We get it—marketing can feel overwhelming, especially when your budget is tight and your to-do list is long. Whether you’re a microbusiness, nonprofit, or just trying to make smart decisions with your resources, the good news is this: you don’t need a massive budget to make a meaningful impact.

At IPSM, we believe that the best marketing is smart, strategic, and sustainable—and that starts with knowing where to focus your energy.

Here are some of our favorite cost-effective marketing strategies that actually work.

Maximize Your Canva Game

If you haven’t embraced Canva yet, now’s the time. This platform is a small business owner’s dream: easy to use, budget-friendly, and packed with templates for everything you would need for social, email, and even website content!

One of our favorite parts about Canva is the Brand Folder. Create a branded folder with your logo, fonts, and colors so you (or your team) can quickly design consistent, professional-looking content without reinventing the wheel every time.

Turn One Piece of Content into Ten

You don’t have to constantly create—sometimes, you just need to repurpose. One blog post can become:

  • 3–5 social media posts
  • A reel with key takeaways
  • A newsletter blurb
  • A graphic quote
  • A topic for your next live video

You worked hard to create one piece of long-form content- now it’s time to break it up into a variety of short-form pieces to increase its visibility and longevity.

Email is Still a Heavy Hitter

Think email is outdated? Think again. Email marketing continues to deliver one of the highest ROIs of any channel, especially for small businesses and nonprofits.

You don’t have to send a novel. One strong message with a helpful tip, link to a blog, or upcoming event can go a long way in keeping your audience engaged. We like a mix of promotion and storytelling to keep our audience from feeling like all we’re doing is trying to sell them something.

Get Real on Reels (and Stories!)

You don’t need a ring light or fancy transitions. Authentic, behind-the-scenes content often performs better than polished promos. Your audience wants to see you—not just your product or service.

Don’t be intimidated! Start small with Reels made from photos or graphics set to trending audio. Then work your way up to short talking videos or community spotlights.

Show Up Locally

Community-based marketing is powerful—and often free. Cross-promotion with local businesses, nonprofit collaborations, or even attending local events can help you reach new audiences without spending a dime.

Relationships build reach. Share, interact, and support your favorite local organizations and businesses! You never know what might come of it.

Let Your Customers Do the Talking

Testimonials, reviews, and user-generated content (UGC) are gold. You don’t have to create the message—just amplify what others are already saying about your brand.

Try turning a positive comment or review into a branded graphic, or ask your community to share how they use your product/service for a chance to be featured.

Keep It Simple, Keep It You

The best marketing doesn’t always come with bells and whistles—it comes with clarity. When you stay focused on your mission, your people, and your message, your audience will feel it.

Don’t worry about being everywhere. Pick 1–2 platforms where your audience is active, and show up consistently with content that aligns with your brand voice. You don’t have to be on every platform that everyone tells you to, it’s about your audience and your brand.

Big budgets don’t equal big results—strategy does. You can build brand awareness, nurture community, and even drive sales consistently with small, smart steps.

Need help figuring out where to start? Let’s talk! Schedule a 15-minute strategy call with Renee and let’s find the budget-friendly wins that work for you.