How to Market Your Business (Without a Marketing Degree!)

Marketing your business sounds scary, right? Like you need a fancy degree and a giant pile of money. Nope! It really just comes down to a few simple things: having a website that says “Hi!”, showing up where your neighbors are looking for you, and being a friendly face online.

It’s not about some ridiculously complicated plan. It’s about taking small, easy steps to tell people what you do and why you’re awesome at it. You can totally do this.

Your Super Simple Marketing Map

Does the thought of marketing make your head spin? Let’s fix that right now. Forget all the confusing big words and scary charts. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense map to getting your business the attention it deserves. I promise it’s easier than putting together IKEA furniture.

Our journey starts with the most important thing in your marketing world: your website. It’s your online front door, your 24/7 salesperson who never sleeps, and the home base for everything else you’ll do. A simple, clear website can do most of the hard work for you, turning looky-loos into paying customers.

What to Expect

In this guide, we’re walking through the easy steps that actually work for small businesses like yours. No fluff, just simple advice you can use today.

We’re going to cover:

• Your Website: Making it a friendly place that gets people to call you.
• Google Search: Getting found on Google Maps when people nearby need you right now.
• Social Media: Making friends with customers without it feeling like a chore.
• Simple Ads: Reaching more people in your town with just a few clicks.

Before we dive in, here’s a quick peek at the simple but powerful tools we’ll be using.

Your First Marketing Steps at a Glance

These aren’t just random tasks; they’re the building blocks for getting more customers and growing your business. You got this!

The goal isn’t to become a marketing expert overnight. The goal is to get more customers. Every step in this guide is designed to help you do just that, simply and easily.

At its heart, marketing is all about getting the right people interested in what you do. This is often called what is lead generation marketing. We’ll show you how each piece, from your website to your social posts, helps bring in those wonderful customers.

Ready to get started? Let’s take the first step together.

Turn Your Website Into a 24/7 Salesperson

What if you could hire someone who works for you 24/7? This person never gets tired, never calls in sick, and spends all their time telling people how great your business is.

Sounds like a dream, right? Well, that’s exactly what a good website does. It’s your online front door, and it’s the heart of your whole marketing plan.

Forget all the confusing tech-talk. We’re not going to talk about code or servers. We’re going to focus on the simple, common-sense things that turn a website from an online flyer into a machine that gets people to call you.

Make a Great First Impression in 5 Seconds

When someone lands on your homepage, you have about five seconds to prove they’re in the right place. That’s it. If they’re confused, they’ll click away and probably never come back. Poof!

So, what’s the secret? Be super clear. Your homepage has to answer three questions, right away:

• What do you do? (Example: “We Fix Leaky Faucets in Newark”)
• Where do you do it? (Example: “Serving Licking County Since 1998”)
• What should I do next? (Example: “Call Now for a Free Estimate”)

This info needs to be right at the top in big, easy-to-read letters. No one should have to put on their reading glasses or scroll to figure out if you’re the person they need.

Think of your homepage like a billboard on the highway. A driver only has a few seconds to read it and get the message. Your website visitors are moving just as fast. Be quick and clear!

The Magic of a Big, Friendly Button

Once a visitor knows you can help them, you need to tell them exactly what to do next. This is where a call to action (CTA) comes in. It’s just a fancy term for a button or link that tells people what to do.

Don’t overthink it. Your button should be simple, obvious, and use action words.

A button that says “Click Here” is okay, but “Get Your Free Quote Now” is way better. It tells the person what they get for clicking. Place these buttons in easy-to-find spots—like at the top of your page and after you describe your services. Make them a bright, happy color so they stand out.

It’s like a friendly guide saying, “Hey, the next step is right over here!” Easy peasy.

Simple Design Wins Every Time

You don’t need a flashy, complicated website to get customers. In fact, a simple, clean website almost always works better. People are looking for answers, not a confusing art project.

A clean website helps them find what they need without getting frustrated and leaving.

A great way to do this is with a clear menu at the top of your page. Keep it super simple with pages like “Home,” “About Us,” “Services,” and “Contact.” Everyone knows how this works, so it makes it easy for visitors to look around. For service businesses, a well-structured site is a key part of great lead generation website design for home services contractors.

And if you really want your website to work hard, think about how chatbots can be leveraged for lead generation. This simple tool can say hello to visitors, answer basic questions, and even book appointments while you sleep. It’s a game-changer.

Your website is your home base. By making it clear, simple, and helpful, you create a powerful tool that works tirelessly to bring you more business. You don’t need to be a tech genius; you just need to think like your customer. And if you need a hand, we love building simple websites that just work.

Get Found by Local Customers on Google

What if you could put up a giant, glowing sign for your business that only shows up when a neighbor is looking for exactly what you sell? That’s not a sci-fi movie; that’s what happens when you market your business on Google.

And the best part? It’s way simpler than you think.

This isn’t about complicated tech stuff. It’s about making sure that when someone in your town searches “plumber near me” or “best coffee shop,” your business pops up right on their screen. You can absolutely do this.

This whole process is like claiming your own little spot on the digital map of your town. It’s one of the most powerful—and cheapest—ways to get a steady stream of customers.

Your Business on Google Maps

First things first: set up your Google Business Profile. Think of this as your free online sign on Google. It’s what makes your business show up on Google Maps and in local search results. For a local business, this is a total game-changer.

Setting it up is easy. You’re just filling in the blanks. You tell Google your:

• Business Name
• Address
• Phone Number
• Hours You’re Open

Once you claim and verify your profile, you’re officially on the map! It’s that simple. Now, when people are driving around looking for a service you provide, your business can show up right where they are looking.

You don’t need a marketing degree for this. If you can fill out a simple form, you can set up your Google Business Profile. This one small step puts you right in front of customers who are ready to buy.

Make Your Profile Shine

Just having a profile is good, but making it great is what makes the phone ring. A complete and active profile tells customers (and Google) that you’re a real, active business they can trust.

The first thing to do is add photos. Lots of them! Show off your best work, your friendly team, your clean truck, or the inside of your cozy shop. People love to see what they’re getting, and photos build trust right away. Fun fact: businesses with photos on their profiles get 42% more requests for directions on Google Maps.

Next, write a clear description of what you do. Use simple words and tell people why you’re the best choice. No need for fancy words; just be helpful and direct. This is a huge step if you want to learn how to optimize Google Business Profile so it really works for you.

The Power of Happy Customers

Reviews are like gold. When a potential customer sees a bunch of positive reviews on your profile, it tells them you’re trustworthy and good at what you do. In fact, 88% of people trust online reviews as much as a recommendation from a friend.

Don’t be shy about asking for them. After you finish a job for a happy customer, just ask, “Would you mind leaving us a quick review on Google? It really helps our small business.” Most people are happy to help, especially when they know it supports a local company.

Make it easy for them by sending a direct link to your review page. Responding to reviews—both good and bad—is also super important. A quick “Thank you!” shows you appreciate your customers, and a helpful response to a bad review shows you care.

This simple act of getting on Google and asking for reviews can completely change your business, bringing in new customers without you spending a dime on ads. You’ve got this.

Connect on Social Media (Without Wasting Your Time)

Does social media feel like a giant, noisy party where you’re just shouting and nobody hears you? You’re not alone. The biggest mistake business owners make is trying to be everywhere at once. That’s a super-fast way to get tired and give up.

The secret isn’t posting more; it’s posting smarter. You need to be where your customers are already hanging out. Think of it like setting up a lemonade stand on a busy sidewalk, not in the middle of a desert. Let’s make this simple and fun, without it taking over your life.

Go Where Your Customers Are

Stop and think about who you’re selling to. If you’re a home remodeler, your customers are on Facebook and Pinterest looking for ideas. They’re dreaming about their new kitchen while scrolling through before-and-after photos. That’s where you need to be.

But if you run the local coffee shop? Your happy place is Instagram. It’s made for pretty photos of coffee art and short, fun videos of your daily specials. A single yummy-looking photo can bring someone through your door that very afternoon.

Don’t try to be a star on five different apps. Just pick one or two that make sense and be great at them.

Social media isn’t a megaphone to shout “buy my stuff!” It’s a comfy couch where you can have a friendly chat with your neighbors. Be a real person, be helpful, and people will want to listen.

What Should I Even Post?

Okay, you’ve picked your spot. Now the blank screen is staring back at you. What in the world do you post? The goal is to be interesting and helpful, not just another boring ad.

Here are a few super-simple ideas that work for any local business:

• Show Off Your Work: People love a good before-and-after. Post photos of that messy yard you cleaned up, that great haircut you gave, or that beautiful cake you decorated.
• Introduce Your Team: Snap a quick photo of an employee and share a fun fact. This shows the real people behind your business and builds trust. People buy from people they like.
• Ask Simple Questions: Don’t just talk at your followers. Ask them things like, “What’s your favorite fall activity here in Newark?” or “Coffee or tea to start your day?”
• Share a Quick Tip: If you’re a plumber, a 30-second video on how to stop pipes from freezing is super helpful. If you’re a baker, share your secret for keeping cookies soft. Give away good advice for free.

This isn’t about making a Hollywood movie. A simple photo from your phone often feels more real and trustworthy than a slick, professional ad. Learning how to increase social media engagement is really just about being yourself.

Make It a Small Part of Your Day

You don’t need to be glued to your phone for hours. I’m serious. Just set aside 15-20 minutes a day to check in.

Use that time to post something new, reply to a few comments, and see what people are talking about. That’s it. Doing a little bit every day is way better than doing a lot once a week.

Still not sure it’s worth the time? Think about this: there are about 5.24 billion social media users in the world. And a whopping 91% of companies use it for marketing because it works. It’s where your customers are spending their time.

Building a real community is one of the most powerful things you can do. For an amazing example, check out the story of how Chod Yarnelli grew a Facebook foodie group from 0 to 65.7k members. He built a huge, friendly group one person at a time.

You’ve got this. And if you feel stuck, we’re here to help you figure it out.

Alright, your website is ready, your Google profile is shining, and you’re making friends on social media. People can finally find you. Now it’s time to send out a few personal invitations.

Think of ads and email as a friendly knock on the door. You’re not shouting in the town square anymore; you’re talking to people you already know are interested. This is how you stop waiting for customers and start going out to get them.

And you can absolutely do this. This isn’t about giant budgets or confusing charts. It’s about being smart and talking directly to your best potential customers.

Dip Your Toes in with Simple Ads

I get it. The word “ads” sounds expensive and complicated. Forget all that. For a local business, running a simple ad can be as easy as “boosting” a post on Facebook.

See that great before-and-after photo you posted that got a bunch of likes? For just a few dollars, you can show that exact post to thousands of other homeowners in your town. It’s like taking your best flyer and putting it on a magic bulletin board that everyone is guaranteed to see.

This isn’t about becoming an ad expert overnight. It’s about finding what’s already working and giving it a little push. You can start with a tiny budget—think $5 a day—just to see what happens. Our guide on super simple ads shows you exactly how to do this without the usual headache.

Email Is Your Secret Weapon

“Email? Isn’t that old-fashioned?” Not at all. Email is your direct line to your best customers—the people who already raised their hand and said, “Yes, I’m interested.” It’s personal, it’s direct, and boy, does it work.

These are people who chose to hear from you. You’re not bothering them; you’re just continuing a conversation they already started.

First things first, you need to collect those emails. Just add a simple box on your website. Something like:

• “Get 10% Off Your First Service! Join our email list.”
• “Sign Up for a Free Lawn Care Tip of the Month.”

When someone gives you their email, they’re giving you their trust. Your only job is to send them things that are actually helpful, not just a bunch of ads.

What on Earth Do I Send Them?

This is where everyone gets stuck. Don’t overthink it. Your emails can be super simple and still work great. The goal is just to stay on their mind, so when they need your service again, you’re the first person they think of.

Here are a few easy ideas:

• A Monthly Hello: Once a month, send a simple email with a useful tip. A plumber could send a quick reminder about getting pipes ready for winter. Done.
• Special Offers: Give your email list a special discount nobody else gets. It makes them feel important.
• Company News: Did you hire someone new? Snap a photo and write a quick hello. It shows the human side of your business.

Making it personal is what works. In fact, 80% of people are more likely to buy from brands that feel personal. This isn’t just a silly marketing idea; it’s how you actually grow your business. You can look at these powerful marketing trends to see how small, personal touches make a huge difference.

Getting started doesn’t require complicated software. There are some great, easy-to-use tools out there for beginners.

Simple Marketing Tools to Get You Started

Don’t get stuck trying to pick the “perfect” one. Just grab one and go. They all get the job done.

Forget about trying to create a perfect, fancy-looking email. A simple, friendly message that sounds like it came from you is way more powerful. Just be yourself.

Ads and email aren’t about shouting at the whole world. They’re about whispering a helpful reminder to the people who are ready to become your best customers. Start small, be helpful, and watch what happens.

Your Simple Weekly Marketing Plan

So, we’ve covered your website, Google, social media, and a few simple ads. Awesome. But looking at it all at once can feel like you’ve been handed a giant to-do list for a party you never even wanted to throw.

Don’t panic. Marketing your business isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about doing small things again and again. Think of it like watering a plant—you don’t dump a whole bucket on it once a month and hope for the best. You give it a little water every few days.

Your One-Hour-a-Week Plan

Seriously, that’s all you need to get started. Just one focused hour a week can make a huge difference. The trick is to chop that hour into tiny, easy-to-do pieces. You can absolutely do this.

Here’s a super-simple schedule to get you going. This breaks down how you can spend just 60 minutes a week to keep your marketing going.

This shows that with just 20 minutes for each key task—social media, your Google profile, and email—you build a consistent and powerful marketing habit.

That’s it. That’s your entire “scary” marketing plan. It’s just three small tasks that add up to big results over time. You don’t need to be a marketing genius; you just need to do it.

You are in complete control. Marketing isn’t some secret club. It’s just showing up, being helpful, and reminding people you exist. You already have everything you need to succeed.

Making It Even Easier

Once you get into a routine, you’ll find ways to make this even faster. For example, new tools using Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help you write social media posts or email ideas in seconds.

The AI marketing world is expected to grow to $107.5 billion by 2028 for one reason: it saves small business owners like you a ton of time. You can learn more about how AI is changing the marketing game and get a jump on the competition.

You now have the knowledge and a super simple plan. The hardest part is just starting. Pick one hour this week, put it on your calendar, and just get it done. And if you ever feel stuck or want a second opinion, remember we’re here to help. No confusing words, just simple advice to help you grow.

Your Top Marketing Questions, Answered

Over the years, I’ve heard the same questions from hundreds of business owners. You’re not alone in wondering this stuff. Let’s cut through the confusion and get you some straight answers. No nonsense, just what you need to know.

How Much Do I Really Have to Spend on This Stuff?

This is always the first question, and it’s a good one. You’re worried about wasting money on something that might not work. I get it. The good news? You can start for almost nothing.

Some of the most powerful things you can do don’t cost a penny.

• Setting up your Google Business Profile so people can find you on Maps? $0.
• Posting your work on Facebook or Instagram? Also $0.

When you’re ready to try out paid ads, you can start with as little as $5 a day on a platform like Facebook. Think of it like buying a cup of coffee to test it out. You don’t need a huge budget to see who’s interested.

Which Social Media Platform Should I Be On?

Trying to be on every single platform is a fast way to get overwhelmed. Don’t do it. The real answer is simple: go where your customers are already hanging out.

If you’re a painter, landscaper, or baker, your business is all about visuals. Instagram and Pinterest are your playground. People go there to see pretty things. If you’re a plumber, roofer, or run another local service, Facebook is almost always a safe bet for getting in front of people in your town.

Pick one, maybe two, and get good at them. You can always add more later.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

This is the tricky one. Some marketing is like a microwave—fast and hot. Other marketing is like a slow cooker—it takes time, but the results are amazing.

A smart local ad on Facebook can literally make your phone ring the same day you turn it on. That’s the microwave.

Building up your reputation on Google so you show up at the top of the search results (the pros call this SEO) is the slow cooker. It can take a few months to really get going, but once it does, it brings you customers for a long, long time.

The most important thing is to just start. Seriously. Stop waiting for the “perfect” plan. Pick one thing from this guide and do it this week. A few small, steady steps will lead to big results. You’ll be amazed.

You’ve got everything you need to get moving. And when you decide you want a hand, The Cherubini Company is here to make it simple. We can build you a website that actually brings in customers or run ads that work, all without the confusing headaches. Learn how we help businesses like yours grow.