It’s one of the most common questions I hear from small and solo business owners
“What’s the cheapest way to market myself?”
If you’ve Googled or asked A.I. this question at 2am while eating toast over your laptop, welcome. You’re in the right place. 😜
And the honest answer?
It depends. (you knew that was coming right lol)
I know. The “cheapest” way to get the word out isn’t a fixed tactic or a viral hack—it’ not a one size fits all, it’s about finding what works for you, your audience, and your stage of business.
Cheap Doesn’t Always Mean Effective
Posting for free on Instagram might seem like the cheapest option. But if your audience doesn’t even hang out there, or you’re spending 12 hours a week to get three likes and a vague emoji comment from your mum—it’s not actually cheap.
Your time is valuable.
So the cheapest method with a decent return could be very different for you from what your friend the dog groomer is doing.
Marketing Is Multi-Faceted (and Should Be)
If you’re only using one channel (say, Instagram or flyers or emails), you’re relying on a single basket for your eggs. Risky.
Instead, think multi-faceted organic marketing.
- Digital-social media, emails, SEO, video, Google Business, local directories
- Traditional-word of mouth, flyers, markets, events, community noticeboards, car signage, referrals
You don’t need to do it all. You need to do what your customers actually notice and respond to.
What Works Best Depends on WHO You’re Talking To
Marketing to 22-year-olds in city apartments? Probably online-heavy.
Selling to regional families who care about sustainability? Maybe a mix of local events, community Facebook groups, and good old-fashioned referrals.
Your strategy should be shaped around your audience’s behaviour, not just what’s “free” or trending.
Examples
Let’s say you’ve got:
A $0 budget but 10 hours a week.
Focus on relationship marketing, personal outreach, engaging on socials, email newsletters, local networking. Free but time-intensive.
A $500 budget but no time
Outsource something. Maybe get help with SEO, boost a high-performing post, or pay for someone to write a killer email sequence.
A good product + no idea where to start
Start with where people are already looking for you. Google Business, local word of mouth, and a basic website that doesn’t look like it was made in 2004.
Ask these questions
Instead of asking, “What’s the cheapest way to market my business?” ask:
✅ Who am I trying to reach?
✅ Where do they hang out or look for businesses like mine?
✅ What do I actually enjoy or have the capacity to do consistently?
✅ Where have my customers come from so far?
✅ What’s already working (even a little)?
Then build from there.
Remember
- Cheapest doesn’t always mean most effective.
- Multi-channel marketing works best—but doesn’t actually mean “do everything”.
- Tailor it to your audience, your strengths, and your stage of business.
- Focus on return, not just cost.
If you’re not sure what to do first or you’re stuck in DIY decision fatigue, get in touch. We help small businesses sort through the noise and build practical, no-nonsense strategies that make sense for your business and budget.
