The holiday season is crunch time for small businesses. With rising costs and more competition than ever, many small business owners wonder how they can stand out — and still stay on budget. The good news? A few strategic (and free) marketing moves can make a big difference in visibility, customer loyalty, and sales.

In a world dominated by screens, it’s easy to think printed materials are outdated. But the truth is, both digital and printed marketing collateral are essential for creating a strong, consistent brand presence. The most successful businesses don’t choose one or the other — they use both strategically to connect with customers in meaningful ways

As the end of the year approaches, it’s the perfect time for small business owners to take a fresh look at their brand and marketing materials. A few smart updates now can set you up for stronger visibility and more customers heading into 2026.

Running a small business is exciting — but also overwhelming. You’re juggling customers, operations, finances, and a hundred daily details. Marketing often gets pushed to the back burner, even though it’s what helps your business attract new customers and stand out from competitors.

The good news? You don’t need a full-time marketing department to look professional and grow your brand. Hiring a marketing freelancer gives you access to expert-level skills, creative ideas, and proven marketing strategies — without the full-time price tag.

Read more to see why smart small business owners are turning to freelancers for help with their websites, marketing materials, and overall brand presence.

When you’re running a small business, every dollar counts. Marketing often gets pushed to the back burner while you juggle sales, operations, and customer service. But here’s the truth: the right marketing collateral can do a lot of the heavy lifting for you. It builds credibility, answers customer questions, and helps close sales—without you having to repeat yourself a hundred times.

The challenge? With so many options, it’s hard to know what you really need versus what’s nice to have. Let’s break down the essentials, the extras, and how to make your marketing collateral work smarter for your business.

Running a small business is no small task. From managing customers to keeping up with inventory, payroll, and everything in between — your plate is full. But there’s one tool that can make running and growing your business easier: a professional website.

Yet, many small business owners still put off getting one. Some think it’s too expensive, others assume social media is enough, and many simply don’t know where to start. If that sounds like you, you’re not alone, but here’s why having a website isn’t just “nice to have” anymore. It’s essential.

Marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming—or expensive. In fact, if you’re a small business, the key to success is focusing on the essentials that drive real results.

Here are the top 3 marketing moves every small business should be doing right now:

In today’s digital world, a website is no longer just a “nice to have” – it’s essential for small businesses to thrive. Here’s why your website should be your top priority:

First Impressions Matter: 75% of users judge a company’s credibility based on its website design. Make sure yours is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly.