At Business Growth Point, we focus on what really matters — practical strategies, real-world examples, and proven tactics to grow your business.
In 2025, advertising your business online isn’t just a smart idea—it’s essential. Whether you’re a local shop owner, a service provider, or an online brand, showing up where your customers spend time (which is mostly online) can make a huge difference in your growth.
But let’s be real: not every business has the same budget. Some are starting with zero, while others are ready to invest more. The good news? No matter your budget, there are effective ways to advertise your business online.
In this guide, we’ll cover 25 different strategies—from completely free methods, to cheap marketing options, all the way to more advanced paid tactics. Whether you’re asking “how to advertise my business online” or looking for creative ways to market your business, this guide is built for you.
Table of Contents
How to Promote My Business Online for Free
Let’s start with the best price tag of all: free. These 8 options won’t cost you money, just time and consistency.
1. Google My Business
Setting up and optimizing your Google My Business listing helps your company show up in local searches and Google Maps. It’s one of the best ways to promote your business locally—especially if you rely on foot traffic or local customers.
Tip: Fill out every section, add photos, and encourage customers to leave reviews.
2. Post on Social Media Regularly
Choose platforms where your target audience hangs out. Whether it’s Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn, showing up consistently builds visibility.
Try behind-the-scenes posts, tips, or customer shout-outs. It’s one of the top ways to promote your business on social media.
3. Start a Blog on Your Website
Blogging is a long-term strategy, but it works. Use keywords people search for (like “best plumber in [your city]” or “how to fix a leaky faucet”) and write helpful, informative posts.
Bonus: Blog content helps with SEO and makes your site more findable on Google.
4. List Your Business on Free Directories
Add your business to free platforms like Yelp, Bing Places, Apple Maps, and niche directories for your industry.
Local listings boost your visibility and help customers find your contact info fast.
5. Ask for Online Reviews
Encourage happy customers to leave reviews on Google, Facebook, or Yelp. These reviews build trust and help with local search rankings.
Send a quick thank-you email with a review link after completing a sale or service.
6. Join Facebook Groups or Niche Forums
Be active in local or industry-specific groups. Offer genuine help and advice, and mention your business when it’s relevant.
Example: A local business can share promotions in community Facebook groups.
7. Email Marketing with Free Tools
Use free email tools like Mailchimp or Brevo to build an email list and stay in touch with customers. Share updates, tips, and special offers.
Start by offering a freebie or discount in exchange for emails on your website.
8. Create Short-Form Videos
Start a YouTube channel or post Reels and TikToks. Short, helpful, or entertaining videos can go viral and build brand awareness—all for free.
Cheap Ways to Promote Your Business in 2025
If you’ve got a small budget, here are 8 cost-effective ways to make a bigger impact without draining your wallet.
9. Boost Social Media Posts
Take your best-performing posts and spend $10–$50 boosting them to reach more people. You can target by location, interest, and behavior.
10. Try Google Ads with a Small Budget
Even $5–$10 per day can go far if you target local searches like “best dentist near me” or “emergency plumber in [city].” This is a top way to advertise your business on Google.
11. Work with Local Influencers
Find micro-influencers in your area or niche. Offer them free products, discounts, or small payments in exchange for a post.
Local influencers often have more trust with their followers than big-name celebrities.
12. Design Affordable Ads Using Canva or Fiverr
Great visuals help your brand stand out. Use Canva Pro templates or hire affordable freelancers on Fiverr to create banners, social media graphics, or flyers.
13. Start a Referral Program
Reward your existing customers for bringing in new ones. Tools like ReferralCandy or GrowSurf make this easy, even on a budget.
“Refer a friend and get $10 off” works great in many industries.
14. Run Limited-Time Offers or Flash Sales
Create urgency with short-term promotions. Advertise these via email, social media, and community groups.
A good deal spreads fast—especially with loyal customers.
15. Use SMS Marketing Tools
Text marketing tools like SimpleTexting offer plans starting at low prices. Text messages have high open rates and are great for time-sensitive deals.
16. Launch on ProductHunt or Similar Sites
If you’ve got a new product, tool, or app, launch on platforms like ProductHunt. They’re free to join but can drive major exposure.
Scalable Ways to Advertise My Business Online
Got more to invest? These 9 methods offer bigger reach and more measurable results.
17. Run Google Search Ads with High-Intent Keywords
Use exact match keywords like “buy running shoes online” or “accounting services near me.” These ads target people ready to take action.
Make sure your landing pages match the keywords you’re bidding on.
18. Use Facebook and Instagram Retargeting
Ever visited a website and then saw their ad later? That’s retargeting. It keeps your brand top-of-mind and converts warm leads.
19. Try YouTube Ads
You can run video ads before or during YouTube videos or sponsor Shorts. It’s a visual, attention-grabbing way to connect with new customers.
20. Partner with Larger Influencers
Unlike local creators, these influencers may charge more, but their reach is massive. Great for launching new products or tapping into niche audiences.
21. Get Listed on Premium Directories
Platforms like Yelp Ads or niche-specific directories offer premium placement, helping you stand out from competitors.
22. Sponsor Niche Newsletters or Blogs
Find industry blogs or email newsletters that reach your ideal customer base. Sponsor a feature, banner ad, or giveaway.
23. Use Native Ads (Outbrain, Taboola)
These ads blend in with blog content across the web. They’re good for promoting content or soft-sell landing pages.
24. Hire a PPC Freelancer or Agency
If paid ads aren’t your thing, bring in a pro. A good freelancer can help you avoid wasting ad spend and improve ROI.
25. Host a Branded Giveaway
Use tools like Gleam or Rafflecopter to host a giveaway. Promote it across channels to grow your email list and social media followers.
Conclusion: Start Where You Are, Grow As You Go
You don’t need a huge budget to start promoting your business online. Whether you’re starting with zero dollars or ready to invest, there are smart and practical ways to reach more customers.
The key is to start small, test what works, and build on those wins. From Google My Business to social media ads, every tactic you try gets you closer to growing your brand.
So—which tactic will you try first to advertise your business online in 2025?
✅ Free vs. Paid Quick Guide
- Free: GMB, social media, blogging, email
- Cheap: Boost posts, run giveaways, SMS
- Paid: Ads, influencers, sponsorships
🛠️ Tools to Explore
- Canva, Mailchimp, Google Ads, Gleam, ReferralCandy
