Small businesses and SMEs
Digital marketing for small businesses that pays its way.
I help small businesses and SMEs win more customers through Google Ads, Meta Ads and websites that convert. You get one experienced freelancer doing the work, and none of the agency overheads.
Small business marketing
Senior marketing help, sized for a small business
When you run a small business, marketing is one of many jobs on your list, and every pound you spend on it has to come back. You do not need a retainer full of things you will never use. You need the one or two channels that bring in customers, run properly.
I work with small businesses as a freelance specialist. I am based in Wilmslow, Cheshire, and work with SMEs across the UK. You deal with me directly, and I will tell you when something is not worth your money.
Who this is for
The challenges
Why small business marketing is different
Three things I hear from almost every small business owner.
Every pound has to work
A small budget leaves no room for waste. I start with the searches and audiences closest to a sale, set up tracking before spending anything, and only widen the campaign once the numbers support it.
No time to manage it
You are running the business, not sitting in an ads account. I handle the setup, the day-to-day changes and the reporting, and send you a short update in plain English so you know what your money did.
Up against bigger brands
Larger competitors can outspend you, but they rarely go after every local or niche search. I look for the gaps where a smaller business can show up first, and build pages that give people a reason to pick you.
Getting started
Start small, prove it, then grow
Most small businesses I work with do not need a full marketing plan on day one. They need one channel that works, and proof that it works, before they spend more.
How I work with small businesses
- A first call to look at where your enquiries or sales come from now, and where the gaps are.
- One channel to begin with, chosen for the quickest return, with conversion tracking in place from the start.
- A monthly report in plain English: what was spent, what came back and what I am changing next.
- More budget or a second channel only when the first one is paying for itself.
Start with the free things. A complete Google Business Profile and a steady flow of reviews cost nothing and help you show up in local searches. I look at both before recommending any ad spend.
How I help
Digital marketing services for small businesses
Most small businesses start with one of these and add others as results come in.
Google Ads
Search campaigns that put you in front of people looking for what you sell, in the area you serve, on a budget you set.
Meta Ads
Facebook and Instagram campaigns that build awareness locally and bring past visitors back to buy or enquire.
Website design
A fast, clear website you can update yourself, built to turn visitors into calls, bookings or orders.
Consultancy
A one-off review or a regular session if you run your own marketing and want an experienced second opinion.
Results
Work for small businesses
Reduced CPA 300% for tipi hire business
Taking over an underperforming account from a large national company and turning it around within a few months.
A first website, built for local search
Their first website, built to drive estimate requests and optimised for local SEO.
A site that stands out from other trades
A clean, professional website for a Plymouth plasterer who wanted to stand out from other trades, followed by Google Ads to generate more leads.
"Ascend have worked wonders with our marketing. Picking up from a poorly managed ads campaign from a large national company they have turned it around in just a few months."
Hapikåta Limited
Get in touch
Let's talk about your marketing.
Choose whichever is easiest. I’ll tell you honestly where I can help.
Send me a message
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FAQ
Digital marketing for small businesses: common questions
What is the best digital marketing for a small business?
The best channel is the one closest to a sale. For most service businesses that is Google Ads, because people are already searching for what you do. For products and newer brands, Meta Ads are often a better place to start. I recommend one channel first and add others once it is paying for itself.
How much should a small business spend on digital marketing?
There is no fixed figure. I work backwards from what a new customer is worth to you and how many you want each month, then suggest a starting budget you can afford to test for two to three months. [Add your minimum monthly ad budget, if you have one.]
Why use a freelancer and not a marketing agency?
You deal with the person doing the work, not an account manager passing messages on. There are fewer overheads, so more of your budget goes into the marketing itself, and decisions get made quickly. I have over 10 years of experience and manage every account myself.
Do you work with start-ups and new businesses?
Yes. If you are new, I usually suggest getting a simple website and tracking in place first, then testing one paid channel with a small budget. That shows what works before you commit more.
Is there a minimum contract?
[Add your terms here, for example a rolling monthly agreement with 30 days notice.]
How long does it take to see results?
Paid ads can bring enquiries within the first few weeks. It usually takes two to three months of data to see what is working and tune the account properly. A new website takes longer to show up in search results, which is why I often pair it with ads at the start.