Free ways to advertise your business

Free advertising is never quite free, because it costs time. It is still the best place to begin, and it makes paid advertising work better later.

Complete your Google Business Profile

Fill in every field, choose the right categories, add real photos, keep your hours current and post updates. For local businesses this often brings more calls than a website.

Collect reviews

Ask every happy customer, soon after the job, with a direct link to make it easy. Reply to every review, good or bad, politely.

Keep listings accurate

Make sure your name, address and phone number are the same everywhere customers might look, including the main directories and any industry sites.

Ask for referrals

Tell your best customers you would welcome introductions, and thank people who send business.

Partner with neighbors in business

Find businesses that serve the same customers without competing, such as a plumber and a real estate agent, and refer to each other.

Be useful in your community

Answer questions in local groups, join networking groups, speak at local events and share genuine advice. Avoid pushing a sales message.

Email your past customers

A short, helpful note to people who already know you can bring repeat business. Make sure you have permission and include a way to unsubscribe.

Share your expertise

Write helpful guides or short videos that answer the questions customers ask you most, so people searching can find you.