In the digital age, small businesses have more tools than ever before to grow their brand and attract new customers. However, many are missing out on powerful and underutilized digital tactics that can significantly improve their marketing efforts. Here are a few key strategies that remain surprisingly untapped by small businesses and why embracing these tactics can lead to substantial growth.

Only 17% of Small Businesses Use Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the most effective ways to increase visibility online, yet only 17% of small businesses are using it. SEO allows businesses to improve their website's ranking in search engine results, making it easier for potential customers to find them organically. When small businesses neglect SEO, they leave their digital presence largely in the hands of paid ads or word-of-mouth marketing, both of which are limited by budget and reach.

By optimizing content for keywords relevant to your industry and improving the structure of your website, you can drive more organic traffic and generate leads without ongoing advertising costs. Investing time in learning SEO basics or hiring an expert could provide exponential returns for your business.

Just 23% Leverage a Blog for Content Marketing

Blogging is a versatile and cost-effective tool for engaging customers, building brand authority, and improving SEO. Yet, only 23% of small businesses leverage this tactic for content marketing. Blogs provide an opportunity to share insights, answer customer questions, and establish your business as a trusted expert in your field.

Regular blog posts not only offer valuable content to your audience but also signal to search engines that your site is active and relevant. A well-maintained blog can help drive organic traffic, retain visitors, and nurture relationships with existing customers, making it a low-cost but high-impact marketing strategy.

The Top 5 Most Influential Marketing Channels for Small Businesses

Small businesses often wonder where to invest their limited marketing resources for the best results. Based on recent trends, the top five most influential marketing channels are:

Websites: Your website is the digital storefront for your business. It should be professional, user-friendly, and optimized for both desktop and mobile users. With 75% of consumers judging a company's credibility based on its website design, investing in a high-quality site is a must.
Facebook: With over 2.8 billion active users, Facebook remains a dominant platform for small business marketing. It provides robust targeting tools that allow businesses to reach a highly specific audience through both organic posts and paid advertisements. Read: Leveraging Social Media When Selling Your Business
Review Sites (like Google): Customer reviews can make or break a small business. Sites like Google My Business offer an accessible platform for businesses to manage their reputation, respond to feedback, and influence potential buyers through positive testimonials.
TikTok: As a rising star in digital marketing, TikTok is especially effective for reaching younger audiences. Small businesses can showcase products, share behind-the-scenes content, and tap into trending challenges to increase visibility and engagement.
Instagram: With its strong focus on visual content, Instagram is perfect for businesses that rely on aesthetic appeal, like retailers, restaurants, and service providers. Instagram’s integration of shopping features and stories provides small businesses with more opportunities to engage users and drive sales.

While many small businesses are already taking advantage of some digital marketing tools, there is still a large gap when it comes to leveraging underutilized tactics like SEO and blogging. By recognizing the potential of these strategies, small businesses can capitalize on opportunities that others may be overlooking. Additionally, investing time and resources into the top digital channels like websites, social media, and review platforms will help position your business for success in the competitive digital landscape.

If you're unsure whether you're utilizing digital marketing tactics effectively, take our short test here to find out how you're doing and discover areas for improvement.