. We posted a promotional video for every truck that signed up for our pulling series. These posts weren’t just about us. They were about the drivers and their families, which led to them sharing, commenting, and engaging with the content. This organic interaction led to an immediate spike in engagement and followers.

Before long, we had a growing audience, and we didn’t have to pay for it. The key takeaway? Organic strategies can work wonders, and you can absolutely market your business without breaking the bank. Here are some essential steps you can take right now, for FREE, to grow your business online.

1. Set Up Your Google Business Profile (It’s Free & Crucial)

Google is the largest search engine in the world, with over 92% of global market share for search engines. When people search for products or services like yours, Google is likely the first place they will look. If you haven’t set up your Google Business profile yet, you’re missing out.

Why is it important?

• Visibility: A Google Business profile helps your business show up in local search results and on Google Maps. This means more potential customers can find you easily.

• Credibility: A verified Google profile increases trust in your business. Customers can leave reviews, and potential customers will feel more confident interacting with you.

• Free Traffic: By optimizing your Google Business profile, you can appear at the top of search results for people looking for your services. This is free traffic!

How to set it up:

• Go to Google My Business, sign up, and verify your business. Make sure you complete every section, including hours, address, and website. Upload high-quality images and encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews.

  
  

2. Social Media: Be Everywhere, Not Just Some Places

When I say social media, I mean ALL social media. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube—set up an account on all platforms. I know it sounds like a lot, but it's key to getting your business in front of as many people as possible.

Why is it important?

• Wide Reach: Each platform has a different audience. By being present everywhere, you increase the chances of your content reaching diverse groups of people.

• SEO Boost: Social media profiles can rank in search engines, increasing your overall online presence.

• Brand Consistency: When your brand is consistent across multiple platforms, it strengthens brand recognition and trust.

How to do it:

• Create a business account on each platform and fill out your profile completely. Use your logo as your profile picture and write a short, clear description of your business in the bio section.

• Post regularly. The goal is to stay visible and engage your audience. Post a mix of content, such as behind-the-scenes looks, product updates, customer testimonials, and educational content.

  
  

3. Encourage Customer Reviews & Testimonials

You’ve probably heard it before: word of mouth is powerful. But did you know that in the digital world, customer reviews are a major factor in your business's success?

Why is it important?

• Builds Trust: 93% of customers read online reviews before making a purchase decision. Positive reviews can lead to more sales.

• SEO Benefit: Google uses reviews as a ranking factor for local search results. The more positive reviews you have, the higher your chances of showing up in search results.

• Feedback Loop: Reviews give you valuable insights into what customers like and areas where you can improve.

How to do it:

• After a successful transaction or interaction, simply ask your satisfied customers to leave a review. Make it easy by providing links to your Google Business profile and social media pages.

• Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, to show that you care about customer feedback.

  
  

4. Start a Blog (Content is King!)

While starting a blog might sound daunting, it's one of the most powerful ways to organically market your business.

Why is it important?

• SEO: Blog content can help boost your website’s search engine rankings by targeting relevant keywords and providing valuable information that answers your customers' questions.

• Authority: By creating helpful, insightful content, you establish your business as an authority in your niche, which builds trust with your audience.

• Content Repurposing: Blog posts can be repurposed into social media content, email newsletters, and more, maximizing the value of your efforts.

How to do it:

• Pick a topic that’s relevant to your audience and start writing! Aim to publish 1-2 blog posts per month.

• Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find relevant keywords, and make sure your blog posts are SEO-optimized.

  
  

5. Join Online Communities & Forums (Engage, Don’t Just Sell)

Being active in online forums and communities that are relevant to your business can help you connect with potential customers and establish your brand.

Why is it important?

• Targeted Engagement: Joining communities where your target audience is already active allows you to engage in conversations and showcase your expertise.

• Networking: It’s a great way to network with other business owners or influencers who may refer customers to you.

• Brand Awareness: By participating in discussions and offering valuable insights, your business will gain visibility and become a trusted name in your industry.

How to do it:

• Find communities on Facebook, Reddit, Quora, or industry-specific forums.

• Participate in discussions, answer questions, and share helpful content. Avoid directly promoting your business—focus on adding value first.

  
  

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a massive marketing budget to grow your business. With the right strategies—setting up a Google Business profile, engaging on social media, gathering reviews, starting a blog, and participating in online communities—you can create a strong online presence and build an engaged audience, all for FREE.

Focus on building organic engagement, be consistent, and remember: digital marketing is about relationships, not transactions. With the right approach, you can market your business effectively and on a budget.