How to Advertise Your Business (Including Free Ways), The Best Places to Advertise in 2026
The auction
Sponsored · digiethic.com/blog/how-to-advertise-your-business
How to Advertise Your Business
Top position, lower cost per click
On this pageShowHide
Quick answer
The best free ways to advertise a business are a fully optimized Google Business Profile, local SEO, social media posting, customer reviews, email to past customers, free directory listings and partnerships. The best paid options are Google Ads for people already searching and Meta Ads to reach new customers.
Key takeaways
- Start with the free options: Google Business Profile, reviews, social media, email and directories.
- Then add paid: Google Ads catches people already searching, and Meta Ads reaches new ones.
- Promote your website with SEO, links from your social profiles and genuinely helpful content.
- Track every channel so you know which ones are worth keeping.
Free ways to advertise your business
- 1Google Business Profile: the #1 free channel for local businesses. Local SEO guide.
- 2Ask for reviews after every job or sale.
- 3Social media: consistent posts on the 1–2 platforms customers use (content tips).
- 4Email & SMS to past customers.
- 5Free listings: Bing Places, Apple Business Connect, Yelp, industry directories, Facebook Marketplace.
- 6Partnerships: cross-promote with complementary local businesses.
- 7Helpful content: answer customer questions on your site (SEO).
Best places to advertise online (paid)
| Place | Best for |
|---|---|
| Google Search Ads | People actively searching for your service |
| Google Business Profile / Local Services Ads | Local "near me" searches |
| Facebook & Instagram Ads | Reaching new customers by interest & location |
| YouTube | Explaining your product |
| B2B decision-makers | |
| Amazon | Products sold on Amazon |
Full comparison: best online advertising platforms.
How to promote your website
- Fix the basics: fast, mobile-friendly, clear calls to action.
- Rank for the questions customers ask (SEO + AI search).
- Share every new page on social and email.
- Run small Google and Meta campaigns to your best pages.
- Add your link to directories, profiles and partner sites.
Apps to promote your business
Meta Business Suite (Facebook & Instagram), Google Business Profile app, a scheduling tool, and an email/SMS tool cover most small businesses, see our tools comparison.
When free isn't enough
Free channels take time. If you need customers this month, a small, well-tracked paid campaign is usually the fastest route. We'll recommend the right mix for your budget in a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free way to advertise a business?
For local businesses, a complete Google Business Profile with regular reviews. For online businesses, consistent social content and SEO.
Where can I post ads for free?
Google Business Profile, Bing Places, Apple Business Connect, Facebook Marketplace and Pages, Nextdoor business pages, and industry directories.
What is the best way to advertise a small business?
Combine free channels (Google Business Profile, reviews, social) with a small paid budget on Google Ads or Meta Ads, and track results.
Sources
Platform rules change often, so we check sources at every update. Last reviewed October 12, 2026.
Written by
Zia Ur Rehman
Founder & Lead SEO Strategist, DigiEthic
Zia Ur Rehman is the founder of DigiEthic, with 14 years of experience in digital marketing. He works hands-on across technical SEO, AI search optimization (AEO/GEO), Local SEO, Google Ads and Meta Ads for service businesses and e-commerce brands.
Our editorial policy