The Best Ways to Market a Startup and Accelerate Your Profits
The early stage of a startup is both demanding and energizing. You’ve got an idea you believe could really be something, and you’ve started laying the foundation you’ll eventually build your business on—brick by brick. You may not have all the answers, but you do have a small team of go-getters who share your vision, an initial product or service that meets a market need, and signs of traction you have every reason to believe are worth chasing. The future looks like one big possibility.
But to fully realize all that potential, you need a brilliant startup marketing strategy (not the same old basic playbook)—something bold, forward-thinking, and focused. A plan that aligns with the stage you’re currently in while positioning you for the opportunities ahead. And let’s just put it out there: a plan that will increase revenue while keeping upfront costs light.
It sounds lofty, but I’m here to make it clear: you can successfully scale a startup without spending a fortune on (or compromising the impact of) marketing.
Let’s explore how.
The Best Ways to Market a Startup and Accelerate Your Profits
1. GIVE CUSTOMERS A REASON TO RECOMMEND YOU TO OTHERS
Referral programs couldn’t be more valuable in the early stages of a startup. Not only do they have a lower cost-per-acquisition than most other forms of marketing, but referred customers stick around longer and spend more—on average, they’re 16% more valuable over six years than those who aren’t referred.
So, if you want to expand strategically while maintaining a lean budget, nail down the specifics of your referral program ASAP.
Popular referral program options include:
Discount for Both: Treat both the referrer and the friend to a sweet deal.
Cash or Credit: Send cash or store credit their way when they refer someone.
Tiered Perks: The more they refer, the bigger the reward—it's a win-win!
Freebies: Who doesn’t love free stuff? Give out a free product or service when they refer.
VIP Access: Top referrers receive exclusive perks or early access to new products, services, or promotions.
2. MAKE SURE YOU’RE SHOWING UP IN ORGANIC SEARCH RESULTS
SEO is a must for any startup marketing plan. You never want to discount the fact that organic search accounts for 53% of all website traffic, or that moving up just one position in Google search results can increase your click-through rate (CTR) by 2.8%.
But the value of SEO goes beyond just being seen—it’s also about long-term, sustainable performance. Increased traffic and revenue from organic efforts build momentum over time, unlike paid ads that only deliver results while they’re active (aka costing you money).
My advice? Complete on-page website optimization before launching your startup or going live online. All core elements, including title tags, meta descriptions, headers, and content, should be expertly optimized for instant momentum.
3. CREATE A SYSTEM TO GATHER CUSTOMER REVIEWS EFFORTLESSLY
Did you know that 68% of customers say they’ve left a Google review for local business when asked? Yet very few businesses have a formal customer review strategy in place for requesting them.
You can set your business up to leverage social proof early by setting yours up ahead of launching. It’s easily one of the best ways to market a startup on a budget, and it’s super simple to roll out.
Here’s how to get started:
Decide where you want customers to leave reviews. Would you prefer reviews left on Google, Facebook, TrustPilot, Yelp, etc? Or a mix of several platforms?
Determine when and how you’ll request reviews. Will you send an email after a service has been provided? Place visible signage in your retail space? Send a text three days after purchase? What systems or tools can you use to automate or simplify this process?
Be ready to respond to feedback. You’ll need to engage with both positive and negative reviews. Thank your happy customers and approach concerns or criticisms as opportunities to learn and do better.
4. GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
You can’t finish a chat about cost-effective marketing for startups without mentioning community engagement. As someone who lives and breathes marketing, it’s one of the strategies I could rave about all day.
That’s because we know 77% of consumers are more likely to shop at a local store that supports community initiatives and that another 70% are more loyal to brands that actively engage with their communities (location-based or online).
Whether you decide to host virtual events, sponsor community initiatives, or partner with local artists or schools when producing creative materials for your brand—forming meaningful relationships with community members and groups goes a long way when building brand awareness and establishing a solid foundation of enthusiastic, loyal supporters.
5. SHARE SOMETHING VALUABLE WITHOUT CHARGING A DIME
The smartest and most successful businesses generate leads like clockwork. They don’t have to put in extra effort or take on stress while doing so, because they’ve put strategies in place that run automatically—strategies that, in most cases, involve free resources or incentives.
If you’ve been wondering how to market your startup and gain business traction without overspending or piling more on your to-do list, you need to take a similar approach. Think about what you can offer your audience (at zero cost) that provides a benefit so compelling they’ll jump at the chance to sign up.
Potential ideas include:
Personalized audits or assessments
Early access to new products, services, or beta features
Downloadable PDFs or eBooks
One-on-one consultations or strategy sessions
Exclusive discounts or promotions
Invitations to VIP launch parties or events
These ideas only skim the top of what’s required to successfully scale a startup, but they are a fantastic place to start when putting together your marketing plan. Each one delivers a distinct set of trackable, reliable results—allowing you to accelerate profits and fast-track your way to the next stage of growth.
Too Swamped With the Launch to Focus on a
Startup Marketing Strategy?
Partner with a marketing expert who helps startups shine and grow from the get-go. That way, you can focus on scaling your business without missing a beat.
I've had the privilege of working with brands across Canada, helping them refine their messaging, discover their authentic voice, and confidently introduce themselves to the market. I’m here to be the trusted partner you need—someone who understands your vision and can help bring it to life in the most impactful way.