Updated April 2026

Are you looking to refresh your marketing plan so you can boost your brand presence and attract more customers? Here are the three best marketing strategies for your small business.

Marketing is an essential (if not the most essential) aspect of any successful business. But as the world continues to rely more and more on digital solutions, it can be difficult to know what strategies will work for you and how to implement them effectively.

According to a survey by Single Grain, businesses typically spend approximately 9.4% of their revenue on marketing. So naturally, you’ll want to maximize your ROI from these investments.

There are hundreds of marketing tactics out there, so how can you navigate through the options you worry won’t work to find the ones that will? These are some of the most prominent approaches that top companies are utilizing. Discover how you can make them work for your unique business.

Guerrilla marketing

Like guerrilla warfare—an unconventional, often surprising, tactic—guerrilla marketing is a creative way to catch your audience by surprise. It works best when you can think of the most out-of-the-box way to present your product, or at least a way that they won’t expect.

Everyone from big corporations to small start-ups has seen success with this strategy, but it can be particularly beneficial for small companies with small budgets. Take a local pizza shop, for example. Although locals might already be familiar with the spot, how could you capture the attention of passersby? Perhaps paint a giant, cheesy pizza mural in the center of town or set up a make-your-own pizza stand outside the restaurant on a sunny afternoon? Both of these qualify as guerrilla marketing, and such tactics really make an impact in the community while giving the pizzeria great brand recognition.

Cause marketing

Another powerful way to connect with customers is by showing you care about your community at large, and whether you take the time to volunteer with a local organization, donate portions of your proceeds, or simply partner with a charity, showing your support for a cause that matters to you is a great way to promote awareness for the charity, and also for your business.

Big companies use this tactic all the time, working with national charities to raise money for a set period. Some common promotions include:

• Social media campaigns
• Collection boxes in storefronts
• Round-up fundraising at the register
• Television commercials

Even if you have a smaller budget, such philanthropic efforts could form some of the best marketing strategies you initiate. If there is a community organization or cause that you feel compelled to get behind and that could benefit from your marketing, partner up and get the word out together. Consumers will love seeing your business in this light, and the charity itself will promote you in return.

Internet marketing

If you don’t have a strong presence online, developing one as part of your marketing strategy should be a top priority. Though direct marketing tactics like print marketing are important and can help you stand out in the digital age, you cannot neglect social media sites, a personal website, and other forms of digital marketing that will get your audience’s attention where they spend most of their time—on their computers and phones.

Start small by building up your social media presence, and remember to follow the 80/20 rule: 80% of your content should be educational, entertaining, and endearing; the other 20% can directly promote your business.

You’d be surprised how much easier it is to connect with clients and prospects on social media, where they already spend a good portion of their time. In addition, you could also consider sending a digital newsletter or other relationship-building tool to grab your audience’s attention—whatever works consistently for your business.

What the best marketing strategies do

Don’t get overwhelmed by each of the different marketing strategies out there. With a little trial and error, you can determine which marketing tactics are most sustainable for you.

Learn more here about how to craft effective marketing campaigns for your small business!