Small Business Marketing FAQ
Marketing your business doesn’t need to be complicated, it just needs to be clear.
That’s why we’ve built this small business marketing FAQ: to give you honest, jargon-free answers to the most common questions we hear from tradespeople, shop owners, and small business directors across the UK.
Use the list below to jump straight to the section you need.
What is digital marketing, really?
Digital marketing is everything you do online to get found and chosen by customers, your website, SEO, social media, Google Ads, email marketing, and more. It’s about visibility, trust, and conversion.
Do I need SEO for my small business?
Yes, if people search online for what you sell or do, then SEO helps you show up in those results. It’s a long-term investment that brings traffic without needing to keep paying for ads.
What’s the best social media platform for a local business?
It depends on your audience. Facebook is great for local reach, Instagram works well for visual products, and LinkedIn is strong for B2B. Use the one your customers actually spend time on.
Should I use email marketing?
Yes. It’s one of the few channels you control. With a good email list, you can stay in touch with leads, promote offers, and turn interested people into paying customers.
How much should I spend on marketing each month?
There’s no fixed number, but a good rule is 5–10% of your monthly revenue. If you're just starting out, plan to spend around £500–£1,000 per month to get things moving properly.
How do I know what’s working and what isn’t?
Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track visits, clicks, and performance. If you’re running campaigns, make sure you know what the goal is, leads, sales, or traffic.
Can I do this myself or do I need help?
You can start on your own, and should, but once things grow or time runs out, it helps to bring in someone who does this every day. The biggest risk in marketing is guessing.
How long does SEO take to work?
Usually 3–6 months to see early movement. Full results can take longer depending on your competition, your site, and how much work you put in. It's a slow burner, but worth it.
Do I need a blog on my website?
If you want to rank for more keywords and get found on Google, yes. A blog gives you content to optimise, share, and internally link, all of which boost your visibility.
What’s better - Google Ads or SEO?
SEO is long-term and builds authority. Google Ads is short-term and brings quick traffic. Most successful businesses use both together, ads for speed, SEO for sustainability.
Still unsure? Contact us and we’ll give you honest advice based on where you are now, no pressure, no sales pitch.
For a broader view on how small businesses across the UK are approaching digital, you can also check out this Digital Marketing
The Takeover Strategy
Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, UK
info@thetakeoverstrategy.com
Tel: 01664 784033
Based in the East Midlands - serving the UK
Trusted by local UK businesses
Registered UK business