Top 7 Free Marketing Tools Every Local Business Should Use

Jul 8

Marketing your business doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, there are powerful tools you can start using today—for free—that can help you streamline your efforts and stand out in your neighborhood.

Here are 7 of our favorite free tools for local business owners:

1. Google Business Profile

More than just a listing, this tool helps you show up in local search results and on Google Maps.

Why it matters:

Boosts your visibility when people search “near me”
Lets you share updates, photos, reviews, and more
It’s where customers often see you first

2. Canva

Design beautiful graphics, flyers, social media posts, menus, and more—without needing a graphic design degree.

Best for:

Social media visuals
Flyers and business cards
Event or promo graphics

3. Meta Business Suite

Manage your Facebook and Instagram accounts in one place. Schedule posts, respond to DMs, and view basic analytics.

Perks:

Easy post scheduling
Inbox management
Insights to improve engagement

4. Mailchimp (Free Plan)

Build and send emails to your customer list. Start with a welcome email or a simple monthly newsletter.

Why it works:

Stay top of mind
Promote sales, events, or new products
Collect feedback or reviews

5. Google Analytics

Track what’s working—and what’s not—on your website. It helps you understand how people find and use your site.

Key insights:

Which pages get the most traffic
Where your visitors come from
How long they stay on your site

6. ChatGPT (yes, this one!)

Need help writing social media captions, emails, or blog posts? ChatGPT is a free tool you can use to generate ideas and draft content fast.

Great for:

Brainstorming posts
Writing product descriptions
Customer service replies

7. Google Forms

Gather feedback, take orders, or sign people up for events or loyalty programs.

Local business examples:

Quick customer satisfaction surveys
Order forms for catering or pre-sales
RSVP forms for small business events

Final Thought: Start Simple, Grow Smarter

The best part about these tools? Most of them are intuitive and built for business owners who are short on time but big on hustle. Pick one or two to start, and build from there.

Need help figuring out what tools are best for your goals? Galley Marketing can help you set up the right stack to grow with purpose. Let’s talk.

Julie Karges https://www.juliekarges.com