How do I grow my business? Leverage digital marketing!
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I grow my business?”, the answer might be simpler than you think: meet your customers where they already are - online.
Whether it’s a local café building a loyal following through Instagram or a handyman service appearing at the top of a Google search, digital marketing is about creating real connections that drive growth. In this post, we’ll break down actionable strategies that make sense for your small business and help you stand out.
How do I grow my business through digital marketing?
First, what is digital marketing?
It’s all the ways you promote your business online - from social media posts to showing up in Google search results and more.
Why does it matter?
If you’re asking, “How do I grow my business?”, digital marketing helps your customers find you online when they need your products or services.
Key components of digital marketing
Social Media:
Platforms like Instagram and Facebook let you connect directly with your audience.
- Beginner’s Guide to Social Media Marketing (HubSpot)
- Social media marketing for small business: Expert tips (Hootsuite)
Email Marketing:
Want loyal customers? Email helps you keep them engaged.
- What Is Email Marketing? (Constant Contact)
- How To Do Email Marketing For Small Businesses [2025] (Hubspot)
SEO (Search Engine Optimization):
This helps people find you when they search online. For example, if you’re a bakery in Chicago, you want to pop up when someone searches for “best bakery in Chicago.”
- What Is SEO? A Beginner’s Guide to Search Engine Optimization (Moz)
- SEO Tips for Small Businesses (bdc)
Paid Ads:
These get you noticed quickly, even if you’re just starting out.
- The Complete Survival Guide to Google Ads for Small Business (WordStream)
- Why Facebook Ads Work for Small Businesses (Business Builders)
Start small
Pick one or two tactics to focus on, and as you see results, expand your strategy to include more components. Digital marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming - it’s about meeting your customers where they already are!
A strong online presence = small business growth
Your online presence isn’t just a “nice-to-have” - it’s your business’s handshake with the world. Imagine you’re strolling through a neighborhood looking for a coffee shop. One has a clean, inviting sign out front and a menu that makes you want to step in. The other? No sign, a cluttered entrance, and no indication of what they offer. Which one are you walking into?
Now think of your website and social media profiles as that clean, inviting sign. They’re your business’s first impression - and they matter.
Do you really need a website?
Yes! A website is like your digital business card, open 24/7 to anyone searching for you. Even a simple site with your services, hours, and contact information gives potential customers a way to learn about you. For example, a local gym’s website showcasing class schedules and trainer bios can turn casual browsers into paying members.
Resource: How to Build a Small Business Website (Wix)
What about social media?
Think of social media as the modern-day word-of-mouth. Imagine a small bakery that regularly posts drool-worthy photos of their daily specials on Instagram. A follower sees those posts, tags their friends, and suddenly you’ve got a line out the door. Engaging, consistent posts build trust and keep your brand top of mind.
Pro Tip: You don’t have to be everywhere. Start with one platform where your audience hangs out - Facebook for local communities, Instagram for visual storytelling, or LinkedIn for professional services.
Tips for a solid online presence:
- Create a website: Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress make it simple to launch a professional site - even if you’re not tech-savvy.
- Be consistent: Use the same logo, colors, and tone across your website and social media to create a recognizable brand.
- Encourage reviews: Got happy customers? Ask them to leave reviews on Google or Yelp. For instance, a 5-star review of a pet grooming business can reassure a nervous dog owner and win you new clients. Resource: How to Get More Google Reviews (HubSpot)
A strong online presence is like having the best spot on Main Street - your business is visible, trustworthy, and ready to welcome customers, whether they’re searching at 2 PM or 2 AM. Take small steps, and watch your digital storefront turn into a magnet for growth.
How SEO helps local businesses get found.
Imagine someone searching “plumbers near me” on Google. Wouldn’t it be amazing if your business was the first result? That’s the dream of SEO - but let’s be real, it’s not as simple as sprinkling a few keywords on your website.
What is SEO, really?
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is about making your website easier for people - and search engines - to find and understand. It’s a mix of local keywords, quality content, and technical elements like site speed and mobile-friendliness. For small businesses, the process can feel overwhelming, but starting with the basics can make a big difference.
Quick SEO tips to get started:
- Focus on local keywords: Incorporate your city, neighborhood, or service area into your website copy. For example, “Reliable electrician in Denver” is more likely to get local attention than just “Reliable electrician.”
- Claim your Google Business profile: This free tool lets you show up on Google Maps and in local search results, boosting your visibility and credibility.
- Create useful content: Write blog posts or FAQs that answer customer questions. For example, a cleaning service could write about “How do you remove pet stains from carpets?”
- Check your website’s basics: Make sure your site is mobile-friendly, loads quickly, and has clear navigation.
Why SEO isn’t always easy (and that’s okay)
SEO takes time and effort. You’re competing with other businesses for the same local customers, and keeping up with Google’s ever-changing rules can feel like a full-time job. But the good news? You don’t have to do it all yourself.
Need more help?
The SMB Growth Network can connect you with SEO, social media, and digital marketing experts who know how to craft strategies tailored for small businesses like yours. Whether it’s optimizing your website, running local ad campaigns, or improving your social media presence, they can help you take your digital marketing to the next level.
SEO is a long game, but the results are worth it. When customers can find your business easily, it leads to more calls, foot traffic, and sales. Ready to get started? Start small, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
How do I grow my business using paid ads? Tips to reaching more customers.
Looking to get results faster? Paid ads can help you connect with potential customers almost instantly. Whether you’re using Google, Facebook, or Instagram, these platforms let you zero in on the exact audience you want to reach. Think of it as the digital version of putting your ad on the busiest street corner in your town - but with way more precision.
How to get started with paid ads:
- Start small: Begin with a modest budget to test which strategies work best for your business. For instance, spend $50 on a campaign targeting local customers before scaling up.
- Target your ideal customer: Be specific about who you want to reach. For example, instead of targeting "everyone," try something like "parents aged 30-45 in Denver searching for tutoring services." Platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads Manager make this easy with detailed targeting options.
- Track and tweak: Use analytics to measure your results. For example, if your ad promoting “50% off yoga classes” is getting clicks but not conversions, experiment with different headlines, images, or calls to action.
Why paid ads work for small businesses
Paid ads aren’t just about spending money - they’re about spending smartly. A well-placed ad can introduce your brand to new audiences, drive more traffic to your website, or even boost foot traffic to your store.
Pro tip: Amplify your efforts
Pair paid ads with strong visuals and clear calls to action. For example, a gym ad with “Join Today and Get Your First Month Free” alongside an image of happy, diverse members working out can draw more attention.
Conclusion
Digital marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, experiment, and focus on what works best for your business. A little effort online can go a long way in growing your brand and attracting customers.
If you're asking, "How do I grow my business?" SMB.co is here to help. Our Growth Network connects you with trusted local partners and provides resources tailored to your needs. Check us out at SMB.co for tools, insights, and support to make your digital marketing journey easier and more effective.
