Creative ways to market your business on a budget of $25 or less
Here’s how you can market your business on the tiniest budget.
Running a small business in a small town like Windsor, Ahoskie, or Murfreesboro can be tough. Budgets are often tight, and advertising dollars don’t stretch very far. The good news is you don’t need a big marketing budget to make an impact. With a little creativity and a focus on connecting with your community, you can spread the word about your business for less than the cost of a tank of gas. Keep reading to learn some creative ways to market your business that cost $25 or less and can help you get noticed.
Print Simple Flyers or Postcards
One of the oldest and most effective grassroots marketing methods is still printing a simple flyer or postcard. For under $25, you can design your own flyer in Canva and print a small batch at a local office supply store. Keep the design clean, include your business name, logo, contact info, and one simple message: what you sell and why people should visit you. Post them on community bulletin boards at the library, post office, and local coffee shops. Hand them out at church events, school games, or town festivals.
Claim Your Free Listing on Bertie-Hertford Business Hub
One of the easiest and completely free ways to market your small business is to claim your spot on the Bertie Hertford Business Hub (BHBH). Our community directory is designed to showcase mom-and-pop shops, service providers, and local entrepreneurs across Windsor, Ahoskie, Murfreesboro, and the surrounding communities.
Adding your business to our Hub gives you:
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A dedicated business page with your name, address, phone number, and hours.
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Space to upload photos, logos, and a short description of what you offer.
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A free link to your website or Facebook page.
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Extra visibility when neighbors search for local services.
Getting listed is simple — and it doesn’t cost a dime. Just email us your basic business information (name, contact details, and a short description), and we’ll create your listing. Or, if you prefer, you can fill out our quick online form and take care of it on your own.
BHBH is a grassroots community project built to keep local dollars local and to make sure small town businesses get the attention they deserve. If you’ve been wondering how to market your business without spending money, start by claiming your free listing today.
Use Social Media Smartly
You don’t have to spend big money on ads to make social media work for you. A clever post can reach hundreds of people at no cost. Spend a few dollars on props or decorations to stage a product photo, or invest in $10–15 to boost a Facebook post to local zip codes. Even five or ten dollars in targeted boosts can bring new faces through the door. The key is consistency. Post at least once a week, share photos of your products or services, and tell a story that makes your business feel relatable.
Create a Giveaway or Raffle
For less than $25, you can run a fun giveaway that creates buzz. Offer a gift card, a free product, or a simple gift basket as a prize. Ask people to enter by following your Facebook page, tagging a friend, or visiting your store. Not only does this get your name circulating, but it also encourages people to talk about your business. Giveaways don’t need to be flashy — even a $20 gift card to your own shop can generate excitement.
Partner With Another Local Business
Collaboration doesn’t cost anything but can stretch your $25 budget further. Work with another small business owner to create a joint promotion. For example, a bakery and a coffee shop could cross-promote each other’s products. A boutique and a florist could run a “Mother’s Day special” together. You might spend a few dollars on signage or small thank-you cards, but the shared exposure doubles your reach without doubling your expense.
Invest in Branded Materials
Sometimes the smartest use of $25 is creating something reusable. Order a small batch of stickers with your logo, or print a few dozen branded shopping bags. Every time someone leaves your shop with a bag or sticker, they’re advertising for you. You don’t need a huge run of merchandise — just a small, thoughtful batch that makes your brand more visible in the community.
Handwritten Thank-You Notes
This is one of the most powerful, low-cost marketing methods out there. Buy a box of blank cards and use them to write personal thank-you notes to loyal customers. A handwritten note costs less than a dollar, but it makes customers feel valued and remembered. People who feel appreciated are more likely to return and to tell friends about your business.
Decorate Your Storefront
A little bit of creativity goes a long way in catching attention from passersby. Use $25 to buy sidewalk chalk, a small flower pot, or a simple seasonal decoration. Change your storefront display regularly to keep it fresh. In a small town, where many businesses line just a few streets, a creative storefront can turn heads and invite curiosity.
Attend Community Events
You don’t need a big sponsorship budget to participate in local events. For under $25, you can print a stack of simple brochures or bring along small samples to give away. Set up a table at a church vendor fair or donate a gift card or door prize to a school fundraiser raffle. These events connect you directly to potential customers and show that you’re invested in the community.
Offer a Budget-Friendly Loyalty Program
Encourage repeat business with a punch card or simple loyalty program. For under $25, you can print business card–sized punch cards. Offer something like “Buy 9 coffees, get the 10th free” or “5 visits earns 10% off.” These programs keep people coming back and cost very little to implement.
Final Thoughts on Finding Creative Ways to Market Your Business on a Tight Budget
Marketing your small business doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With $25 or less, you can create real connections with your community, get your name out there, and encourage repeat customers. The secret is focusing on creativity, consistency, and community ties.
For small town businesses in Windsor, Ahoskie, Murfreesboro, and the surrounding communities, the best marketing tool is still building relationships. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a colorful storefront, or a simple flyer at the post office, your efforts remind people why local businesses matter. And every dollar you invest in marketing — even just $25 — can come back many times over when neighbors choose to shop local.
