Ask Us Anything About Marketing: Your Biggest Questions Answered
- Veronica Lind
- Sep 18
- 4 min read
At our recent September 2025 "Ask Us Anything About Marketing" event hosted by Micro Business Forum, we invited small business owners to bring their real, burning marketing questions to the table and they did!
From social media and SEO to customer retention, marketing budgets, and reaching older audiences, the questions were honest, practical, and relatable.
Here’s a recap of the most frequently asked questions, and our best answers to help you market smarter, not harder.
Getting Started with Marketing
Q: Where do I even start with marketing, especially if I’m new or on my own?
The key is to start small and stay focused. You don’t need to be on every platform or spend a fortune.
Start with these basics:
A clear, simple website or landing page
A Google Business Profile (free and helps you get found in local searches)
There are other free online listings you can take advantage of e.g. Local Search, Yellow Pages, Bing Places etc
One social platform where your ideal customers spend time
A basic email list to build direct communication with your audience
Bonus tip: Talk to 3–5 of your existing or potential customers and ask them how they prefer to find or buy products like yours. Their answers will guide your marketing decisions better than any guesswork.
Social Media & Platforms: Where Should I Be?
Q: Which platform gives me the most bang for my buck?
It depends on your audience:
Facebook/Instagram: Best for lifestyle, visual, community-focused brands
Google Ads/Search: For people actively looking to buy
LinkedIn: Ideal for B2B or professional services
Email marketing: Great ROI and low cost if managed well
Q: I don’t want to use Instagram or be tied to tech. Are there alternatives?
Yes! Focus on:
Google Business Profile
Facebook (more user-friendly than Instagram)
Local business groups or newsletters
Email marketing
Community networking and referral systems
You don’t need to be trendy. Just be visible where your audience already is, and that means they could be at clubs, not just online.
Budgeting, ROI & Ads
Q: How much should I spend on marketing?
A common rule is to allocate 5–10% of your revenue for marketing. If you’re just starting, even $5–$15/day on social media or Google Ads can give valuable insights.
Q: What’s the best ROI strategy for social media ads?
Start with:
One product/service especially if they can lead to upselling and cross selling other products or services
One clear audience
One call to action
Test a small audience first, learn what works, then scale. The real ROI comes from matching the right message to the right people.
Q: I want to run Google Ads but don’t have a budget. What can I do?
Focus on organic tactics:
Optimise your Google Business Profile
Ask happy customers for reviews
Write helpful blog content
Get listed in local directories
Join community groups and offer helpful advice (online and offline)
Engagement, Conversion & Retention
Q: How do I increase engagement and turn it into sales?
Ask questions, run polls, or share tips
Include a clear next step (DM, link, download, booking, etc.)
Use real stories and testimonials
Show what’s behind the scenes and how you work
Make it easy for someone to take action once they’re engaged
Q: How do I keep my customers coming back?
Follow up with post-sale emails or check-ins
Create a customer referral or reward system
Remind them of new offers or services via email
Be present and helpful, even when you're not selling
People return to businesses that make them feel valued, not sold to.
Time Management for Solo Business Owners
Q: I’m the only one in the business. How do I make time for marketing?
Schedule just 30–60 minutes a week
Batch content (create a month’s worth of posts in one sitting)
Repurpose what you’re already doing (turn FAQs into posts or videos)
Use free tools like Canva, AI and scheduling apps to save time
Marketing doesn't have to take over your life. It just needs to be consistent.
SEO, Websites & Visibility
Q: What makes a good website?
Clearly says who you are and what you do in the first 5 seconds
Tells people how to buy, book, or contact you
Has testimonials or social proof
Is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate
Q: How can I improve my Google visibility?
Optimise your Google Business Profile
Add keywords to your website titles and headings
Start a blog or FAQ section using phrases your customers search
Encourage happy customers to leave Google reviews
Q: What is SEO and do I need it?
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) helps people find you on Google. It's not just technical. It’s about using the right words, answering customer questions, and keeping your site up to date.
Reaching Older Customers Offline
Q: How do I reach my target audience of 50–80 year olds when they’re not online?
Use local newspapers, newsletters, noticeboards, and community groups
Partner with local clubs or associations
Ask their children or younger family members to refer them (and they’re online)
Offer printed brochures or easy call-to-book options
Rely on referrals and word of mouth. They’re powerful at this age group
Bonus tip: Keep messaging clear, respectful, and benefits-focused.
Final Thoughts: Start Where You Are
The truth is. There’s no one-size-fits-all marketing plan. But the best results come from starting small, learning fast, and staying consistent.
Don't try to do everything at once. Focus on what you can commit to each week, stay close to your customers, and keep asking what they want, how they found you, and what they value most.
And remember—you’re not alone. That’s what the Micro Business Forum is here for. 💛
Marketing should support your business, not stress you out.
Want more support like this?
📩 Join MBF and connect with a growing network of local business owners, marketers, and mentors.
