3 Super Easy and Low-Cost Ways Small Business Owners Can Grow Their Business Today!
Growing a small business doesn’t have to drain your budget or demand endless hours of planning. Some of the most effective growth strategies are simple, cost-free (or nearly so), and can be done right now. Whether you’re a coffee shop owner, a freelance designer, or a boutique retailer, these three low- or no-cost tactics—networking, remarketing to past clients, and leveraging user-generated content—will help you attract new customers, re-engage old ones, and boost your bottom line. Let’s dive in!
1. Network Locally to Build Valuable Connections
Networking is like planting seeds for your business’s future. By connecting with other local business owners, community leaders, or potential customers, you can unlock referrals, partnerships, and word-of-mouth buzz—all for free.
Action Step: Attend a local event today, such as a chamber of commerce meeting, a business meetup, or even a community festival. Don’t have an event nearby? Visit a neighboring business (e.g., a bakery next to your bookstore) and introduce yourself. Bring business cards, share a quick pitch about what you do, and ask how you can support their business. For example, propose a cross-promotion: “Let’s share each other’s flyers with our customers!” Follow up with a friendly email or LinkedIn connection to keep the conversation going.
Cost: Free (or the price of a coffee if you meet at a café). Why It Works: Studies show 85% of small business leads come from word-of-mouth referrals. One new connection could lead to a steady stream of customers.
2. Remarket to Past Clients with a Personal Touch
Your database of past clients is a goldmine waiting to be tapped. These are people who already know and trust your business, making them far more likely to buy again. Remarketing via email or text is a quick, low-cost way to rekindle those relationships.
Action Step: Pull up your list of past customers (even if it’s just a spreadsheet or old receipts). Use a free email tool like Mailchimp or a simple text messaging app to send a short, personalized message. Try something like: “Hi [Name], we miss you at [Your Business]! Come back this week for 10% off your next purchase with code WELCOME10.” If you don’t have a list, post a “We Miss You” offer on social media and tag past clients (with permission). Track who responds to refine your list for future campaigns.
Cost: Free with tools like Mailchimp’s free plan (up to 500 contacts) or minimal for text campaigns. Why It Works: Email remarketing has an average ROI of $42 for every $1 spent, and past clients are up to 50% more likely to buy than new prospects.
3. Leverage User-Generated Content to Boost Credibility
User-generated content (UGC)—like customer reviews, photos, or testimonials—is a powerful, free way to build trust and attract new customers. When your audience sees real people raving about your business, they’re more likely to choose you over competitors.
Action Step: Reach out to a happy customer today via email, text, or social media and ask for a quick review or photo of their experience. For example: “Hi Sarah, loved seeing you at [Your Cafe]! Could you share a quick Google review or a pic of your favorite latte?” Share their content on your social media or website with their permission, and tag them for extra engagement. If you don’t have recent UGC, run a mini-contest: “Post a photo with our product and tag us for a chance to win a $10 gift card!”
Cost: Free (or a small prize for a contest, like a gift card). Why It Works: 79% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, and UGC can increase social media engagement by up to 28%.
Small Steps, Big Impact!
Growing your small business doesn’t require a big budget—just a bit of time and creativity. By networking locally, remarketing to past clients, and leveraging user-generated content, you can build stronger relationships, attract new customers, and boost your brand’s credibility. Best of all, these strategies cost little to nothing and can be done today.
Pick one of these actions to try right now, and commit to doing it weekly for even bigger results. Have a favorite low-cost growth hack? Share it in the comments—we’d love to hear your ideas!
by William James Dutton