Hey, this is Cameron from Saltd Studio.
I have been doing this kind of work since I was in high school. 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 blank.
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 Simple 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, GoDaddy, or Wix and 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
Make a Simple Video Ad
Woah, an ad? I know this feels like we are getting a little fancy, but this can actually work really well even if you have zero experience. It is also one of the quickest ways to get attention.
Make a short vertical video, similar to Instagram Reels or TikTok. If that seems overwhelming, chances are you have someone in your life from the Gen-Z generation and they’ll be happy to help you in exchange for a Dutch Bros Coffee.
In the video, you can say something like:
“Are you looking for [business category] in [city]? Hey, I am [your name], the owner of [your business]. We do those things and think you’ll love it. What makes us different is [elaborate a little] . If you come in or call and say you saw this ad, I will give you [something good].”
While you are talking, show clips of what you actually do.
- Restaurants can film food being prepared
- Service businesses can film themselves working
- Product based businesses can film their space and products
Edit everything together in CapCut or Canva. Aim for about a 30 second video. It does not need to be perfect, but make sure to say or show what you do right away in the video.
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 people doing real things stand out because they feel authentic.
Post the video on Instagram or Facebook. If you want to keep things simple, boost the post.
Start with about $10 a day. Let it run for around a month at least. See if you get calls, messages, or visits.
The offer gives people a clear reason to reach out and helps you track whether the ad is 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).
- 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.
If you need help setting any of this up, that’s what we do at Saltd Studio 🤍
