You started your business to do what you love. But somehow, you’re spending more time trying to figure out what to post on Instagram than doing the thing you actually built your business around.
Sound familiar?
Welcome to small business marketing in 2025. The platforms have changed. The algorithms have evolved. The noise has gotten louder. And yet, the question remains the same:
How do I actually get people to notice my business?
This guide will walk you through the essentials of marketing your business in 2025—without a team, a massive budget, or the need to be everywhere at once. Just smart strategy, clear action steps, and a few things that still work (no matter what the algorithm says).
1. Get Clear on What You Want to Happen
Marketing isn’t magic. It’s not supposed to “just work.” It works when it has a goal.
So before you post, write, design, or pay for anything, ask:
- What am I trying to make happen?
- Do I want more leads? More sales? More awareness in my local area?
- How will I know if it’s working?
If you can’t measure it, you can’t fix it.
Track performance using tools like Google Analytics, your website platform’s built-in data, or a free CRM like HubSpot. Start with one clear objective and build everything else around that.
2. Stop Posting Just to Post
We get it. The feed looks empty. The pressure to be “active” is real. But if you’re posting content just to fill space, you’re wasting time.
Instead, create content that serves a purpose:
- Educates your audience (e.g. “What is the difference between seeding and sodding?”)
- Answers a common question (e.g., “How do I get more Google reviews?”)
- Builds trust or authority (e.g., sharing a client story or process)
- Drives action (like a click, share, or reply)
Use tools like Notion or Google Docs to plan ahead and stay strategic. You don’t need to go viral; you just need to be valuable.
3. Own Your Real Estate (Your Website Still Matters)
Social media is rented land. Your website is yours.
In 2025, having a clean, mobile-friendly website is still one of the best investments you can make. It doesn’t need to be fancy. It needs to:
- Clearly explain what you do
- Speak to your ideal customer
- Answer their top 3 questions
- Give them a clear next step (book, buy, contact, etc.)
Work with a team like Launch Kits to create a smart and affordable website that gets your business noticed online. (Bonus points if you tell them I sent you.)
You’ll also want to optimize your Google Business Profile. Use it to add your services, hours, photos, and ask for reviews.
4. Create One Solid Piece of Content Per Month
You don’t need a content calendar packed with 97 ideas. You need consistency.
Start by creating one helpful blog post, video, or guide each month. Make it something your ideal customer would Google, like:
- “How to plan a kitchen remodel”
- “What to look for in a moving company”
- “How to budget for your first financial advisor meeting”
Then repurpose that into:
- 3 Instagram posts
- 1 email
- 2 short videos or Reels
- A story or behind-the-scenes post
Use Canva, Loom, or CapCut to stretch your content even further.
5. Focus on Search (SEO Isn’t Dead, It’s Underrated)
Most business owners think SEO is too technical. Or too slow. But here’s the truth: People are still Googling what you offer.
If you show up when they’re actively looking, you’re already ahead.
SEO in 2025 is about:
- Writing helpful content with real keywords (use Ubersuggest, Keywords Everywhere, or SEMrush)
- Having a fast, mobile-friendly website (test it with Google PageSpeed Insights)
- Earning backlinks from local sources (like Chamber of Commerce sites, local blogs, or vendor lists)
You don’t need to rank for everything, but you do need to show up for the right things.
6. Use Social Media to Connect—Not Just Broadcast
You don’t need to be on every platform. But you do need to show up where your audience is already paying attention.
Pick 1-2 channels. Show up consistently. And focus on:
- Answering FAQs (use Instagram Stories Q&A or weekly tips)
- Showing your face (even a short check-in builds trust)
- Sharing behind-the-scenes (your process is part of your brand)
- Highlighting client stories or before/afters
Use scheduling tools like Later, Metricool, or Planoly to stay consistent. The goal shouldn’t just be more followers—it should be deeper trust.
7. Ask for Reviews (and Actually Use Them)
In 2025, word of mouth lives online. If someone has a great experience with your business, ask them to leave a review. Make it easy:
- Text them a direct link to your Google review form
- Include a review request in your post-project email
- Offer a small incentive (like a $5 coffee gift card)
Then:
- Add their words to your website or proposals
- Share quotes in your social content
- Turn testimonials into mini graphics with Canva
Reviews are your most trusted content. Use them often.
8. Make Data Your Co-Pilot
You don’t need to obsess over analytics, but you do need to know what’s working. So many business owners have no idea what tactics are effective or what efforts move the needle.
Every month, take 20 minutes to review:
- Which posts got the most engagement? (Check Instagram Insights or Facebook Creator Studio)
- Which blog posts brought in the most traffic? (Use Google Analytics or Jetpack Stats on WordPress)
- Where did your leads or sales come from? (Track form fills or DMs in a simple Google Sheet)
This isn’t about spreadsheets. It’s about direction. When you track even a little, you can adjust a lot.
You Don’t Need to Do Everything. You Need to Do the Right Things.
Most small business owners don’t fail at marketing because they’re lazy. They fail because they’re trying to do too much, without a strategy.
In 2025, the path to effective marketing is simple:
- Get clear on your goals
- Show up where it counts
- Stay consistent with the right things
Need help figuring that out? Let’s build your custom plan.
You’ve got enough on your plate. Let’s make your marketing work without making it your full-time job.
