10 free, non-techie tips for small business success in 2025

If you’re a small business owner looking to attract more customers without spending a dime, you’re in the right place. These 10 marketing tips for your small business in 2025 are easy to do, don’t require any technical know-how, and can help you grow your business right from your laptop, tablet, or phone. Whether you’re managing the marketing yourself or leaning on a partner, friend, or employee, these simple strategies can make a big difference.

Naturally, some of these tips may not fit your particular type of business. I trust that you’ll know which ones are ideal for your goals. Try not to get overwhelmed here. Prioritize the ones you feel are doable first and make your way down the list. The holiday season is a perfect time to work on these and prepare to boost the marketing for your small business in 2025. No excuses!

marketing tips for small business in 2025:

1. optimize your google business profile

Don’t let this intimidate you. As far as marketing tips to boost your small business in 2025, it doesn’t get more important than this one.

A Google Business Profile helps your small business show up when local customers search for services like yours. This profile is free and shows up on Google Maps and in local search results, making it a powerful tool to reach nearby customers.

How to Do It:

• Claim your business on Google Business Profile

• Fill in your business details like address, phone number, website, and hours.

• Add photos of your storefront, products, or services to make your profile look inviting.

• Encourage reviews by asking happy customers to leave feedback.

Quick Start Tip: Aim to update your profile monthly with fresh photos or updates. Google likes active profiles!

IMPORTANT:
Be sure your small business website is mobile friendly, meaning when people visit your website from their cell phone (and it’s a majority in many cases), your website must load fast and look great. Google will actually move your website further down the search results list if this part isn’t done properly. Seriously.

2. collaborate with other local small businesses in 2025

Another way to spread the word about your company in a free and very positive way is by teaming up with nearby businesses for cross promotions. It is a win-win and spreads goodwill among small businesses from your area. Find a business that offers products or services that complement yours. For example, if you own a bakery, consider collaborating with a nearby coffee shop.

How to Do It:

• Identify potential partners by thinking about businesses with a similar customer base.

• Reach out with a simple email introducing yourself and suggesting a collaboration idea, like a joint promotion or bundled offer.

• Plan a small promotion, such as a “Bring Your Receipt” deal where customers show a receipt from one store for a discount at the other.

What You’ll Need: Just an email or phone call to start!

Need some help? Since we are in the thick of this SEO stuff, we have methods that will help you get your small business the best chance to appear on voice search results. Give us a call at (916) 243-6660 – it’s still free to talk to us – or send us a message.

3. engage in online communities

Here’s another easy tip for marketing your small business in 2025. It can be done while you’re sitting in your dentist’s waiting room, while you’re in your car parked outside your kid’s soccer practice, or while you’re watching football. Joining online communities where your customers hang out is a great way to meet new people, answer questions, and share your business in a helpful, natural way.

How to Do It:

• Find local Facebook groups or online forums that allow business discussions.

• Answer questions and share tips without directly promoting yourself at first. Build trust by being helpful.

• Mention your business in a friendly way if it fits naturally into the conversation.

Quick Start Tip: Don’t overdo it! Aim to participate 1-2 times a week to keep it low-key and consistent.

4. guest appear on local and industry podcasts

Podcasts are a popular way to reach new customers, and most small podcasts are looking for local experts. Sharing your story or expertise on a podcast can introduce your business to new listeners. You can ask around for some podcasts your customers listen to and then contact them. Odds are, they’ll be excited to have you on as a guest. Depending on your business and/or your personality, they may even have you on as a regular!

How to Do It:

• Search for local or industry-specific podcasts by browsing podcast platforms or searching “[your industry] + podcast.”

• Send a friendly message introducing yourself and offering to share insights or a unique perspective relevant to the podcast’s audience.

• Prepare to talk about a few key points, like how your business got started, tips for others, or stories about your community involvement.

What You’ll Need: A basic microphone (your phone works too) and a quiet spot.

Liking these tips for marketing your small business in 2025,
but you still have some questions?
Give us a call if need advice. No charge. You can even set a time to talk yourself <HERE>

5. create a simple referral program

Here’s another easy tip for marketing your small business in 2025. Try encouraging your happy customers to refer friends is an easy way to reach new people. Referrals work because people trust recommendations from people they know.

How to Do It:

• Set up a simple reward for customers who refer new clients—like a small discount or freebie.

• Promote your referral program on receipts, in emails, or on a sign in your store.

• Thank customers who send referrals, even if it’s just with a quick call or email.

Quick Start Tip: Keep it simple! Make sure the reward is small but meaningful to encourage people to participate.

6. showcase customer reviews and testimonials

No list of tips for marketing your small business in 2025 would be complete without discussing the power of reviews–especially if you’re a business trying to get in front of local customers. People trust what other customers say about your business. Displaying testimonials from happy customers can boost confidence and encourage new business.

How to Do It:

• Ask satisfied customers if they’d be willing to share their feedback publicly.

• Add testimonials to your website or social media, especially those that highlight specific things your business did well.

• Display printed testimonials in your store or place of business where customers can see them.

What You’ll Need: A quick follow-up email or in-person ask.

IMPORTANT:
These tips for marketing your small business in 2025 (and beyond) can absolutely be a game-changer for you and your company. Many of these tips could seriously change the business’ trajectory and take your marketing into an area you may have never envisioned. Give as many of these tips a try as you can. No matter what happens, you’ll be helping your bottom line.

7. participate in local events

Joining community events lets you meet local customers face-to-face. Fairs, markets, and other gatherings are great for getting the word out about your business. Be creative. Just because you have an HVAC business doesn’t mean you can’t get a booth at the local farmer’s market. In fact, you’ll stand out like a sore thumb–ideal for marketing a business.

How to Do It:

• Look up local events or community calendars for fairs, farmer’s markets, or seasonal festivals.

• Set up a small table with a sign, samples, or information about your business.

• Engage with people by offering a free sample, a discount coupon, or even a fun contest they can enter on the spot.

Quick Start Tip: Bring along someone to help so you can take breaks and chat with people without getting overwhelmed.

Tips About Google:
If one of your goals for 2025 is to get your small business’ website to get found by potential customers, it’s important that you know what the all-powerful Google algorithm is looking at when it decides whether or not to put you in front of a web searcher. This article will give you a good overview of Google’s approach so you know what areas to work on <ARTICLE>

8. offer free workshops or classes

Hosting a workshop is a fun way to engage with your community and demonstrate your expertise. As far as tips for marketing your small business in 2025 go, this can be a fun and prosperous one. Plus, people love learning new things, especially when it’s free.

How to Do It:

• Pick a topic related to your business that people would be interested in learning.

• Choose a location, either a spot in your store or a virtual class if space is limited.

• Promote it through flyers, social media, and local event calendars.

What You’ll Need: A comfortable spot to host, a few materials, and a way to promote your workshop.

9. list your business on free online directories

Free online directories can help customers find you online, especially when they search for “businesses near me.” Listing on directories like Yelp or Yellow Pages is free and easy to set up. Find out where your competitors are listed. There may be online resources that will list your business for free that you’ve been missing out on.

How to Do It:

• Look up directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and niche-specific directories for your industry.

• Fill in your business details carefully, including address, phone number, hours, and photos.

• Update your listing whenever your information changes.

Quick Start Tip: Keep a document with your business info handy so you can copy and paste it for each listing.

10. send regular email updates

I’ll bet you didn’t expect these tips for marketing your small business – in 2025! – would talk about utilizing email of all things, but emails are a simple way to stay in touch with customers and keep them informed about special offers, new products, or events. It doesn’t have to be fancy—a basic email is all you need!

How to Do It:

• Collect emails from customers by asking if they’d like to join your list.

• Use a free email tool like Mailchimp to create simple updates.

• Send emails regularly (monthly works well) with news, tips, or special offers.

Quick Start Tip: Write like you’re talking to a friend. Keep it short and sweet, and aim to be helpful rather than “salesy.”

essentially, anything you do from this list will help market your small business in 2025

Marketing your small business for 2025 doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By taking a few small steps, you can make your business more visible, build customer loyalty, and grow your reach. Try starting with one or two of these tips, and see how they work for you. If you’d like more personalized help or more ideas, feel free to reach out—we’d love to support your success!

please note: I will be constantly updating this article as I find new information, change my mind, or if I hear feedback that I haven’t thought of – by people like YOU. I’ll also update this article if I think of ways to improve it. Without a doubt, keep checking back. Share this article with those who you think could use the help and please write your comments and questions below. It could help me…and others.