8 Ways to Get Free Marketing for Your Business

When I first started my business, I thought marketing meant spending money I didn’t have. Every “expert” seemed to be shouting about Facebook ads, fancy tools, or hiring help. But here’s the truth I learned the hard way: you don’t need deep pockets to get traction. What you really need is creativity, persistence, and a willingness to show up consistently in front of the right people.

Some of the best growth I’ve ever had in my business didn’t come from ads at all (cause I’ve never really done ads except a few here or there). It came from things that cost me zero dollars, sharing value, building relationships, creating freebies, and leaning into platforms that reward effort over budget. Those strategies didn’t just save me money; they built trust with my audience in a way paid ads never could.

So if you’re looking for ways to get the word out without draining your wallet, this post is for you. I’ve rounded up the same free marketing ideas that helped me grow from scrappy beginnings to running a business with consistent sales, and they can work for you too.

#1 — Freebies that actuall work

“Give value first” isn’t just a cliché, it’s the fastest way to build trust and turn strangers into loyal fans. A freebie (also called a lead magnet) is your chance to show people what you’re about before they ever spend a dime. Think of it as a small sample of your best work that leaves them wanting more.

The key isn’t just making any freebie, it’s creating one that solves a real problem for your ideal customer and naturally points them toward your paid offer. A good freebie is both useful and strategic.

Some examples:

• A quick-start guide or mini ebook
• A printable worksheet or checklist
• A bundle of templates or stock photos
• A short video training or mini course
• A free trial or discount code
• A challenge or giveaway that gets people engaged

Not sure what to create? Inside the Ivory Mix Content Membership, you’ll get ready-made freebies, templates, and content you can brand as your own so you never start from scratch.”

Whatever format you choose, make it easy to consume and directly tied to the next step you want them to take with you. A great freebie doesn’t just collect email addresses, it starts relationships.

Checkout How to create a lead magnet in Canva (tutorial and template) and..

#2 — Email Marketing 

Your freebie is the hook, but email is where the real relationship begins. Once someone signs up, you have the chance to show up consistently in their inbox and guide them from curious subscriber to paying customer. The best part? Email is free to start, and most platforms give you plenty of tools even on a basic plan.

Start with a simple welcome sequence that:

• Delivers the freebie right away
• Introduces you and your story
• Shares a few quick wins or extra tips related to the freebie
• Points to a low-cost or easy next step

After that, keep the conversation going. Send value-driven emails that teach, inspire, or entertain, and mix in links to your blog, social content, or new offers. A healthy rhythm looks like mostly value, with the occasional sales pitch sprinkled in.

If writing sequences feels overwhelming, the Ivory Mix Content membership includes pre-written email templates and swipe files to make this part easy

Checkout 8 ways to grow your email list on Instagram

Think of your email list as an asset you own, not a borrowed audience like social media. The more consistent you are, the more trust you’ll build, and trust is what leads to sales.

#3 — Social Media

Social media is one of the best free tools you have for building visibility and connection. Yes, growth takes effort, but with the right focus you can build an audience without spending on ads.

Start simple. Pick one or two platforms where your ideal customers already spend time, and commit to showing up there consistently. You don’t need to be everywhere to make an impact.

Checkout How to ACTUALLY create consistent content on social media (step-by-step workflow)

When you post, aim to:

• Share content that teaches, entertains, or inspires
• Showcase your unique style, voice, and values
• Invite engagement with questions, polls, or calls to action
• Build a sense of community, not just an audience

Social media works best when it feels human. Instead of chasing every trend, focus on creating content that your audience actually cares about and that ties back to your brand’s bigger promise. Over time, those small consistent efforts build trust, loyalty, and sales.

#4 — Blogging or a YouTube Channel

Content is one of the best free marketing tools you have. Starting a blog or YouTube channel lets you teach, share, and build trust with your audience without pressure to buy. If you already have a website, adding a blog is easy, and if you enjoy video, YouTube is a powerful platform that works like a search engine for your content.

Pick the format you’ll enjoy sticking with, then commit to showing up consistently. Share your posts or videos with your email list and repurpose them into smaller pieces for social media. Do not just hit publish and walk away, interact in the comments, reply to questions, and build relationships.

Members get access to monthly content kits that take the guesswork out of what to post and how to repurpose it

To grow faster, expand beyond your own platform. Pitch guest posts to blogs in your niche, or offer to collaborate on someone else’s YouTube channel or podcast. This introduces you to new audiences, it also helps your SEO and credibility through backlinks and mentions.

The key is to create content that solves real problems for your ideal client and to keep it discoverable, blogs and YouTube videos continue working for you long after you hit publish.

#5 — Pinterest

If you’re blogging for business, Pinterest is the best way to get eyes on your posts. The visual search engine is made for capturing your audience’s attention. With a free Canva account, you can create visually-appealing images for your pins. Post them to your boards along with SEO-driven descriptions to drive loads of free traffic back to your blog. 

I believe so strongly in Pinterest that I have created Pinterest pins for members every month inside the Ivory Mix Content Membership to help them with their repurposing and marketing strategies.

#6 — Collaborations/Strategic Partners

Partner with other business owners who complement your biz. Partnership opportunities are all around if you look for them! 

Seek out relationships with those who work in a similar niche but may offer slightly different services or products. Once you’ve connected, brainstorm ways to combine your expertise to create one brilliant service, course, series, or product. Then, market your genius idea to both of your audiences for a wider reach. 

#7 — Facebook Groups (Networking or in-person events) 

I started growing my email list and interest in my business with Facebook groups targeted for my ideal client in my niche. There’s an incredible amount of interest in niche groups like Facebook groups because they’re focused discussions and Facebook does a great job of making them searchable and organized so you can easily find them by searching for words related to your niche.

The trick is to treat Facebook groups like in-person networking events. Start with small chit-chat and build into a more in-depth conversation to hopefully find your ideal client!

Then, expand this simple idea of virtual networking into virtual hangouts (meetups) and attending free/live events.

These are powerful ways to make connections and promote your business. While not all groups or events are free of charge, many that are held locally are!

Local networking events still work and these events include Chamber of Commerce meetings and other local networking gatherings. (Check out meetup.com to find some in your area!)

I know what you’re thinking; showing up to an event like this alone can be terrifying. 

This is exactly why you need to prepare your elevator pitch ahead of time! An elevator pitch is a short speech that introduces yourself and describes in a couple of sentences what you do and who you serve. Practice a few times in the mirror before you head out the door with your business cards in hand. I promise — if you put on a friendly smile and a confident attitude, you’ll make connections that can easily turn into clients!

#8 — Word of Mouth Referrals

In my experience, there’s no better way to be introduced to a new client than through an existing client! Referrals are the best free type of advertising there is because they come from someone who already knows what type of results you can deliver. 

To make it even easier for your current clients to refer to their friends, set up a referral program with an incentive. If a client refers someone to your biz who becomes a paying customer, offer them a freebie or certain percentage off of your services.

There are plenty of ways to market your business without having to shell out big bucks to run pricey ads. While these options may take a little creativity and ingenuity, the results can mean huge payouts for your biz. 

What next?

If you’re ready to stop piecing your marketing together, the Ivory Mix Content Membership gives you instant access to thousands of templates, captions, and strategies that save you hours every week.

 

Plus, check out these Instagram tips:

• 30 Ideas for Instagram posts when you don’t have any ideas
• Instagram Caption Ideas, Tips, and tricks
• Find out the best times to post on Instagram for maximum engagement
• Your top questions answered about Instagram
• Why you should create an Instagram Challenge, and how
• How to hack the Instagram Algorithm