Big budgets are nice—not necessary. In this episode, Mike (branding/web) and Liz (social strategy) share how early-stage and still-growing small businesses can market effectively without overspending. From documenting your journey on social to standing up a basic website/GBP, email touchpoints, and content that compounds, we cover what to do now, what to delay, and how to know if it’s working.

You’ll learn

• Why big-brand case studies warp expectations—and what small-business marketing actually looks like early on
• High-impact, low-cost moves: document the journey on social, Google Business Profile basics, simple DIY site, and starter email flows
• “Start messy” vs. polished later: when scrappy content builds connection (and when to upgrade)
• Strategy first: why the thinking (audience, goals, offers) beats buying more tactics
• Where owners overspend: premature social management, glossy shoots, and using ads to fix strategy gaps
• When paid makes sense: pairing Meta ads with proven organic to lower costs
• Content that compounds: why blog/SEO can drive traffic for years
• Local networking and helpful groups: sell through the room, not to the room
• Measuring wisely: awareness vs. leads vs. conversions—and how to track each on a tiny budget

• Draft a simple marketing budget ceiling (what you can spend monthly) so decisions have guardrails
• Stand up or tune your Google Business Profile and a basic site (starter is fine)
• Post one document-the-journey video (what you’re building, why it matters)
• Build a 4-email mini flow: new lead, welcome, value tip/case, soft ask
• Ask every new inquiry “How did you find us?” and log it
• Join one relevant Facebook/group and be helpful (no pitches)
• Pick one pillar topic and create 1 long piece → 3–5 social posts

You don’t have to outspend bigger brands—outlearn, outlisten, and out-consistency them. Start messy, track results, and upgrade as revenue grows.