Where Do You Even Start With Marketing as a Small Business?

You’ve got the hustle. You’ve got the skills. But when it comes to marketing your small business?

Cue the blank stare.

The other night, I chatted with a young entrepreneur who had launched a Halifax service-based business. He was doing all the right things: knocking on doors, handing out flyers, even building a website. But then came the million-dollar question:

"How do I even start doing marketing? I can only hang so many door hangers in a day before I run out of time - how do I get more visibility without running around for hours?"

And just like that, we were off.

If you’re a small business owner trying to figure out where to start with marketing - especially when time and money are tight - here’s how to think about your first few steps.

1. Start With Google (But Not the Way You Think)

Everybody wants to be #1 on Google. But before you throw money at ads, make sure your foundation is solid:

• Google Business Profile – Claim it, optimize it, and ask for reviews from happy customers. This is your fastest path to showing up locally.
  

• SEO Basics – Write helpful blog posts. Make sure your website is clear, mobile-friendly, and tells people exactly what you do and where you do it.
  

• Content Over Time – SEO takes patience, not pockets full of cash. If you’ve got time, start creating consistent content around what your customers are searching for.

Think of it as planting seeds - it’s slow at first, but it grows while you sleep.

2. Use Paid Ads Strategically

You don’t need a huge budget to start seeing traction. The key is picking the right platform for your business:

• Facebook & Instagram Ads (Meta Ads)

  • Great for local businesses on a budget
    

  • You can target your ideal neighborhood, age group, and interests
    

  • Start with $300–$500/month to test the waters
    

• Google Local Service Ads (If You Qualify)

  • Only pay per qualified lead
    

  • You must fall into a specific category and get verified first
    

  • Shows up above traditional Google Ads
    

• Traditional Google Ads

  • Powerful, but expensive
    

  • Better once you have a clear offer and sales process in place

Start small, learn what works, then scale. Don’t light your budget on fire trying to sprint before you can walk.

3. Get More Reviews - It’s Free and It Works

Social proof is the secret. Ask past customers to leave a Google review. Follow up. Make it easy. Then share those reviews on your site and social.

More reviews = more trust = more leads. Simple as that.

4. Repurpose What You’re Already Doing

Got a website? Good. Make sure it’s working for you:

• Turn frequently asked questions into blog posts
  

• Share those blog posts on social
  

• Reuse the content in email newsletters

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. You just need to get rolling.

5. Don’t Try to Do It All Alone

Marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t need to become a TikTok influencer or a Google Ads wizard overnight.

You just need a plan - and a few smart steps to get moving in the right direction.

Need support getting started?
We’ll help you figure this out one step at a time.

👉 Book a free call with our team and let’s make a simple, doable marketing plan that fits your business.

You’ve already done the hardest part: starting. Let’s make sure people know you’re out there.