Is digital marketing important for my small business?

Yes, yes, and yes. But digital marketing is a broad term, so understanding the type of services you need is important. If you're a new startup that needs customers or foot traffic, PPC is likely your priority. Need online customers? Start with SEO, content marketing, and email marketing.

How do I start marketing for my small business with no online presence?

Firstly, ask yourself if your business needs a website. Do you own a family-run retail store? If so, you only need foot traffic, so start by setting up a Google Business Profile. After this, you can use paid ads to direct traffic to your store. If you need an online presence, creating a website is the best way to start.

What are the common challenges of running digital marketing alone?

Many are confused by the complexity and fickle nature of SEO. It's a chaotic ride, but one that's worth it when managed by experts. PPC can cause issues too, as entrepreneurs lack awareness of the learning phase and bidding changes. Trying to handle a whole digital marketing campaign alone could cause considerable damage if you lack the expertise.

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Marketing

How Affordable Marketing Can Save Bristol's Independent Businesses

By Eddie Hall25 Jun 20267 min read

A Bristol high street at dusk, lined with independent shops, bars and restaurants

Did you know independent businesses in Bristol are sinking? Not because of poor products or services, but because they lack the knowledge to apply modern digital marketing methods.

Sadly, this often comes down to one massive marketing myth: small businesses can't afford digital marketing.

Of course they can.

Entrepreneurial spirit flows through Bristol, with artisan cafes, bustling music venues, bold startups, and a rich history.

Historic Park Street in Bristol with independent cafés, local shops and Bristol Cathedral, representing the city’s thriving small business community.

With affordable digital marketing, any independent business can thrive in Bristol.

Read more to learn why so many Bristol businesses are missing out, and what you can do to stop your business from falling behind.

A Thriving City with Potential

According to UK Data, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) make up 26,574 of the businesses in Bristol.

If you've ever had the honour of visiting Bristol, you're well aware of the vintage record stores, vegan bakeries, microbreweries, young professionals, families, and booming student economy.

However, many entrepreneurs fail to attract this diverse population, and a significant part of this issue is down to visibility.

What do we mean by visibility?

With Google, social media, and AI on the rise, not showing up online unfortunately means you're invisible.

Your visibility in these channels is the heartbeat of modern-day success.

Why Small Businesses Need Modern Marketing

Gone are the good old days of mass media advertising on radio, print, direct mail, and simple PR tactics. Although some of these are still effective, it's time to adapt.

And the shocking part is, many Bristol business owners believe that digital marketing costs an arm and a leg, but that's not true.

Don't believe it's worth it? Let's break it down.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

SEO is what helps your business show up on Google. When somebody types "best microbrewery near Ashton Gate", if your SEO is on point, you'll show up first.

Many business owners turn their noses up at SEO. Why? Because it's a long-term investment. Results take time. Don't listen to them.

Reboot Online suggests that the average return on investment (ROI) for SEO is 22:1. Yes, that means for every £1 spent on SEO, you could get £22 back.

So, while SEO is tough, it's likely the best strategy to grow your business in the long run. Take a look at the results we achieved for Hope Park:

Hope Park SEO results

Pay Per Click (PPC)

Now, PPC is another hidden gem for small businesses. With PPC, you only pay when somebody clicks on your ad. The catch? There isn't one.

These paid ads are highly targeted, and you can spend a few quid a day yet still achieve results.

Let's say you're a plumber in Clifton; you can target ads to those searching for "best plumbers near me in Clifton".

And these local clickers know what they want, so they're more likely to convert into customers.

Heads On Pillows found that the average PPC ROI was 2:1. You could make double the money you invest in paid ads, even as an independent business.

Google Ads Results Screenshot

Social Media Marketing

Before you panic, no, you don't have to dance on TikTok to build your business.

Marketing on social media goes beyond what you typically see as a scroller, the dancing, food, posing and aesthetics, and it's a powerful marketing tool.

Once you understand that TikTok and Instagram campaigns can generate leads for your business and build brand loyalty through a community, you'll set up a business account ASAP.

Businesses get plenty of online and foot traffic from social media. Plus, 46% of Gen-Z reported that they use social media as their primary search engine, according to Sprout Social.

For example, if somebody is in Bristol town centre, they might search for your business online.

But if you're not on social media, they'll see a competitor who is active on Instagram and head over there instead.

Is your small business social media ready?

Illustrated map of Bristol with Instagram location pins highlighting businesses across the city.

What's Holding Bristol Businesses Back?

Despite all the benefits we've mentioned, the research, and all the hype, many local entrepreneurs are still apprehensive about investing in digital marketing.

But what's stopping them?

Myths. We want you to forget these myths that hold back the endless potential of local businesses in Bristol. Once you look past them, the chance to scale is glaringly obvious.

Myth 1: "It's so expensive"

You may have heard about marketing agencies charging £10-£20K retainers for simple digital marketing solutions. While this may be true, there are options for all pockets.

A quality local SEO strategy and small PPC campaign can cost under £1,000 per month, and the ads can pay for themselves after a few customers.

There's a quality digital marketing agency ready to kickstart your affordable, tailored campaign, no matter your size.

Boatswain Joinery cost per lead

Myth 2: "I don't have the time"

Digital marketing doesn't have to be taxing or overwhelming.

And let's be honest, if upskilling means you keep your business alive, wouldn't you start immediately?

Many tools are user-friendly, and there are thousands of materials out there to help you get started.

Or local agencies, like CreateTheWeb, specialise in supporting small businesses throughout the process with all-in-one packages, empowering you and boosting your presence online.

Myth 3: "Word of mouth will do the trick"

Yeah, word of mouth is great. Now imagine word of mouth, completely amplified; that's digital marketing.

Again, local word of mouth is great, but how will tourists know your business exists without digital marketing?

Potential customers and tourists, meanwhile, could stumble across your competitor online. It's time for change. Start to grow a presence online. Show the world your wonderful business.

Ignore the myths.

By removing these limiting mindsets, your business will begin to thrive in Bristol.

Affordable, Proven Marketing Tactics

Let's help you get started. Digital marketing should be accessible to all independent business owners, regardless of their size.

Local SEO

Optimise your website around Bristol to start appearing in Bristol-based search terms.

Set up and optimise your Google Business Profile. It's dead simple.
Add your business to TripAdvisor or Yelp.
Use Bristol-based keywords, like "mini golf in Bristol".

Mock Google search results for mini golf in Bristol showing local business listings and a map with location pins.

Smart PPC Campaign

An effective, smart PPC campaign means you only pay for results. Start with Google Ads to:

Promote different offers throughout the seasons.
Drive online or foot traffic to your business.
Capture leads for signups, purchases and newsletters.

Start with a small budget, even £5-£10 a day, to get going with online advertising in your local area. Adjust only after the learning period, and make changes based on data.

An expert can manage and optimise your Google Ads for as little as £500 per month.

Brand Build on Social Media

The truth is, going viral isn't the goal it once was, at least not for marketing. Often, chasing trends and attempting anything to go viral doesn't cut it.

These days, social media is all about authenticity. Build a brand people recognise and resonate with.

Social Media Post on Facebook From Audience Hifi

Create a community you're proud of. Informative and entertaining content works best:

Behind-the-scenes videos with staff
Customer shout-outs
Staff challenges
Collaborations with local events or charities
Answering all comments to help potential customers

The best part? Social media is free if you do it yourself. Want experts to handle your socials or manage a killer campaign? Paid content boosts can cost around £20-£50 per week.

Content and Email Marketing

A well-written blog or structured email campaign can work wonders. In fact, the average email marketing ROI is around 3,600%, according to Emailmonday.

Blogs answer customer questions and provide helpful content.
Emails announce offers, releases and events, or sell products.

Plenty of agencies offer these marketing services at affordable rates while achieving the results you deserve.

What Our Founders Say

"We have so many entrepreneurs come to us with fears of pricing. Marketing doesn't have to be expensive, and anybody can access it, even small, independent businesses. You just need to be smart. You need a plan and a partner who gets local business." - Otis and Luke

Don't Let Your Business Sink

In Bristol, creativity is endless, wonderful businesses are everywhere, and the opportunities are infinite. However, visibility is everything.

We specialise in affordable digital marketing for small businesses in Bristol.

Whether it's paid ads and SEO or email marketing and copywriting, we can help you without burning a hole in your wallet.

Get a free quote today. Let's help scale your business and increase profit through affordable digital marketing.

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