Guides · Sales
15 Low-Cost Marketing Ideas for Local Shops and High Street Businesses
Low-cost marketing ideas for independent shops, cafés, salons and high street businesses in the UK to bring in more customers and keep them coming back.
Running a shop, café or salon is hard work, and there’s rarely much left over for marketing. Many of the ideas that work best for local businesses cost very little. These fifteen are a good place to start.
Get found
1. Complete your Google Business Profile
When people search “coffee near me” or “florist in Islington”, this is what they see first. Add your hours, photos, products and a description, and keep them up to date. Our guide to showing up in “near me” searches explains how.
2. Post photos every week
New photos on your Google profile and social media show you’re open, busy and worth a visit. New stock, today’s specials, a finished hairstyle or a window display all work.
3. Get listed everywhere locally
Bing Places, Apple Business Connect, local directories, your high street or BID website, and local “shop local” guides. Use the same name, address and phone number on all of them.
4. Have a simple website
Social media is great, but a website you own helps you show up on Google and gives people your hours, prices and location in one place. Read do I need a website if I have Facebook?
Get chosen
5. Ask every happy customer for a review
Keep a QR code linking to your Google review page by the till. See how to get more Google reviews.
6. Make your shop window work
Your window is free advertising to everyone who walks past. Change it regularly and make it clear what you sell and that you’re open.
7. Show your prices and offers
People are more likely to come in if they know roughly what to expect. Put prices online and in the window where you can.
8. Tell your story
People like supporting independent businesses with real people behind them. Share who you are, why you started and what makes you different, on your website, social media and in the shop.
Keep them coming back
9. Start a customer list
Ask customers if they’d like to hear about new stock, events or offers by email or WhatsApp. Only message people who’ve said yes, and don’t overdo it.
10. Run a simple loyalty scheme
A stamp card or digital loyalty card gives people a reason to choose you over the chain down the road.
11. Remember people
Using a regular’s name, remembering their usual order or asking about their holiday is free and builds real loyalty.
Be part of the community
12. Team up with neighbouring businesses
A café and a bookshop, a florist and a wedding venue, a barber and a menswear shop. Recommend each other, share offers or run an event together.
13. Host a small event
A tasting, a workshop, a late-night opening or a launch party. Events give people a reason to visit and something for you to post about.
14. Support local causes
Sponsor a local sports team, school fair or charity event. It gets your name seen and shows you care about the area.
15. Join local groups
Local Facebook groups, neighbourhood apps and business networks are where people ask for recommendations. Be helpful rather than salesy.
Pick three and start this week
You don’t need to do all fifteen. Pick the three that suit your business best and do them well. For most shops, that means a strong Google profile, steady reviews and a reason for people to come back.
Want more customers through the door?
We build websites for local shops, cafés and salons that help you get found on Google and turn browsers into customers. Start with a free website check.
