A Small Business Guide to Digital Marketing Options

As a small business owner, you’ve probably heard how important digital marketing is, but figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need to tackle everything at once. A well-planned digital marketing strategy can boost your visibility, attract more customers, and make your business run smoother—all without breaking the bank.

At Wasson Management + Marketing, we love helping small businesses in Iowa (and beyond!) build strong digital presences. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your efforts, here’s a friendly guide to the digital marketing channels you should consider and how they can help your business grow.

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Think about the last time you searched for a product or service online. Did you go past the first page of results? Probably not. That’s where SEO comes in. SEO helps your business show up higher in search engine rankings, making it easier for people to find you when they’re looking for what you offer.

How It Helps Small Businesses:

• For a local bakery in Des Moines, SEO ensures their website pops up when someone searches “best cupcakes near me.”
• For a landscaping company, SEO helps highlight their services to homeowners searching for “yard maintenance in Iowa.”

By optimizing your website with the right keywords and ensuring it’s mobile-friendly and fast, SEO brings in the right traffic—people who are actively searching for what you do.

2. Social Media Marketing

Social media is one of the easiest ways to connect with your audience. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn allow you to show off your personality, engage with customers, and build a loyal following.

How It Helps Small Businesses:

• For a boutique in Ankeny, Instagram is the perfect place to showcase their latest arrivals and create buzz around sales.
• For a local plumber, Facebook allows them to share tips, answer customer questions, and build trust with their community.

The key is consistency. Sharing regular posts, responding to comments, and running occasional promotions can keep your business top-of-mind with potential customers.

3. Pay-Per-Click Advertising (PPC)

Sometimes, you need results fast. That’s where PPC ads come in. These are the ads you see at the top of Google search results or sprinkled throughout social media platforms. The great thing about PPC is that you only pay when someone clicks on your ad, making it a cost-effective way to drive traffic to your website.

How It Helps Small Businesses:

• For a cleaning service, running a Google ad for “affordable house cleaning near me” can bring in new leads right away.
• For a local coffee shop, Facebook ads targeting people within a 10-mile radius can attract new customers to try their latest latte special.

With precise targeting, you can reach the exact audience you’re looking for—whether they’re searching online or scrolling through their social feeds.

4. Email Marketing

Did you know email is still one of the most effective ways to stay in touch with your customers? It’s true! Email marketing allows you to nurture relationships, share updates, and even offer special deals directly in someone’s inbox.

How It Helps Small Businesses:

• For a yoga studio, a monthly newsletter keeps clients informed about class schedules and upcoming workshops.
• For a boutique hotel, automated emails can remind past guests to book their next stay or share seasonal promotions.

Personalized and timely emails build customer loyalty and encourage repeat business.

5. Content Marketing

Content marketing is all about providing value to your audience. Whether it’s blogs, how-to guides, or social media posts, creating content that answers your customers’ questions or solves their problems helps establish you as an expert in your field.

How It Helps Small Businesses:

• For a pet store, blogging about “How to Choose the Right Dog Food” brings pet owners to their website.
• For a hair salon, creating video tutorials on Instagram showcasing the best ways to style a new cut keeps clients engaged between visits.

Great content keeps your business visible and builds trust, making people more likely to choose you when they’re ready to buy.

Why Digital Marketing Matters for Small Businesses

Digital marketing isn’t just about being online—it’s about connecting with the people who need your products or services and showing them why you’re the best choice. Here’s why it’s worth investing in:

• It Increases Visibility: The more people see your business, the more opportunities you have to grow.
• It Builds Relationships: Engaging with your audience keeps your business top-of-mind and fosters loyalty.
• It Drives Results: Whether it’s more website traffic, leads, or sales, digital marketing delivers measurable outcomes.

Partner with Wasson Management + Marketing for Your Digital Marketing

At Wasson Management + Marketing, we get it—running a small business means wearing a lot of hats. That’s why we’re here to help you take the guesswork out of digital marketing. From crafting SEO strategies to managing your social media and creating eye-catching campaigns, we tailor our services to fit your business and your goals.

Your business deserves to be seen. Let us help you reach your audience and make a lasting impression!