10 Proven Ways to Get More Customers Without Paid Ads
Spoiler alert: You do not have to throw your entire budget into Facebook ads to get more customers. There, I said it.
You can grow your small business, build a loyal following, and get actual paying clients — without handing over your wallet to the algorithm gods. 🙌
Here are 10 proven (and fun!) ways to bring in more customers without running a single ad:
1. Optimize Your Website (Yes, Even That One Page You Hate)
If your website doesn’t clearly say what you do, who you help, and how to work with you… you’re losing people faster than a lukewarm latte that sat in your car for two hours.
👉 Fix your homepage. Add calls to action. Use keywords. Boom — SEO magic.
2. Get on Google My Business
If you’re a local business and you’re not on Google Maps, that’s basically a crime and you are a criminal. Just kidding- but also…get it together!
Claim your listing, get Google verified, add photos, update your info, and ask happy clients for reviews.
3. Write a Juicy Blog Post
Yes, blogs are still a thing. And yes, they really do help you show up in search.
Answer real questions your audience is asking. Like, oh, I don’t know:
“How do I grow my biz without paid ads?” 😏
4. Show Up on Social (But Pick One or Two)
You don’t have to be everywhere.
Just pick the platforms your dream customers actually use and post content that makes them laugh, nod, or DM you.
5. Slide Into Some Inboxes (Legally)
Email marketing is powerful.
Share value, tell stories, and drop offers — right into their inbox. No boost button needed.
6. Collaborate with Other Business Owners
Your biz besties are untapped marketing gold.
Host a giveaway. Co-write a blog. Cross-promote your butts off. It’s marketing with ✨community✨ vibes.
7. Offer a Referral Incentive
Happy clients = your #1 best salespeople.
Give them a reason to shout your name from the rooftops (or the group chat).
8. Add Testimonials Everywhere
People trust people.
Sprinkle real client quotes throughout your website, emails, and social captions like extra parm on pasta. 🍝 🤤
9. Be Consistent
You don’t have to post daily.
You do need to show up regularly so people remember who you are when they’re ready to buy.
10. Make It Easy to Work With You
Clear pricing. Simple booking. No hoops.
If people are confused, they bounce. If it’s easy, they convert.
🎉 TL;DR: You Don’t Need Ads — You Need Strategy
Ads are great… eventually.
But right now? You can grow your business by showing up with clarity, consistency, and creativity.
And if you want help building a marketing plan that doesn’t feel like a full-time job?
Hi, I’m Maggie. Let’s do this thing. 👋
