Starting Digital Marketing for Your Small Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve got a small business or start-up, and you know you need to start marketing it. But where do you even begin? Maybe you feel overwhelmed by all the options: social media, websites, email campaigns, flyers… it’s a lot. And let’s face it, you’re worried it’s too technical or time-consuming. You’re not alone! A lot of small business owners fall into the trap of trying to do everything without stopping to figure out what’s actually going to work for them.
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to do it all. The key is to start small, focus on what’s going to give you real results, and build from there. Let’s break it down into simple steps.
1. Define Your Goals
The first mistake people make is jumping into marketing without asking, Why am I doing this? Think about what you want to achieve. Do you want:
More sales?
To build awareness about your business in your local area?
To get people to an event?
Having clear goals will keep you focused and help you measure success. For example, if your goal is to drive foot traffic to your shop, that’s a different strategy than selling products online.
2. Know Your Audience
Once you know what you want to achieve, you need to figure out who you’re talking to. Here’s how to break it down:
Demographics: What’s their age, gender, location, and profession?
Pain Points: What problems can your business solve for them?
Media Habits: Where do they hang out? Are they scrolling on Facebook, Googling for solutions, or checking the local community centre notice board?
Getting into your audience’s mind will help you decide where to focus your efforts. For example, if your audience is young and tech-savvy, Instagram might be your go-to. If they’re older and local, a simple flyer or Google My Business listing might be better.
3. Start with a Plan
Now that you know your goals and audience, it’s time to make a plan. This will save you from wasting time on random marketing activities. Here’s what to do:
Define Your Brand: What’s your tone of voice? What colours, fonts, and style should people associate with your business? Consistency is key.
Create Templates: Use tools like Canva to design simple templates for social media posts, flyers, or emails.
Schedule Content: Platforms like Meta Business Suite (for Facebook and Instagram) let you plan posts in advance, or you can use other scheduling tools such as Buffer, Hootsuite or Sproutsocial. That way, you’re not scrambling for ideas every day.
4. Focus on the Essentials
You don’t need to be everywhere at once. Start with the basics that match your goals and audience:
Website: If you need a web presence, keep it simple. A one-page website or landing page might be enough.
Google My Business: Essential for local businesses to show up on Google Maps and local searches.
Social Media: Choose one platform that fits your audience. For example, Facebook for local communities or Instagram for visual businesses.
Email List: If you already have customers, collect their email addresses and keep in touch with regular updates or offers.
5. Measure and Adapt
Once you start your marketing efforts, track your results. Did that Facebook ad bring in new customers? Are people visiting your website? Tools like Google Analytics and social media insights can help you see what’s working and what’s not. Then, adjust your strategy accordingly.
Bonus Tip: Get Expert Help
Marketing doesn’t have to be a solo mission. A marketing consultant can:
Help you set up a strong foundation.
Provide expert advice tailored to your business.
Manage campaigns to save you time and stress.
Often, hiring a consultant is far more cost-effective than trying to do it all yourself or hiring an internal team. At Remarkabull Marketing, we specialise in helping small businesses get real results without breaking the bank.
We can listen to your marketing challenges and provide expert advice, as well as tailored solutions for your business. If in doubt, book a free, no obligation consultation with Lydia, our marketing expert.
To sum it all up
Starting digital marketing for your small business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on your goals, understanding your audience, and sticking to a simple plan, you can start seeing results without burning out. Remember, it’s better to do a few things well than everything badly. And if you’re ready for a boost, don’t hesitate to call in the experts!