Small Business Marketing Items You Need to Know About

Running a small business means wearing a lot of hats, sometimes all at once. And when it comes to marketing, there are so many ways to go about it, it can be overwhelming. The trick is to gauge where you are in your business: are you just starting out? Are you trying to grow? Launch a new product or service? Show up higher in a Google search? The first step is to consider what your goals are. Then, think about the people you want to market to. 

Use this list to pull together one idea per month (or even per quarter), and focus on that. These marketing elements can help you build a strong, sustainable presence both online and off.

Small Business Branding

Let’s start with the basics: branding essentials. These are the building blocks of your business’s identity. You’ll want a clean, professional logo, ideally with a primary version, a secondary version, a black-and-white option, and a favicon for your website. Consistent color palettes and typography go a long way toward making your brand feel polished and cohesive. Think through your brand voice and tone, are you playful, warm, edgy, refined? It should all feel aligned. A clear tagline or positioning statement helps customers quickly understand what you’re all about, and a mission or vision statement grounds your business in purpose and direction.

Website and SEO for Small Businesses

Your website is often the first real impression people have of your brand, so make it count. It should be mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, and clearly guide users toward taking action, whether that’s booking a service or placing an order. Make sure each page is optimized for SEO with thoughtful page titles, meta descriptions, and relevant keywords. We can help with this, check out some websites we’ve put together for clients. Set up and maintain a Google Business Profile so you show up in local searches, and don’t forget about your social media profiles. Choose the platforms that align best with your audience and keep them active with updates, photos, and stories. Managing online reviews (responding to them and encouraging happy customers to leave them) is another key part of your digital footprint.

Marketing Collateral

There’s still a lot of value in good, old-fashioned marketing materials! Even in the digital age, things like business cards still matter. Rack cards, postcards, brochures, and menus can be great leave-behinds or handouts at events. Branded packaging, whether it’s a custom sticker, label, or eco-friendly bag, adds a memorable touch and reinforces your identity. Think about flyers or posters you can hang in local spots, and make sure your signage is strong. A great window decal or sandwich board can make a difference.

Email Newsletters

Building an email list gives you a direct line to your customers and helps you stay top of mind. Create a welcome email sequence that introduces new subscribers to your brand, and consider sending a monthly newsletter with updates, promotions, or helpful tips. If you have the capacity, a blog can be a powerful tool for sharing useful content and boosting your SEO. High-quality photography—both product shots and lifestyle images—go a long way in helping people connect with what you offer. Video is another great medium to explore, whether you’re sharing how-tos, behind-the-scenes footage, or customer testimonials.

Advertising Your Small Business

If you’re ready to spread the word even more, advertising and promotions can help amplify your reach. Consider running social media ads targeted to your ideal customer or using Google Ads to capture local traffic. Local sponsorships and partnerships are also great ways to build community visibility. A press release or simple media kit can help if you’re reaching out to local news outlets or bloggers. Think through promotional offers that make sense for your business, like a limited-time discount or a BOGO deal. Loyalty and referral programs can help turn first-time buyers into repeat customers. Participating in events, markets, or pop-ups can also be powerful exposure.

Ensure Your Marketing is Working

To make sure your efforts are paying off, make a plan for analytics and strategy. It’s helpful to have a basic marketing plan that outlines your goals and key metrics. Tools like Google Analytics can show you how people are interacting with your site, while social media insights help you understand what content resonates. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback through surveys, reviews, or direct messages—customers often have valuable insights.

If you’re like most small business owners, you have a lot on your plate. Keeping things organized is a huge part of staying sane. Automation and tools can make your marketing life easier. Scheduling tools like Later or Planoly help you batch content and stay consistent on social media. A simple CRM system can help track customers, leads, and conversations. Project management tools like Trello or Asana keep your to-dos in check. If you’re running a product-based business, inventory and order management systems help ensure everything flows smoothly behind the scenes.

Marketing is a moving target—it shifts with seasons, trends, and growth. But having this foundation in place gives you the clarity and confidence to show up consistently, connect with your audience, and build something that lasts. Need help getting started? Reach out, we’d love to know more about your business goals and how we can help you realize them.