Hey, this is Cameron from Saltd Studio. I’ve been helping small businesses advertise locally for 15 years. I know that makes me sound like a nerd, but it also means I have spent a lot of time learning what actually works. If you are a local business owner, I want to help make this stuff feel less overwhelming.
Starting a business is already hard enough. You have a great product or service and you want people in your area to know about it. Then marketing enters the picture and suddenly you are flooded with advice from gurus promising that if you just do one thing, you will blow up like they did.
The truth is simpler than that. There are a lot of ways to get found online, and most of them can work when done consistently. Below are some of the easier and most affordable ways local businesses can show up online and attract real customers.
Create and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
If you only do one thing from this list, do this.
Create a Google Business Profile and fill out as much information as possible. Do not leave anything incomplete.
Make sure you include:
- Your business name
- Address or service area
- Phone number
- Website
- Business hours
- Services or products
- A clear description of what you do and where you do it
- Your logo
- A few real photos taken on your phone (don’t use stock photos or photos that you “borrowed” from Google)
Once everything is filled out, your profile strength should turn green and say it looks good.
After that, come back at least once a month to upload a new photo and post a short update. This update can be about an offer, a description of a service you offer, or something happening in your business.
Google Business Profiles often show up at or near the top of search results, especially for local searches and Google Maps.
Going forward, politely ask every happy customer to leave you a Google review. The more real reviews you get, the better you are likely to rank.
Create a Quick Website
You do not need a perfect website. You just need one that exists and clearly explains what you do.
Use a website builder like Squarespace to get something live. Do not overthink it. You can always improve it later.
At a minimum, your website should include:
- Your products or services and a description of each
- Real photos of your business, even if they are taken on your phone
- Clear contact information (Name, Address or Service Area, Phone Number)
Once your site is live, make sure it is linked to your Google Business Profile. This helps Google connect everything and trust your business more.
Do Basic SEO on Your Website
SEO sounds intimidating, but most local competitors are not doing even the basics. That gives you an opportunity.
On the homepage of your website, add a main headline, ideally an H1 (the biggest header you can select), that says something like:
[Your business category] in [your city]
Example: Bakery in Albuquerque
Below that, add a short section explaining why your product or service is different. Be honest and specific. Avoid generic phrases like best quality service. You know why customers choose you, so explain it in your own words.
Next, find where you can edit your page title and meta description.
Page title example:
[Business category] in [city] | [Business name]
Meta description example:
We offer [business category] in [city] with friendly, reliable service. Contact us today to learn more.
Bonus tip: If possible, create a dedicated page for each service you offer and follow a similar structure. If you are just getting started, even a one page website works.
If you already have a website, here is a basic checklist:
- One clear big headline per page
- Your city or service area mentioned on the page
- Page titles and meta descriptions filled out
- Real photos instead of stock photos (and again please no “borrowing” photos from Google Images)
- Contact information easy to find (Name, Address or Service Area, Phone Number)
- Website linked to your Google Business Profile
Take a look at our step-by-step Squarespace SEO checklist for more details.
Make a Simple Video Ad
Woah, an ad? I know this might feel like we’re getting a little fancy, but this can actually work really well even if you have zero experience running ads. In fact, it is one of the quickest ways to get attention in your local area.
Make a short vertical video, similar to Instagram Reels or TikTok. It does not need to be complicated or highly produced. Just use your phone. If that feels overwhelming, chances are you have someone in your life from the Gen-Z generation who can help you film and edit it in exchange for a Dutch Bros coffee.
If you want help writing what to say, you can use this prompt in ChatGPT:
“Write a simple 30 second Instagram Reel script for a [business category] in [city]. Keep it very clear, conversational, and easy to film in one take with minimal editing. Start with a strong hook in the first 3 seconds, clearly explain what we do, share one thing that makes us different, and end with a specific special offer. The special offer is [insert offer] and the thing that makes us different is [insert here].”
Edit everything together in CapCut or Canva. Aim for about a 30 second video. It does not need to be perfect, but make sure you clearly say or show what you do in the first few seconds so people immediately understand.
What matters most is that you are a real person on camera explaining what you do. In a world full of AI content and overly polished ads from big companies, real business owners showing up as themselves stand out because they feel authentic.
Post the video on Instagram or Facebook. Boost the post for at least $10 a day and let it run for a month. Try not to turn it off after a day because it takes time to work. When talking with new customers, ask if they saw you on social media.
The offer gives people a clear reason to reach out and makes it easier for you to track whether the ad is actually working.
Send a Simple Monthly Email
Email marketing sounds intimidating, but it does not need to be complicated.
Most POS systems and website builders offer a basic email or newsletter feature. Once a month, send a short update to your customers. If you don’t have an email blast feature, check out Mailchimp. It’s owned by the same people who make your taxes easy (TurboTax). Squarespace also has Email Campaigns if you went that route for your website design.
- Use a real photo of something recent
- Write a genuine update about what you are doing
- Share any offers or news
Ask customers if they want to be part of this list and only email people who have given permission. This keeps your list healthy and builds trust.
Post Regularly on One Social Platform
You do not need to be everywhere. Pick one platform and focus on it.
Instagram works well for many businesses, but Facebook, LinkedIn, or another platform might be better for you.
The most important thing is consistency and just doing it.
For example, you could decide that every Friday you will post one thing. It can be a photo or a short video of something you did that week. It is okay if it feels rough or imperfect. People tend to connect more with real content than polished marketing.
Consistency is what actually works. None of these strategies are overnight success tricks. They all take time and consistency.
Pick one or two of these and commit to doing them for three months, six months, or even a year. Showing up consistently is what builds trust, visibility, and real growth for local businesses.
Shameless Plug (Because We’d Love to Help)
I hope you got something out of these tips. If you’d rather not figure it all out yourself, that’s what we’re here for. We’ve spent years doing this (and even more advanced tactics) for our own business and for others, and we’d love to take it off your plate.
👉 Contact us here to learn more about our marketing packages, or subscribe to Pass the Salt (our newsletter) and follow us on Instagram to stay connected.
