Running a small business in Clatskanie (or any small town) isn’t easy. You may find yourself relying on word-of-mouth, but sometimes that’s not enough. Maybe things slow down in the off-season, or maybe you just know you could be getting way more business if the right people actually found you.
It’s frustrating, isn’t it? You know you’ve got a great service or product, but somehow, it feels like you’re stuck in the same routine. The good news? You don’t need to have a massive ad budget or a marketing team to get more customers in the door. In fact, you don’t even need to spend a ton of money to make a huge difference. You just need to make sure that the right people can find you online and that your business looks solid when they do.
So, let’s talk about how to make that happen, even if your marketing budget is tight. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but a few simple changes can seriously boost your business.
This one seems like a no-brainer, but a surprising number of small businesses (not pointing any fingers) have websites that are outdated, slow, or just plain confusing. If your website looks like it was made in 2008, loads like it’s running on dial-up, or is impossible to figure out what exactly it is that you do, you’re losing potential customers without even realizing it.
Think about it—how many times have you gone to a website only to leave because it took forever to load or it wasn’t clear what the business offered? If you’re like most people, probably more times than you care to count.
Quick fix:
People don’t have time to deal with clunky, slow websites. If yours doesn’t work well, they’ll go somewhere else. The good news? A simple, mobile-friendly website that loads fast doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It’s one of the easiest things you can do to start converting more visitors into customers.
Here’s the thing: A lot of people don’t just rely on word-of-mouth anymore. They pull out their phones, hop on Google, and search for “roofing in Clatskanie” or “best coffee shop near me.” And if your business isn’t showing up in those search results, they’re calling someone else.
Now, I get it. SEO (search engine optimization) sounds complicated, but here’s the thing: you don’t need to be an SEO expert to get better results. The key is making sure people can find you when they’re actively looking for businesses like yours.
Quick fix:
By just adding your location and relevant keywords to your website, you’re helping Google know what your business is about, which makes it easier for potential customers to find you. Think of it like a digital version of putting up a sign outside your store—but online.
I know, I know, social media can feel like a full-time job. You don’t have to post every day, but you do need to stay active enough so that people know you exist.
Imagine someone hears about your business and then checks out your Facebook page. If your most recent post was from 2019, they might think you’re closed or not around anymore. That’s not the impression you want to give.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to spend hours a day on social media to make it work. A couple of simple posts each week can go a long way.
What works:
Social media isn’t about being perfect or overthinking every post. Just keep it real, share some of your best work, and make sure people know you’re still open and actively doing business. Your customers will appreciate it, and it’ll give you a great opportunity to show off your business to new potential clients.
Social media doesn't have to be complicated. Reach out if you need a little extra help.
When most small business owners hear the word “ads,” they immediately think of wasting money on Facebook or Google ads that don’t bring in any results. But the problem isn’t ads—it’s often bad targeting and a lack of strategy.
Here’s the truth: When ads are done right, they can seriously move the needle for your business. But if you just boost random posts on Facebook or throw money at Google Ads without a plan, you’re not going to get the best results.
What works:
When ads are set up correctly, they can help your business gain more visibility and, most importantly, drive more customers. But just putting a little thought into your strategy can save you a lot of wasted money.
If your website isn’t on the first page of Google search results, most people aren’t going to find you. Simple as that. The good news is you don’t need to spend a ton of money or hire an SEO expert to start improving your search rankings.
Quick fix:
Small adjustments to your website can make a huge difference. By just incorporating relevant keywords and improving site speed, you’ll be helping your site rank better on Google, which means more potential customers finding your business.
Marketing your business doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By making it easier for people to find you, trust you, and contact you, you’ll see more traffic and more customers coming your way. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of this, don’t worry—there are professionals (like me) who specialize in helping businesses like yours grow online. But even if you choose to go it alone, start with a couple of these tips, and watch your business begin to thrive.
In the end, small changes can lead to big results. Don’t let your business stay in the shadows just because you think marketing is too complicated or costly. You’ve got this!
Click below to schedule a free consultation, and let’s chat about how we can grow your business—without breaking the bank.
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