You do not need a big budget to get seen. Start with the free moves that most businesses skip, and you will feel the difference fast.
1) Claim and clean up your Google Business Profile
Make sure your name, address, phone, hours, and categories are correct. Add real photos. Post short updates once a week. Ask for reviews and reply to every one. This is the single most important free step for local visibility.
2) Ask happy customers for reviews the easy way
Right after a good interaction, send a short text with your Google review link. Keep it simple. Thank them, ask for a sentence or two, and tell them it helps more local people find you. Consistent reviews move the needle.
3) Tighten the basics on your website
You do not need fancy. You need clear. Put your core offer, location, phone, and a clear next step above the fold. Make sure the site loads quickly on a phone. Use plain language that sounds like you, not jargon.
4) Be active where your customers actually spend time
Pick one or two social platforms and show signs of life. Post something useful or human twice a week. Today’s special, a quick tip, a behind the scenes photo, or a customer shoutout. Consistency beats volume.
5) Cross promote with nearby businesses
Team up with complementary neighbors. Share each other’s posts. Run a simple joint giveaway. Put a small sign at each counter. Community reach multiplies when you partner up.
Start with these five, keep at it for 30 days, and your visibility will improve without spending a dollar.
If you want a quick picture of how you show up online today, claim a free brand snapshot report. It highlights your listings, reviews, search presence, and easy wins you can act on right away.