Marketing for Small Businesses, where to start.

Written By Ellie Thurley

If you've just started a business, chances are marketing feels like the thing you know you should be doing — but every time you sit down to do it, you're not sure where to begin. Social media? A website? Ads? All of it feels urgent and none of it feels clear.

Here's the good news: you don't need to do everything at once. You just need to start in the right place.

1. Get Clear on Who You're Talking To

Before you post a single thing, ask yourself: who actually buys from me? Not "everyone" — be specific. What do they struggle with? Where do they spend time online? Why should they choose you?

This isn't a step to rush. Every piece of marketing you do will land better once you actually know who you're speaking to.

Not everyone is your dream customer, and thats okay.

2. Make Sure Your Website Does Its Job

Your website doesn't need to be fancy, but it does need to be clear. Within a few seconds, a visitor should be able to answer three questions: What do you do? Who is it for? What do I do next?

If your site is confusing or outdated, it's quietly costing you customers — even the ones who found you through other marketing efforts.

Now, you’re not a web developer, and neither am I. Here are some easy to use, accessible website hosts that will help you step up your game:

  • WIX

  • Squarespace

  • Hostinger

3. Pick One Platform, Not All of Them

Social media is overwhelming there’s Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok each with their own weird and wonderful algorithms. Many try to use all of them and end up inconsistent, or wasting time trying to create the perfect reel or TikTok .

Rather than launching across all platforms, instead choose the one platform where your customers actually spend time, and show up there consistently.

One platform done well beats five done half-heartedly.

4. Start Collecting Email Addresses Early

Social media platforms come and go, algorithms change, and you don't own your followers. Your email list is yours. Even a simple newsletter signup on your website gives you a direct line to people who are genuinely interested in what you do — no algorithm required.

5. Track What's Actually Working

You don't need complicated analytics tools to start. Just pay attention: which posts get engagement? Which pages on your site get visited? Where are new customers actually coming from? Marketing isn't about doing more — it's about doing more of what's working and less of what isn't.

The Bottom Line

Marketing for small businesses doesn't have to be overwhelming, start with knowing your audience and keep an eye on what's actually driving results.

Most importantly, have fun whilst doing it.

If you'd rather have someone handle this for you, that's exactly what I'm here for — get in touch and let's talk.

Ellie Thurley