Struggling Local Business Help: Step #7 Improve DIY Marketing on a Budget

Are you a Hemet or San Jacinto business owner wondering how to market your brand without emptying your wallet? Good news—DIY marketing doesn’t have to cost a dime (well, not always). In this post, we’re breaking it down into three simple categories:

What can you start doing today for free? What can you invest a little cash in to see fast results? And what should you plan as a 2025 goal if you can’t swing it now?

From updating your local listings to planning that dream pop-up event, these tips are all about boosting your brand and getting those local customers to your door. Ready to take charge of your marketing, Valley-style? Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!

DIY Marketing Moves You Can Do Today

Need a quick win for your business without a lot of effort? These marketing moves are all about updating and optimizing what you already have—whether it’s refreshing your website, cleaning up your local listings, or giving your social media profiles a makeover.

With just a few simple tweaks, you can improve your online presence, stay relevant, and start seeing results right away. Let’s take a look at some easy updates you can make today that will set you up for success in 2025.

Update Your Website for 2025

If you already have a website, it’s time to give it some love and make sure it’s ready to meet your 2025 goals. Think of it as your digital storefront—it should be as polished and inviting as your physical space. Start by refreshing your homepage, rewriting your “About Us” page, and adding updated images or graphics. These small but impactful updates can greatly enhance how customers perceive your business online.

Don’t stop there! If you sell products or services online, double-check your e-commerce pages for accurate prices, detailed descriptions, and up-to-date availability. Adding an FAQ page is another great move to answer common customer questions like, “Do you deliver to Ramona Bowl?” or “What’s the turnaround time for your services?” Not only does this help customers, but it also boosts your site’s SEO, making it easier for locals to find you when they search.

Regular updates show customers—and search engines—that you’re active and engaged. A well-maintained website tells visitors that your business is thriving and ready to serve them. Even small tweaks can breathe fresh life into your site and ensure it’s working hard for you, 24/7.

Ask yourself: Does your website truly reflect what your business stands for today? If not, now’s the perfect time to make those changes. It’s an investment in how your community sees your brand—and how you’ll attract new customers in the year ahead.

Local Example

Picture this: You own a San Jacinto-based residential flooring company. By updating your website with fresh images of your latest installations in local homes, you create a personal connection that the big-name home improvement stores—the orange one and the blue one—simply can’t match.

Adding a blog post about “Top Flooring Trends for 2025 in San Jacinto Homes” draws in locals looking for inspiration or planning renovations. These updates showcase your expertise while reminding potential customers that you’re the neighbor they can trust, not just another faceless chain.

Update Your Local Listings

Dive into your Google My Business, Yelp, Facebook, and other local directory profiles. Double-check that your hours, contact information, and business description are accurate.

Start small if needed: update banners, upload fresh product photos, or tweak your menus. Focus on refreshing your text to include relevant keywords and phrases that attract your target market. A quick refresh can make a big difference in how customers find and connect with you.

Local Example

Imagine you own a family-run pizzeria in Hemet. Updating your Google My Business listing with new photos of your menu items, like your famous “Ramona Bowl Special,” and adding local keywords like “Hemet’s Best Pizza” or “Late-Night Pizza Near San Jacinto” can improve your visibility.

When locals search for a place to grab a bite after an event, your freshly updated listing makes it easy for them to choose you over competitors. This is especially true for customers who want to support the community by recycling valley dollars instead of dining at big chain restaurants—a trend that’s quickly losing its appeal around here.

Refresh All Active Social Media Profiles

Your social media profiles are like virtual storefronts—they need to look inviting and reflect the latest your business has to offer. Start by updating your bios with current information, including your hours, location, and a catchy description that grabs attention. Refresh your banners and profile pictures to align with any recent branding changes or seasonal themes.

Pin a post that highlights something exciting, like a new product, a holiday promotion, or a special event you’re hosting. This way, visitors to your page immediately see what’s most important. Consistency is key—commit to posting updates at least once a week to stay relevant. If you’re short on time, scheduling tools like Hootsuite can help you plan posts in advance.

Local Example

Picture this: You run a boutique fitness studio in San Jacinto. You update your Instagram bio to include, “Helping San Jacinto get fit—one class at a time! 💪🏽 Check out our new schedule below.”

Next, you refresh your cover photo on Facebook to showcase a group of smiling participants at a recent class. Pin a post announcing your holiday promo: “Get a FREE class when you bring a friend before the New Year!”

Finally, share a Reel showing off your new yoga classes with the hashtag #SanJacintoFitness. These small updates help you connect with locals who are ready to get moving and want a welcoming, community-focused space to work out.

DIY Marketing Moves You Can Do Quickly with Very Little Cash Needed

Looking to give your business a boost without breaking the bank? These marketing moves are easy to implement, cost little to nothing, and can make a big impact in the short term.

Whether you’re reconnecting with past customers, refreshing your website, or sharing your expertise through regular blogging, these strategies can help you stay top of mind and attract more business in 2025—all while keeping your budget in check.

Let’s dive into some simple, effective ways to market your business and keep your momentum going.

Reconnect with Past Customers

This is one of the simplest, most cost-effective moves you can make to bring in extra business, which is why it earned a spot on this list. It does take a little prep, but the effort is worth it.

Your best customers are often those who already know and trust your business. Take a moment to sift through your customer database, receipts, or even your social media followers to find people you haven’t heard from in a while. Reaching out with a friendly note can be a game-changer, reminding them that you’re here and ready to help them again.

You’ve got options! Write simple hand notes or print cards and sign them one by one. If you’re comfortable with email, create personalized messages or email newsletters tailored to specific groups, like a “winter thank-you” with an exclusive offer for your loyal customers or a special deal to bring back newer clients.

Another option? Run targeted social media ads that only appear to people who’ve purchased from you in the past. For example, a quick message like, “We miss you! Here’s 20% off your next purchase—just show this message when you visit” can go a long way.

Local Example

Picture this: You’re a landscaper in Hemet. You send a thank-you note to a former West Hemet client you haven’t heard from in months. Turns out, they moved and misplaced your contact information, and the new homeowner is actively searching for a reliable landscaper. That one thank-you note lands you a new client on the same property.

But here’s the kicker—the old owner, now in East Hemet, reaches out to say they’ve been looking for you too. Their new property has even more land to maintain, effectively doubling your business from a single thoughtful gesture.

Sometimes, a simple act of outreach doesn’t just reconnect—it creates opportunities you never expected.

Actions to Take Today

Start gathering up all your contacts… your blasts from the past. Put them all in one place and categorize them. Then, decide on your approach. Here’s a sample approach based on the contact info you have:

Start gathering up all your contacts… your blasts from the past. Put them all in one place and categorize them. Then, decide on your approach. Here’s a sample approach based on the contact info you have:

• Physical Address: Send a thank-you card, holiday card, recipe card, industry tip, niche news, etc., to their physical address.
• Email Address: Use platforms like Mailchimp to create automated, personalized birthday greetings, holiday updates, sales emails, or niche resources.
• Phone Number: Set up a sales texting service. Add these contacts, get permission to send them promotional texts, and then keep them updated with exclusive offers or news.

Reconnecting with past customers is like finding gold you didn’t realize you still had. It doesn’t require a massive budget—just a little time, effort, and creativity. Plus, it reminds your old clients that you value them and their business, strengthening relationships and laying the groundwork for long-term loyalty.

Don’t underestimate the power of a simple thank-you or personalized offer—it could be the spark that reignites your business growth. Ready to take the next step? Start reaching out today!

Launch Your NEW Innovative Website

If you already have a website, now’s the time to plan its next big upgrade. If you don’t have one yet, it’s time to catch up—your competition is already ahead. A modern website isn’t just a digital presence; it’s a tool that brings value to your customers and keeps your business running smoothly.

Your website should reflect your brand, simplify processes, and make it easy for customers to engage with you. Depending on your industry or niche, here are some essential features to consider:

• Restaurants: Include an online menu, ordering system, or reservation tool.
• Mobile Service Providers: Add a calendar for scheduling appointments with reminders built-in.
• Professional Services: Use a secure, branded payment portal for deposits or bill payments, which builds trust while making transactions seamless.
• Retailers: Highlight promotions or showcase products tailored for local customers.

Don’t overlook the power of a blog! Regular posts can keep your site fresh, boost your SEO, and give your customers valuable insights. For example, a Hemet-based auto repair shop could post “5 Signs Your Car Needs Immediate Service” to educate locals while building trust.

Your website should also be user-friendly, mobile-responsive, and aligned with your 2025 goals. Platforms like WordPress make it easy to create a professional site without breaking the bank.

What Your Website Can Do for You

Your website isn’t just a digital business card—it’s a hardworking member of your team. Here are some of the ways a well-built site can simplify or even automate tasks for your business:

• Showcase Products or Services: Display offerings with high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and even videos.
• Take Online Orders or Bookings: Let customers make purchases or schedule appointments 24/7.
• Provide Instant Information: Share FAQs, hours, updates, or specials without answering every question individually.
• Generate Leads: Use forms, newsletter sign-ups, or free resources to capture customer info and follow up.
• Offer Customer Support: Add live chat or a contact form to handle inquiries quickly.
• Promote Your Brand: Share your story and values to connect with customers on a deeper level.
• Boost Local SEO: Use the right keywords to make it easier for Hemet and San Jacinto locals to find you.
• Accept Payments: Streamline transactions with online payment options for products, services, or deposits.
• Collect Feedback: Use surveys or reviews to better understand your customers’ needs.

Your website isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a game-changer for making your business more efficient and accessible. If you don’t have a site, you’re missing out on endless opportunities. And if you already have one, but it’s not doing any of these things, what purpose is it really serving?

It’s time to upgrade for 2025 and make your website work harder for your business. Ready to let your site do the heavy lifting?

Actions to Take Today

Make a quick list of five tasks your website could handle automatically—like scheduling, payments, or generating leads. Research affordable tools or plugins that could make these tasks a reality.

If you’re tech-savvy, start with free tools or DIY resources. For premium options or more complex upgrades, get a free quote from a local Hemet or San Jacinto web designer and add these to your 2025 goals. Remember, even small improvements can make a big difference!

Consistent Blogging

Blogging is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to connect with your local audience. It’s not just about boosting online engagement—it’s about driving tangible actions like getting customers through your brick-and-mortar doors or scheduling appointments with your service-based business.

Whether you’re sharing expert tips, answering common questions, or telling your unique story, blogging helps your business grow in measurable ways. It increases your brand’s recognition in the Hemet and San Jacinto areas while also encouraging search engines like Google to keep sending relevant traffic to your site.

Search engines love fresh, new content, and regularly updating your blog improves your chances of appearing in local search results. This means more visibility, more visitors, and ultimately, more local sales and service calls.

The Benefits of Blogging for Attracting Local FOOT Traffic

Creating content on your own platform, like blog posts, offers distinct advantages that directly benefit your business. Here’s how blogging can turn online traffic into foot traffic:

• Highlight Local Events and Promotions: Share posts about community events, in-store promotions, or seasonal sales to entice locals to stop by your location.
• Answer FAQs with Local Relevance: Address questions your customers often ask—like, “Do you deliver in Hemet?”—to build trust and make it easier for them to choose you.
• Showcase Your Expertise: Write about trends, tips, or how-to guides that are relevant to your industry and community, positioning your brand as a local authority.
• Engage with Local Stories: Share content that resonates with your community, such as partnerships with other local businesses or stories behind your products.

Outsourced Blogging Services for Local Businesses

Blogging doesn’t have to take up all your time or energy—especially when you’re busy running your business. Outsourcing your blogging can free you up to focus on what you do best while still reaping the benefits of fresh, engaging content. Professional blogging ensures your website stays updated, attracts local traffic, and highlights your expertise, all without you lifting a finger.

We offer tailored blogging services specifically for Hemet and San Jacinto businesses. Whether you need consistent content creation or just help getting started, we’ve got you covered. To make it even easier, we’ll come to your location to collaborate with you on a personalized 2025 marketing strategy that aligns with your goals.

Let us help you build a blogging plan that saves you time, enhances your online presence, and elevates your brand to new heights. Together, we’ll make sure your website works as hard as you do. Contact Us for more information. >>> Learn How to Do It Yourself

Set Your 2025 DIY Marketing Goals

When it comes to growing your business, a little planning and investment can go a long way. This section focuses on affordable marketing goals that may require some upfront costs but can be achieved with a bit of research and preparation. By exploring the options now, you can budget for these initiatives and work toward them one step at a time in 2025.

Take the time to understand what these goals could do for your business. Then, map out the costs and potential return on investment. With a clear plan, you’ll be able to tackle each goal with confidence and make 2025 a year of meaningful progress for your Hemet or San Jacinto business.

Now, let’s dive into ideas that can elevate your marketing game and build a stronger connection with your local audience.

Start Running Local Focused Ads

Running local ads is one of the best ways to get your business in front of more people in Hemet and San Jacinto in 2025. And the best part? It doesn’t have to break the bank or be complicated. With the right approach, local ads can help bring more people through your doors or get them booking your services—without spending a fortune.

Here’s how you can get started:

• Search Engine Ads: Think Google, Bing, or even Yahoo. When locals search for something like “best tacos in Hemet” or “plumbing in San Jacinto,” you can have your ad pop up right when they need you. If you’ve got videos to share—maybe some behind-the-scenes footage or a quick tutorial—YouTube Ads are a great way to grab their attention.
• Social Media Ads: Facebook and Instagram are a dynamic duo for targeting local customers. You can set a radius around your business and target people who are nearby, so your ad is seen by people who can actually visit. Use these ads to promote special deals, local events, or just remind your community that you’re here and ready to help.
• Partner with Other Local Businesses: Teaming up with nearby businesses can stretch your advertising budget. You could trade ads—promote their business on your social media, and in return, they’ll promote you. Another option is to place banner ads on local websites like Valley Local Pages, where you can tap into their audience and get noticed by even more locals.

The key is to start small. You don’t need to go all-in right away. Even just $5 per day on social media ads can make a difference. Once you see how it’s working, you can scale up. Do some research, figure out your costs, and plan your ads as part of your 2025 goals. Small steps will help you build a solid foundation for local advertising success—and in the long run, that’ll pay off big time.

Add an Online Store to Your Website

Adding an online store to your website isn’t just about shipping products—it’s a versatile tool that can transform the way you do business. It offers convenience for your customers and creates opportunities for your business to grow, whether you’re selling goods, showcasing services, or providing payment options.

Here are some creative ways to make your online store work for you:

• Showcase Your Offerings: Use your store as a digital showroom to display your products or services, complete with high-quality photos and descriptions. Even if customers can’t purchase directly online, they can browse your offerings and visit your store ready to buy.
• Local Delivery Options: Sell goods online and deliver them yourself or through delivery apps like DoorDash or Postmates. This adds a layer of convenience that can set you apart from competitors.
• Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store: Let customers purchase items online and pick them up at your store. It’s a great way to increase sales while saving on shipping costs.
• Service Scheduling: For service-based businesses, let customers book and pay for services online, selecting a date and time that works for them.
• Deposits for Services: Offer a secure way for clients to pay deposits online for large projects or events, streamlining the booking process and reducing no-shows.
• Layaway Options: Allow customers to reserve products by making small payments over time, encouraging sales without needing immediate full payment.
• In-Store Credit Payments: Make it easy for customers to manage their in-store credit by providing a simple way to make payments online.

By adding an online store, you’re not just creating another sales channel—you’re making it easier for customers to engage with your business on their terms. It’s a smart investment that pays off in convenience, customer satisfaction, and increased revenue. Make 2025 the year your website becomes your most valuable team member.

Host a Local Pop-Up Event

Hosting a pop-up event is a creative and effective way to engage with your community, promote your business, and showcase your offerings. Whether you sell products or provide services, a pop-up event gives you the chance to interact face-to-face with potential customers and leave a lasting impression.

Here are some ways to make a pop-up event work for you:

• Product Showcases at Local Hotspots: Set up a booth at the Hemet Farmer’s Market, collaborate with a local coffee shop for a “Sip & Shop” day, or showcase your creations at the Diamond Valley Arts Center. For example, a handmade jewelry maker could host a pop-up showcasing their latest collection just in time for the holidays.
• Service Demonstrations: Use a pop-up to highlight what your business can do. A hairstylist might offer free consultations at a community event like the Ramona Bowl’s seasonal fair, or a landscaper could host a mini workshop on drought-friendly gardening at the Western Science Center.
• Collaborate with Other Businesses: Partner with complementary brands for a shared event. For instance, a bakery could team up with a local florist for a “Sweets & Blooms” pop-up, offering desserts and bouquets for special occasions.
• Seasonal Themes: Tie your event to a seasonal or community theme. A back-to-school pop-up at a local park or a holiday market booth could help attract specific audiences while creating excitement.
• Engagement Opportunities: Collect attendee contact info through raffles or sign-ups for special offers. Hand out flyers or promo codes to encourage follow-ups, and engage your audience on social media by sharing live updates and photos.

By hosting a pop-up event, you’re not just selling—you’re creating an experience that builds trust and strengthens connections with your community. These events don’t have to break the bank, and with the right planning, they can become a cornerstone of your 2025 marketing strategy.

Your Local Marketing Partner: Valley Local Pages

At Valley Local Pages, we don’t just call ourselves a “local” directory—we are local. Unlike big names like Yelp or other platforms with headquarters far away, we’re proudly owned and operated right here in Hemet, CA. We know the San Jacinto Valley communities because we live and work here, too.

We’re so committed to helping local businesses thrive that we’ll even come to your location to help you craft the perfect marketing strategy for 2025. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.