10 Low-Cost Marketing Tactics to Boost Sales

If you’re looking to boost your sales without blowing your budget ??, this is for you. Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to get results—it just needs to be thoughtful, consistent, and customer-focused.

The good news? Small, intentional tweaks to your marketing can make a BIG impact ??. Check out these 10 tried-and-true marketing tactics to help you attract customers, increase sales, and make the most of what you already have.

Let’s break them down (with examples you can use!). ??

1?? Invest in Your Branding

Branding is more than just a logo—it’s the visual identity, tone, and overall feel of your business. Strong, consistent branding builds trust, recognition, and credibility, making it easier for customers to say “yes” ? to what you’re offering.

Think of it this way>> People are drawn to businesses that feel professional and polished. If your website, social media, and emails look like a mismatched puzzle ??, it can make customers pause and reconsider.

What are some ways to put this tip into action?

?? Audit your digital presence. Are your fonts, colors, and messaging consistent across platforms?

?? Update your LinkedIn header to highlight your expertise or showcase your work.

? Refresh your website’s homepage. Make sure it’s clear who you serve and how you help.

For example, a freelance interior designer replaced her generic LinkedIn banner with “Before and After” photos of her projects. ??? It was simple but powerful—and immediately showed her value.

2?? Create Top-of-Funnel Content

“Top-of-funnel” content educates and attracts potential customers who aren’t quite ready to buy. Instead of pushing sales, provide value by solving problems or answering questions. This builds trust and positions you as the go-to expert – which you are!

The key here? Be helpful first. Customers are more likely to buy from you when you’ve already given them something valuable.

Here are some content ideas:

?? Write blogs, post videos, or create downloadable resources that answer common customer questions.

?? Share “how-to” tips, listicles, or quick wins your audience can implement right away.

?? Repurpose your content across platforms. Share blogs as LinkedIn posts, turn tips into Reels, or summarize key points in emails.

3?? Upsell and Cross-Sell

Upselling (offering a premium version of what a customer is already buying) and cross-selling (suggesting complementary products or services) ?? are powerful ways to increase revenue without acquiring new customers.

One thing I know for sure >> Customers who’ve already said “yes” to your business are far more likely to say “yes” again. They trust you and are open to suggestions that (again) add value.

What’s it look like?

? Offer add-ons >> A personal trainer could offer a nutrition guide for a small fee.

?? Bundle products/services >> A web designer might include an SEO setup as part of a new website package.

?? Highlight “premium” upgrades >> A yoga studio could upsell private workshops or wellness vacations.

4?? Turn Employees into Advocates

Your employees can be some of your most authentic and influential marketers—if you empower them. While your company’s LinkedIn page or website is important, content shared by others often gets far more engagement because people trust other people more than they trust businesses.

Think about it >> If you see someone you know sharing something about a company, you’re naturally more curious. Their voice feels real, not “salesy.” When employees share your content’s reach to their networks, it increases your organic visibility ??. Plus, when employees talk about your business or share positive updates, it feels genuine and human – which naturally boosts your visibility.

How can you help make this happen?

?? Create “Shareable Content” Packs >> Give employees pre-written LinkedIn posts or key talking points about company news, wins, or events. Make sharing easy.

?? Encourage Employee Spotlight >> Highlight employees’ work, achievements, or expertise on your company page. They’re more likely to reshare and add their personal touch.

?? Incentivize Sharing >> Consider small rewards for employees who engage or share consistently (think gift cards, shoutouts, or a “Social Star of the Month” badge).

5?? Go Multi-Channel

Relying on just one platform for your marketing is like playing a one-string guitar ??—you’re missing out on potential reach and opportunities. Multi-channel marketing combines different platforms and touchpoints to make sure your message meets your audience wherever they are.

Why? Not everyone will see a social media post or an email, but they might see one or the other. Repetition and visibility help your message “stick.” Plus, people need multiple touchpoints (around 7 on average) before they take action. Using multiple channels increases those opportunities.

What’s the next step?

?? Choose 2-3 platforms where your audience spends time. If you run a retail store, Instagram + email marketing + in-person signage is a great trio.

??? Create consistent messaging across platforms:

?? Build buzz with posts, stories, and reels. ?? Email: Send targeted reminders with clear calls to action.

??? Share details, landing pages, or resources.

?? Include flyers, posters, or word-of-mouth reminders.

6?? Leverage Testimonials & Reviews

? Your customers’ words are marketing gold. Testimonials and reviews provide social proof that builds trust and removes doubts for future buyers. People want to see evidence that others have had a great experience before they commit.

Trust is a deciding factor in sales ???, especially for small businesses. Reviews and testimonials make people feel confident about choosing you, and positive feedback highlights benefits you probably forget when promoting yourself. Let happy customers “sell” for you.

To get more reviews, consider:

?? Asking for Reviews >> Reach out to your satisfied customers and simply ask. For service businesses, send a follow-up email or survey. For retail, encourage Google or Yelp reviews

?? Featuring Them Everywhere >> Highlight testimonials on your website, social media, sales pages, and email campaigns.

?? Turning Reviews into Stories >> Share customer success stories on LinkedIn or create “before and after” content (e.g., how your services solved their problem).

Bonus Tip >> Short on reviews? Incentivize customers with a small discount or freebie they’d love—in exchange for a testimonial.

7?? Use Remarketing Ads

Have you ever browsed ?? a product online and then seen an ad for it everywhere you go? That’s remarketing—and it works because it targets people who’ve already shown interest in your business.

Why does it work? Since 97% of website visitors leave without taking action the first time, remarketing reminds them of what they liked and encourages them to return.

You know what else? It’s budget-friendly—you’re advertising to a “warm” audience who already knows you.

Here’s how to move that forward:

?? Set up ads on platforms like Facebook Ads and Google Ads to target people who’ve visited your site, engaged with content, or abandoned their shopping cart.

?? Entice them to come back with a special offer, like free shipping, a discount, or a limited-time bonus.

?? Get creative with messaging and use phrases like, “Still thinking about this? Let’s make it yours,” or “Here’s 10% off to seal the deal!”

8?? Create Loyalty and Referral Programs

Acquiring new customers costs 5x more than retaining current ones. Loyalty programs encourage repeat business by rewarding your best customers, while referral programs turn those happy customers into advocates who bring new business your way.

People trust recommendations from friends and family. Referrals ?? are a powerful, low-cost way to attract qualified leads.

Your first step? Building loyalty programs and referral incentives like offering punch cards, exclusive discounts, or points systems. For example, “Buy 5 coffees, get the 6th free!” works wonders for cafes. You can also reward customers for referring friends ??, but keep it simple and worthwhile. Offer discounts, VIP specials, or gift cards.

9?? Host Workshops, Webinars, or Live Events

Workshops and webinars let you share ?? your expertise while building trust and relationships. They’re great for positioning yourself as an authority in your industry and generating leads.

Better yet, teaching builds trust >> you’re proving your value before asking for a sale.

Great in person? Live events allow you to interact, which makes it easier to connect with potential customers.

Ready to get you started? Choose a relevant, problem-solving topic like “How to Boost Your LinkedIn Engagement in 30 Minutes a Week” or “5 Steps to Reduce Stress at Work.” Then, promote ?? your event through social media, email, and partnerships with related businesses. Make sure to include a call-to-action at the end >> offer a consultation, a follow-up resource, or an exclusive deal.

For example, a financial planner I work with hosted a free webinar, “3 Steps to Build a Bulletproof Retirement Plan,” and gave attendees practical tips and prompted them to book a free 20-minute consultation—leading to 10 new clients.

?? Get Buzz with Digital PR

If you have been following my social content recently, you know I am big on Digital PR right now!

Digital PR helps you build credibility and attract attention by getting featured in blogs, podcasts, or local news. A single story can introduce you to hundreds (or thousands) of potential customers.

Why? Being featured as an “expert” increases your authority and trustworthiness. Better yet, media coverage gives your business exposure to entirely new audiences ??.

To get the ball rolling:

?? Look for niche podcasts, blogs, or industry publications that align with your audience.

?? Craft a story angle focused on your expertise, customer success, or community impact. Journalists love unique stories.

?? Reach out with a concise email pitch, for example, “I’d love to share 3 practical ways small businesses can grow their sales—let me know if this could be a fit for your podcast!”

?? What’s Next?

Which of these strategies sound right for you? ??

Start small—pick just one or two to focus on this month. Drop a comment to let me know what you’re thinking!!

Need help brainstorming a plan for your next marketing move? Let’s connect. Sometimes, a few tweaks can create BIG wins.

Make Employees Advocates for Your Company

Did you know your employees are your brand's greatest ambassadors?

When your team feels valued and engaged, they naturally champion your business in ways no marketing campaign ever could.

Here are 3 marketing tips to foster that advocacy:

?? Empower your employees with tools to share your brand’s story >> Provide them with branded social media content, help them share company wins, or host team brainstorming sessions so everyone shares your vision.

?? Recognize and reward their efforts >> Celebrate those who go the extra mile to build customer connections—whether it’s a shoutout during a team meeting, a thank-you card, or something bigger like an award (or maybe an an incentive).

?? Create a culture of connection >> When employees feel invested in your company’s success, their passion becomes contagious—and customers notice. Other team members, too.

Never underestimate the power of a passionate team—every interaction they have can spark a ripple of trust and loyalty that spreads far beyond the moment. Because in business, there’s always more than just the now.

Cheers to 25 Years

I’m a Boston gal, and marketing and PR consultant with over 20 years of experience>> this year I am celebrating 25 years to be exact! Marketing plans and no-cost marketing strategies are my specialty, but I make pretty good Greek meatballs, too. My passions are family, helping others, small business grants, dogs, islands, and travel. My bucket list is always filled, just like your sales bucket should be.

Want to chat? I’d love that.

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LinkedIn: RobinSamora

Instagram: @RobinSamoraPR

Facebook: @RobinSamora