A Beginner’s Guide for Entrepreneurs and Local Businesses
Published by Audubon Media
Why Marketing Matters More Than Ever
If you’re wondering “How do I market my business?”—you’re not alone. It’s one of the most searched questions by entrepreneurs and small business owners across the country. In today’s digital-first world, smart marketing is the key to standing out, attracting customers, and growing your brand.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to refresh your current strategy, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to market your business effectively. No jargon. No fluff. Just value-packed, easy-to-understand marketing strategies that work.
Step 1: Define Your Brand and Audience
Before you promote anything, you need to be clear on two things:
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Who you are (your brand voice, values, mission)
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Who you serve (your target audience)
Tip: Ask yourself—what problem does your product or service solve? And who benefits most from that solution?
Step 2: Build a Strong Online Presence
Every business—yes, even brick-and-mortar shops—needs an online footprint. At the very least, you should have:
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A professional website
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Active social media pages (start with 1–2 platforms your audience uses most)
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A Google Business Profile (for local visibility)
Step 3: Create Content That Educates and Engages
You don’t need to be a content marketing guru to get started. Think simple:
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Blog posts that answer common questions
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Social media posts showing your work, team, or behind-the-scenes moments
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Short videos showcasing your products or testimonials
Pro Tip: Content builds trust. People buy from brands they know, like, and trust.
Step 4: Use Email Marketing to Stay Top of Mind
Email is still one of the highest-ROI marketing tools available. Start building a list and send:
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Helpful tips
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Exclusive offers
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New product updates
Even a short, consistent newsletter can work wonders for customer retention.
Step 5: Leverage Local SEO and Reviews
If you’re a local business, visibility in search results is everything. Here’s how to improve it:
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Keep your Google Business Profile updated
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Ask happy customers for reviews
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Add your business to directories (like Yelp, Bing Places, Nextdoor)
Step 6: Run Strategic Ads (Without Wasting Money)
Start small with digital ads. Platforms like Facebook and Google Ads let you target specific audiences based on location, interests, or behavior. Focus on one clear goal at a time—such as promoting a product or driving traffic to your website.
Step 7: Track What Works—and What Doesn’t
The beauty of digital marketing? Everything is measurable.
Use tools like:
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Google Analytics (for website traffic)
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Meta Insights (for Facebook/Instagram engagement)
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Email open and click rates
This helps you stop wasting money—and double down on what’s working.
Start Simple, Stay Consistent
Marketing your business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Focus on progress, not perfection. Show up consistently. Stay curious about what works. And remember—marketing isn’t just about selling, it’s about serving your audience well.
Need help marketing your business?
At Audubon Media, we specialize in empowering small businesses with easy-to-follow marketing strategies and done-for-you services. Let us help you grow—authentically, affordably, and effectively.
Explore more tips at Audubon Media