Frequently Asked questions

When it comes to the mysterious and crazy technical world of small business marketing, there really are no stupid questions.

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How much should a small business spend on marketing?

Most small businesses spend between 5-10% of their revenue on marketing. B2C companies typically spend more (5-10%) than B2B companies (2-5%). If you’re just starting out, you might spend between $5,000-$15,000 per month, though many small businesses spend less than $5,000.

The exact amount depends on:

• Your industry

• Your business goals

• Your current revenue

For very small businesses with less than $2 million in sales, the average total investment in websites and online marketing is about $34,000 over three years.

What marketing actually works for a tiny business?

For tiny businesses, these marketing approaches work best:

1. and optimization to help nearby customers find you

2. Email marketing to nurture leads and stay connected with existing customers

3. Content marketing that answers your customers’ questions

4. Social media marketing focused on platforms where your customers actually spend time

5. Referral programs that turn happy customers into salespeople

The key is focusing on methods that don’t require huge budgets or time commitments. Start with claiming your Google Business Profile, which is free and helps local customers find you when they search nearby.

How can I market my business when I have almost no budget?

You can market your business effectively with little to no budget by:

1. Starting a to your expertise and attract

2. Sending regular newsletters to stay connected with customers and prospects

3. Leveraging user-generated content by encouraging customers to share photos with your products

4. Growing your social media presence with consistent, valuable posts

5. Building local by partnering with other businesses in your area

6. Starting a to showcase your knowledge and build a loyal audience

These methods require more time than money, making them perfect for small businesses with tight budgets. Focus on one or two channels first rather than trying to do everything at once.

How do I get my business to show up when people search nearby?

To make your business show up in local searches:

1. Claim and fully optimize your Google Business Profile with complete business details, hours, photos, and regular posts

2. Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone Number () are identical across all online listings

3. Get more customer reviews on Google and respond to them promptly

4. Create content about local topics, events, and news on your website

5. Build backlinks from other local businesses and organizations

6. Optimize for mobile users since most local searches happen on phones

The most important step is setting up your Google Business Profile, as this powers Google’s local search results and map listings.

Why isn’t my website bringing in any customers?

Your website might not be bringing in customers for these common reasons:

1. Poor user experience - if visitors find your site confusing or hard to use, they leave quickly

2. Weak calls-to-action that don’t clearly tell visitors what to do next

3. Unclear value proposition - visitors don’t quickly understand what you offer and why it matters

4. Poor content that doesn’t answer customer questions or address their needs

5. Too much friction in your forms or checkout process

6. Lack of trust signals like reviews, testimonials, or clear contact information

7. Unwelcome surprises like hidden fees or shipping costs revealed late in the process

Focus first on making your website easy to use and clearly explaining how you solve customer problems. Make sure your contact information is easy to find and your forms are simple to complete.

What’s the fastest way to improve my online presence?

To quickly improve your online presence:

1. Set up and optimize your Google Business Profile for immediate local visibility

2. Run targeted pay-per-click (PPC) ads on Google or social media platforms

3. Claim all relevant online directory listings and ensure your information is consistent

4. Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google and respond to all reviews

5. Create or update your social media profiles on platforms where your customers spend time

6. Set up email marketing to stay connected with existing customers and prospects

Google Business Profile optimization offers the fastest results for local businesses, while paid advertising can generate immediate visibility for both local and online businesses.

How do I get my happy customers to refer new business?

To turn happy customers into referral sources:

1. Create a simple referral program with clear rewards for both the referrer and new customer

2. Offer incentives that matter to your customers - discounts, cash rewards, or exclusive perks

3. Make it easy to refer - provide simple sharing links, email templates, or referral cards

4. Ask for referrals at the right time, usually after a positive experience or compliment

5. Follow up with personal thanks when customers refer new business

6. Promote your referral program through email, social media, and on your website

Even small businesses can see big results from referral programs. For example, Toki Mats generated over $500,000 in referral revenue with a simple program offering 15% off for new customers and 10% of the purchase amount for referrers.

Why are my competitors getting more customers online?

Your competitors might be getting more customers online because they:

1. Have optimized their Google Business Profile more effectively for local searches

2. Create more helpful content that answers customer questions

3. Have a better user experience on their website that makes it easy to contact them

4. Use social media more strategically to engage with potential customers

5. Have more customer reviews and testimonials building trust with new visitors

6. Invest in targeted paid advertising to appear in front of ready-to-buy customers

7. Have clear calls-to-action that guide visitors toward becoming customers

The good news is that you can implement many of these strategies without a huge budget. Start by analyzing your competitors’ online presence to identify specific gaps you can address.

Do I need a website if I’m just a one-person business?

Yes, even as a one-person business, you absolutely need a website in 2025. Here’s why:

1. 97% of people learn about local companies online, so without a website, you’re invisible to many potential customers

2. Customers expect legitimate businesses to have websites and may question your credibility without one

3. A website works for you 24/7, providing information and collecting leads even when you’re busy

4. You control your brand message and information, unlike on social media platforms

5. It serves as a central hub for all your marketing efforts

6. It helps establish you as a professional in your field

Your website doesn’t need to be complex or expensive. A simple site with your services, contact information, and some testimonials is enough to start. As a one-person business, your website is often the first impression potential clients have of your work, so it’s worth the investment.