How to Get More Business for a Small Business Without Ads

Tired of watching your ad dollars drain your budget?

It’s a common issue for small businesses.

Are you also tired of watching TikTok dancers and IG Reels of Rags to riches stories?

 Ready to write your own story?

How would it feel to learn how to get more business for a small business without putting a chokehold on your marketing budget?

That’s what this guide is all about, packed with proven strategies I’ve used for years.

Get ready for practical tips and real-world examples that still work like magic.

Let’s get started.

How to Get More Business for a Small Business Without Murderizing Your Bank Account

1. Optimize your Business Website

Business website optimization is critical for today’s crowded online space. Today, a business without a website is a disaster waiting to happen.

According to the SBA, customers will second guess your professionalism and legitimacy if you don’t have a website.

 Why?

Your website is your hub it’s where all your info, photos, and reviews are wrapped nicely for your client’s viewing. Speaking from personal experience, if I’m interested in a brand, I check out their website first, to learn as much as possible about their business.

So, to answer questions and educate your potential clients start by improving your website:

Address these areas of contention…

• Calibrate your Website’s Speed: One of Google’s goals is to keep its customers happy. That said, a slow website connection is a bad look and a potential loss of revenue for Google. You can use tools like Google PageSpeed Insight to find and fix speed issues.
• Ensure your website is mobile-friendly: What this means is, it views well on mobile phones as on a desktop or tablet. There are ways to check and see how your website looks on all devices.

Here’s one way to check:

• Open your website in a browser of your choice.
• Point your cursor and right-click anywhere on the page
• Next, select “Inspect” (or press Ctrl + Shift + I).
• Tap on the “Toggle device toolbar” icon (it looks like a phone and tablet).
• From the dropdown list choose “mobile device”.

Use clear calls-to-action (CTAs): In the offline world many top salespeople miss out on the sale, simply because they don’t ask.

 The CTA serves the exact process but in the online world. If the page has a purpose, there should be a clear call-to-action, like “click here”; ‘sign up for our newsletter’; or ‘follow us on IG’.

Here’s a CTA guide that gives examples and details of how to create the best call-to-actions.

• Ensure user-friendly navigation: Your visitors are short of patience (me too) and will bounce if they can’t follow your navigation.

So, as Adell said, (make it easy on me baby) 😉 for visitors to find what they’re looking for.

• Create SEO search engine-friendly webpages: I’m sure you’ve heard the term SEO. If not, it’s a fancy way of saying to follow Google optimization guidelines. Click here for an updated article about Google’s E-E-A-T. Guidelines.

2. Leverage Content Marketing

According to research Content marketing costs 62% less than other forms of marketing and produces more than “3x as many leads”. I don’t know about you but that tells me to let your fingers do the talking.

Here’s how to use content marketing effectively:

1. Add a blog to your website: Adding informative and company-related content will help keep your customers engaged and connected.

2. Make how-to guides: Don’t just tell your customers what to do, show them with step-by-step tutorials.

3. Produce videos: You know what they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, if that’s true then a video is invaluable. Create product demos, tutorials, or sneak peek of what’s coming soon.

4. Create and include infographics: This touches on the earlier concept, infographics tell a better story and portray complex info in a digestible format.

5. Write case studies: Here’s another adage I learned from my mentors, facts tell, stories sales. Case studies are stories and we as humans love a good story.

Remember to improve your content for search engines by incorporating relevant keywords naturally throughout your posts.

3. Incorporate Social Media

Social media is more than booty-shaking photos (although there are some dancing folks, on social media). It’s about building relationships and connecting with like-minded people.

Bill Gates was given the credit for this quote, if you‘re not on social media, you’re not in business. So, stay plugged in.

Here are a few tips to put you on the social media good foot

1. Choose the right platforms: Meet your customers where they are, and which platform they use most often.

2. Post consistently: Follow the same guidelines as any other business ritual, and be consistent by following a schedule, this keeps them engaged.

3. Share beneficial content: Avoid heavy promos, and mix posts with entertainment, information, and fun content.

4. Involve your followers: Ask questions and respond to messages and comments, ASAP.

5. Include hashtags: Do your research to find the most relevant hashtags, this will increase your reach.

6. Collaborate with influencers: To get quicker increase exposure partner with micro-influencers.

4. Focus on Customer Service

Customer service or what some call customer care is the new sexy. Many companies sell the same product or service, but the ones who earn the most have a better follow-up and follow-through. Customer service makes up the difference.

1. Train your staff: Start by hiring the right folks!  Next, teach them the technical stuff but most importantly how to smile, even if they’re on the phone.

2. Address customers’ inquiries quickly: Do you want to become unforgettable? Respond to your customer inquiries promptly.

3. Do more than what you were paid for When possible, exceed customers’ expectations.

4. Personalize interactions: Apply customer data to adapted experiences.

5. Ask for customer feedback: Don’t just ask but act on customers’ feedback when possible.  

5. Implement Local SEO Strategies

We have already discussed the importance of having a company website. Plus, we’ve talked about how that improvement can increase business visibility.

Be sure to properly set up, claim, and perfect your Google My Business listing: Keep your information up-to-date and add photos regularly. It’s equally important to ask satisfied customers for reviews and consider other local directories.

One of the greatest advantages of marketing local businesses online is localizing keywords, which are less competitive than global. So, make sure you include a local identifier within your meta tags.

Finally, build connections and backlinks with partnering businesses, this can be “complementary or competitive business.

6. Collaborate with Complementary Businesses

This is a growing trend; that is, collaboration. Every business type across the spectrum uses strategic alliances to grow its business. Think of the music industry.

1. Joint ventures: Share more than your info on social media but also shout out to other complementary businesses.  
2. Establish package deals: Include related business offers to yours for a more cohesive proposal.
3. Guest blog post: Tap into each other audiences by writing blog articles.
4. Contribute to local business associations: Join the Chambers of Commerce and other similar business associations.

7. Encourage (WOM) Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Are you wondering if “WOM is dead”? “It’s more than just not dead” But if you think so, I encourage you to continue reading.

Word-of-mouth recommendations are one of the most powerful no-cost marketing strategies. According to research  “WOM marketing” can increase marketing effectiveness by up to 54%. Research shows that integrating WOM with other marketing strategies significantly boosts their overall impact.

If you aren’t asking for referrals, you’re leaving money on the table. And in this economy, there’s no room for that. Your happy customers are your best advertisers, but sometimes they need a little nudge.

Don’t be shy. Now after you’ve rocked your client’s world with your superb offer, next ask.  “Hey, do you know anyone else who could use [our offering], if so, can you send them my way, I’ll certainly appreciate it.

8. Showcase Customer Testimonials

In the old school days, we had “show and tell… you may need to think back, some further back than others, (including me)

Well today’s show and tell revolves around showcasing your business. So, instead of standing on the pulpit preaching about your product or service, “Show them”.

Then stand back and watch your customers do the selling for you, (if your stuff is as good as you think. If not, your “bout” to find out!)

Next, gather those glowing reviews and sprinkle them all on social media like you’re “seasoning southern fried chicken”.

Here’s one of my showstopping testimonials…. I’m just saying: 😉

9. Attend Networking Events

You can’t put a price on networking. I was involved in MLM for years and learned a lot. I contribute a lot of my success to network marketing training. (Because you have to be tough to take those No’s) 😜

1. Explore local events: Look for trade shows, motivational events, and meetups of local venues.

2. Practice your elevator pitch: Tell me, PY, what do you do? Your response is your elevator pitch. It’s short enough so that if a person is on the elevator, you can start and finish before the door opens.

3. Bring business cards:  The secret is to collect more than you give out. Question? What do you do with business cards?

4. Keep in contact with prospects: Send personalized emails after the events.

5. Become a guest speaker: You are an expert, now it’s time to let your community know.

10. Offer Referral Programs

You may be wondering who doesn’t have a referral program in 2024, my response you’ll be surprised.

They still work, they did last decade and probably the next decade too.”., Maybe a little twerking, Oops I mean tweaking, same game different rules.

1. Ditch the idea of anything will do: Instead analyze the rewards programs you use and recreate for your business.

2. Keep it simple: K.I.S.S Keep it silly, simple. OK, who thought that up I don’t know but it works. Make it clear, concise, and easy to win.

3. Where to promote: Highlight your referral program everywhere there’s space, community boards, website, social media, and SEO, for starts.

4. Monitor, track, and analyze results: Track and react. Make any necessary adjustments to increase your wins.

5. Show appreciation to your clients for referring new customers: They will work even harder for you.

11. Refine for Voice Search

It’s a funny thing, many of us use voice search but it is often overlooked and underutilized. Do you know how businesses show up first when you “voice search”? There is a method to “the madness”. And benefits to match.

When we travel, we often use the “restaurant near me” voice search. We check out the first 2-3 and then we’re on our way. If you have a local business and aren’t optimized for voice search you’re leaving money on the table.

1. Use long-tail conversational keywords:  Like the example I give (natural wigs near me)

2. Craft a webpage of FAQ questions: Address questions customers commonly might ask.

3. SEO local searches: Add location-specific information to your content.

12. SEO Your Website for Search Engines

SEO drives 1000%+ more traffic than organic social media. Source:  

Despite the uptick in social media marketing, SEO is still the main road to massive website traffic. Search engine optimization is like having a 24/7 content writer and a full-time salesperson, that you don’t have to pay, not monetarily, but you do pay with sweat equity.  

13. Create Valuable Content for Your Target Audience

There may be confusion because we often hear that video is the #1 preferred marketing method. Then other experts tout content is “Queen, King, and the whole dang royal family”.

 But I’m not talking about any old content. I’m talking about what is called high-quality content. The meaning varies but your target audience will let you know.

If you post something and then stand back to only hear crickets, then you know what time it is.

It’s time to reassess your target audience or your message.

Here you’d want to identify your customers’ problems and help to solve them. Show up regularly, don’t be a part-time lover, (I’m talking about adult kids who only call when they need something). Ha ah!

14. Diversify Your Offerings

Want to keep your customers coming back for more? Offer them choices! Like a buffet, your business should have options to satisfy different tastes.

Before offering everything under the sun, do a little research. Talk to your customers. Find out what they love, what they hate, and what they wish you offered. Their feedback is a goldmine of ideas!

Once you’ve got a few ideas, try them out. See what works and what doesn’t. It might take a few tries, but you’ll find the perfect mix.

15. Upselling: It’s Not What You Think

Often when we think of upselling, we imagine a pushy salesperson. But it’s not always the case. Consider this: You get an amazing makeover at the salon. You love it!

Day 2, you want to recreate that look but don’t know which products she used. Instead, wouldn’t it have been helpful if she had shared “the product list before you left the salon?

And that they were available for purchase.

How do you think you would have felt?  Would you have felt they were trying to push products down your throat?

OR… would you feel like they’re trying to assist you to maintain your look?

Conclusion:

Whew! I hope you’re excited and ready to try these strategies. But here’s the thing – all these strategies? They work. I used them in my business 4 decades ago and they still work today.

Pick one or two strategies that resonate the most and try those.

Now that you know “How to Get More Business for a Small Business”, nothing will work until you do.

 Now before my sermon …

Below is a quick recap:

Recap:

• Create Valuable Content for Your Target Audience.
• SEO Optimize Your Website for Search Engines.
• Diversify Your Products and Services.
• Incorporate and Maximize Voice Search.
• Offer Rewards and Referral Program
• Plus, More!!

What I was about to say, the ball is in your court. You can just comment on a great article, or you can act to outrank your rivals by putting some of these strategies into action.

I hope it’s the latter.

What are your thoughts? 

Which of these ideas echoes most with you?

If you found this article helpful, please let us know by leaving a comment.

Your comment is your voice let us know if we are giving you what you need.

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Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to follow PYTalkBiz for marketing tips.

FAQ

1. How long does it take to see results from these strategies?

Like with anything, it depends. Some strategies you can implement ASAP to get immediate results. Many of the strategies you can expect to increase instantly. For example, if you start upselling, you can track your results.

2. Which strategy is most effective for B2B businesses?

B2B’s strong suit is collaborations. Since they work with businesses, collaborate and create strategic alliances with complementary businesses.

Others would be:

• Attend Networking Events
• Use Local Marketing Techniques
• Explore Cross-Selling and Upselling Strategies

3. Can these methods work for online-only businesses?

 Absolutely.

4. How much time should I dedicate to implementing these strategies?

Choose one or two to start. Implement the strategy, then check your results. Tweak if you’re not getting your desired results. Success is all about tracking and tweaking.

5. What if I have a limited budget for marketing?

No problem, most of these strategies don’t cost anything.”  Just some elbow grease and human ingenuity.