How to promote your business online (for free)
A simple weekly routine, plus a generator for post ideas so you never stare at a blank box.
Most small businesses don't need a big marketing budget. They need a clear presence, a steady rhythm of useful posts, and to show up where their customers already are.
Start with the post idea generator below, then follow the routine in this guide for twelve weeks.
Get post ideas for your business
Free, no account needed. Nothing you type leaves your browser unless you choose to continue.
- TeachShare one what you do tip most people don't know.
- TeachAnswer the question customers ask you most about what you do.
- TeachA quick myth vs fact about what you do.
- TeachThree mistakes to avoid with what you do.
- TeachA beginner's checklist for what you do.
- ShowBehind the scenes: a photo or short video of your day.
- ShowBefore and after of a recent product.
- ShowIntroduce someone on the team (or yourself) with a fun fact.
- ShowShow how a product is made or done, step by step.
- ShowYour workspace, tools or setup, and why you chose them.
- ProveShare a thank-you or kind words from customers (with permission).
- ProveA small win or milestone this month.
- ProveTell the story of a problem you solved for one of your customers.
- PromoteSpotlight one product and who it's perfect for.
- PromoteAnnounce what's new or coming soon.
- PromoteA limited offer or event, with a clear date and how to join.
- EngagePoll: ask customers to choose between two options for your next product.
- EngageAsk: what's your favourite thing about what you do?
- EngageFill in the blank: "The best what you do advice I ever got was ___".
- EngageShare a question you've been asked and invite others to add their answers.
When Zertle members post Live
More on timingThe 30-minutes-a-week routine
Block out half an hour each week:
- 10 minutes: write and schedule two posts (one useful tip, one behind the scenes)
- 10 minutes: answer questions in two Hubs about your industry or area
- 5 minutes: reply to every comment and message
- 5 minutes: note which post did best, and plan one like it
Posts that bring customers
Useful and real beats polished. Short videos of a job, a quick tip, a customer question answered, a poll about what to stock next, a staff introduction. Always say what to do next: book, call, visit, reply.
Use communities, don't spam them
Read each Hub's rules. Most welcome helpful answers from businesses; few welcome ads. Be generous with advice and people will find your Page themselves.
Turn followers into customers
Keep your Page complete with your website or booking link, post offers occasionally (not constantly), and make it easy to message you.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a business post?
Once or twice a week, consistently, is plenty for most small businesses. Consistency matters more than volume.
Can I schedule posts?
Yes. Save drafts and schedule posts for later on Zertle.
What should I post?
Tips, behind-the-scenes, finished work, customer questions, offers and events. The generator above gives you ideas for your type of business.
Do I need to pay for ads?
No. Everything in this guide is free on Zertle.
Related guides and tools
- Grow your business for freeFree business advertising that keeps workingSet up a free business Page in minutes, then reach people who care about what you do through posts, Hubs and your network.
- Grow your business for freeSmall business marketing ideas that cost nothingPractical ideas you can try this week, and a generator for posts tailored to your business.
- Free toolsFree social media content calendarChoose your type of account and how often you post. Get a four-week plan with an idea for every post.
- Free toolsThe best time to post on social mediaLive data on when Zertle members are posting, shown in your timezone, plus rules of thumb for your audience.
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