Starting from scratch with your small business? No marketing budget?

I have personally started two local businesses (cleaning and gardening) with less than £100 each, so I know what works!

Here’s the exact steps on how I started marketing and growing these local service businesses for (nearly) nothing (‘organically’).

Tell people what you’re doing

Any business guru will tell you that, when starting a new business, you need to start with your own network.

It can feel scary, I know. But reach out to your contacts and let them know about your new business. Family, friends, Facebook acquaintances.

Most people will be happy to support you, and this may lead to you getting your first few clients.

Collect testimonials and proof

Once you’ve got those first few clients, be sure to collect testimonials from them.

You can set up a simple Google or Microsoft Form and ask them for feedback after you’ve completed the service.

This will be super important as it shows you’re a trusted service provider, which will help you get more clients.

Set up Google My Business

If you’re a local business serving your community, you should set up a Google My Business page (free).

This is the page that appears on the right of your Google search with information about your business.

It’s simple to do. You’ll need a Google account to start with. Then, follow google.com/business to sign up.

This will allow you to list your opening hours, contact details, website, and more. Ultimately this will help you appear higher on Google.

Create a professional image

In service business, appearances do matter. Elevating your image can make a real difference, building trust and helping you stand out from competition.

One easy way to do this is to invest in a branded piece of uniform.

You don’t want to be showing up doing quotes or work in your personal clothes. A uniform can make the world of difference in the service business industry, making you look professional and trust-worthy.

This doesn’t have to be expensive, either.

When I started my cleaning business, I used a Cricut machine which I already owned to make my own uniform. I ordered a cheap top from Amazon for less than £10 and printed my logo and details on the back.

Not good at DIY? No problem. There are lots of companies that will print you some uniform. Alternatively you could try a Print on Demand option.

Low cost – high impact. Win!

I took myself seriously, so others did too. This boosted my confidence on quotes and helped me secure cleaning clients.

*Bonus* – Put on your uniform and find someone to take a few headshots of you. This will be really beneficial for your website and social media.

Start a lean website

By now, you may already have a few clients.

I’d highly recommend getting a lean website online. You don’t need to pay a web developer to build a huge website.

However, you can start a simple site for next to no money using a site like WordPress.

I’d recommend this over builders like Squarespace or Wix since these are pricey and WordPress offers a lot more flexibility as you grow.

The only cost here is your domain name and basic hosting.

You can build on the website later; just get something out there which looks professional and includes:

• What you do

• The area you serve (this helps people find you on Google) along with a way to contact you. For example: “Professional home cleaning services in Ely, Cambrigeshire’
• A way for clients to contact you.

This will already set you apart from some local businesses who don’t prioritise their digital presence and, in time, will bring enquiries straight to your inbox.

*Bonus* – Connect your site to Google Analytics so you can monitor who’s coming to your site and see your progress!

Get leafletting

Print marketing should be a big part of your marketing strategy as a small local business owner.

This doesn’t have to cost a fortune either. You can buy a set of leaflets for less than £50.

Get yourself a free Canva account and design a leaflet which clearly states what your business does and a way to contact you.

Then get yourself out leafletting in your local neighbourhood.

*Bonus*: Create a section on the leaflet where you can write handwritten messages. People love handwritten stuff, particularly in local business. This is a great way to stand out from the competition. You can write a short and simple message like ‘Hello, I’m [name] and I’m offering these services in our neighbourhood’ or you can personalise it more.

Don’t stress over socials

Let’s be real for a sec, social media can feel exhausting.

I’d highly recommend not wasting energy on social media as a new service business.

Instead, focus on high impact traditional / print marketing strategies.

For example

• Get leafletting (as per above)
• Find local community newsletters where you can advertise
• Attend local networking events -> you could join your local Chamber of Commerce / attend their free events
• Put up posters in local spaces where your clients may visit (e.g. library, coffee shop, community centre)

Good luck!

Want a free Local Marketing Audit for your business?

• Audit your online presence (Google Business Profile, social media, website)
• Provide 3-5 quick wins in a Loom video

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NN Studio is a freelance marketing and business support agency based in Ely, Cambrigeshire. I specialise in supporting local businesses to get started and grow through organic marketing strategies.