Low-cost marketing is the name of the game when you’re running a small business or nonprofit on a budget. You need strategies that actually move the needle—without draining your wallet or your will to live.
Let’s be honest—marketing can feel like a money pit.
You launch a social post, cross your fingers, and hope it somehow drives traffic or sales. But when you’re running a small business or nonprofit, every dollar counts. You need tactics that punch above their weight.
Good news: Affordable marketing doesn’t have to mean “basic” or “boring.”
Here are five low-cost marketing strategies that actually move the needle—without draining your wallet (or your will to live).
1. Turn Your Website into a Conversion Machine
You don’t need a $10K redesign. You need clarity, consistency, and a clear call to action.
✅ Tighten up your homepage messaging
✅ Use free heatmap tools (like Hotjar) to track behavior
✅ Add strategic CTAs (“Book Now,” “Get the Free Guide”)
✅ Prioritize mobile—most visitors are on their phones
A great website works 24/7, even when you’re off the clock.
2. Go Deep on One Social Platform (Not All of Them)
Trying to post everywhere can stretch your team thin and kill momentum. Instead, pick one platform where your ideal audience spends time. Instagram for visual brands. LinkedIn for B2B. Facebook for local businesses. Then go all in.
You don’t need to go viral. You just need to show up consistently with content that connects.
👉 Bonus: Schedule ahead with free tools like Buffer or Meta Planner.
3. Make the Most of Email (Still the MVP)
Email marketing has one of the highest ROI rates—especially when it’s personal and purposeful.
💡 Collect emails with a freebie or signup offer
💡 Segment your list to send smarter emails
💡 Use tools like MailerLite or Mailchimp (free plans available)
💡 Don’t forget: The subject line is everything
You don’t need a giant list—you need the right list.
4. Repurpose What You Already Have
Don’t start from scratch every time. That podcast you recorded? Clip it into quotes. That email you sent last month? Turn it into a carousel.
Look through your highest-performing content and ask: how else can I use this?
✨ Content repurposing saves time and extends your reach.
Pro tip: Use Canva or ChatGPT to speed things up.
5. Ask for Referrals (and Make It Easy)
Happy customers are your best marketers. So ask for the share.
🗣️ “Know someone who’d love this?”
💌 Add a referral P.S. to your emails
💵 Offer a small incentive or exclusive bonus
📱 Create a shareable template or link
Word of mouth is still undefeated—and totally free.
Bonus Tip: Partner Up
Find a local business or nonprofit with a similar audience and collaborate.
You can co-host a webinar, swap guest blogs, or create a joint giveaway. It boosts visibility for both of you—without spending a dime.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need a Big Budget to Market Like a Pro
What you do need is strategy, consistency, and a little creativity.
If you’re feeling stuck or stretched thin, we can help.
💬 Get your free marketing checkup today, and let’s turn your scrappy into savvy.