Beginner’s Guide to Small Business Advertising
Beginner’s Guide to Small Business Advertising
Spent hours crafting a Facebook ad, only to get three likes and zero sales? Yeah, we’ve been there.
Advertising as a small business can feel like you’re tossing your message into a black hole: money out, nothing in. But here’s the truth: getting results isn’t about spending big. It’s about knowing what works.
This Beginner's Guide to Small Business Ads is your cheat sheet. We’ll walk you through the essentials without the jargon, spotlight the ad types worth your time, and share what platforms actually bring ROI for small business owners. Whether you're running a construction biz in McAllen, a local law firm, or your first online store, you’ll walk away knowing how to make your first ad campaign click.
Start with Why: The Real Point of Ads
Advertising isn’t just about selling stuff. It’s about getting in front of the right people at the right time. Whether you're showing off your services, running a promo, or just making sure folks know your name, advertising builds the bridge between your business and the customer who's been Googling what you offer.
And no, it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.
We recommend starting small but starting smart.
Know Who You're Talking To
Before you spend a dime, get crystal clear on who your ideal customer is. Picture this person. Give them a name. Know what they do, where they hang out online, and what keeps them up at night.
Ask yourself:
- Who are they? (Age, profession, lifestyle)
- What are they struggling with that I can solve?
- Where do they spend time online?
- What kind of messages will make them stop scrolling?
Understanding your audience isn’t just good marketing, it’s the difference between clicks and crickets.
Set Goals That Matter
Skip the vague goals like "get noticed" or "grow my biz." Instead, lock in on something trackable like:
- Get 100 new leads this month
- Book 30 appointments
- Sell 50 items online
These kinds of goals keep your ads focused and your money well spent.
Choose Your Platforms Wisely
You don’t need to be everywhere, just in the right places. Here’s where we tell most small businesses to start:
Google Ads
Perfect for people already searching for what you do ("plumber near me" or "best immigration attorney in McAllen"). It can be hyper-local and brings in ready-to-buy customers.
Facebook & Instagram Ads
If you’ve got a story to tell, a product that looks great in photos, or a service that solves a daily pain point, these platforms are gold. You can get really specific about who sees your ads, by location, age, job title, even interests.
Email Marketing
Yes, it's old school. Yes, it still works. Build that list and use automated emails to follow up, share offers and stay top of mind.
Types of Ads That Get Results
Not all ads are created equal. Here are a few that work especially well for small business owners starting out:
- Lead Generation Ads: Get people to sign up, book a call, or request a quote.
- Retargeting Ads: Remind folks who visited your site to come back.
- Video Ads: Quick, phone-shot videos introducing your business or answering a common question. They’re great for Facebook and Instagram.
- Google Local Service Ads: For businesses like HVAC, plumbing, roofing, legal services, these show up at the top of Google and let customers call you directly.
Don’t Skip the Website
Your ads are the invitation, but your website is the party. If it loads slow, looks outdated, or confuses visitors, you lose them. That’s why we at Antares Systems focus on high-performing, conversion-driven web design built for small businesses.
A good website:
- Loads fast on phones
- Makes it easy to call, book, or buy
- Looks professional and trustworthy
- Integrates with your ads + AI tools
Speaking of tools...
Automate Where You Can
Time is money, especially when you’re running the whole show. That’s why Antares 360 exists. It puts your client communication, follow-ups, appointment reminders, text payments, and chatbot responses all in one place.
No more missed messages. No more "Sorry I forgot to reply."
AI can do the heavy lifting. You focus on running your business.
Budget Like a Boss
There’s no magic number. Some start with $150 a month, others with $1,500. What matters most is tracking results and knowing your margins.
Try this simple split:
- 40% to Google Ads
- 30% to Facebook/Instagram
- 20% to Retargeting
- 10% to Testing (maybe TikTok or YouTube if relevant)
Then tweak as you go. Always.
Watch Your Numbers
If you're not watching the data, you're flying blind. Keep tabs on:
- CTR (Click-through rate)
- Conversion Rate
- Cost Per Lead
- Return on Ad Spend (ROAS)
Use tools like Google Analytics, Meta Business Suite, or our reporting dashboards to spot what's working (and what isn't).
Offline Counts, Too
Especially if you're a local service or storefront. Think:
- Networking events
- Chamber of Commerce
- Print flyers or postcards
- Referral collabs (team up with nearby businesses)
Word of mouth + digital ads = rocket fuel.
FAQs: Beginner Guide Small Business Ads
What’s the cheapest way to advertise?
From a budget standpoint, Facebook and Google let you start small. From a cost-per-impression view, local billboards still win. Best choice? Start with Facebook or Google. Scale what works.
Do I need a big ad budget?
Nope. You need a smart one. Even $10/day can go far if you’re targeting the right people and offering something they care about.
How do I know it’s working?
Track clicks, leads, and sales. Not just "likes." A good dashboard (like the one in Antares 360) shows you exactly what’s happening.
Should I do it myself or hire someone?
Start DIY if you’re curious and tight on funds. But if you want results fast or you’re losing time, it pays to bring in the pros.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a marketing degree or big bucks to start advertising your small business. You just need a clear plan, the right tools, and the courage to hit "publish."
Ready to stop winging it? We got you.
Partner with Antares Systems: Your Marketing Agency in McAllen
Based in McAllen, TX and serving the entire Rio Grande Valley, Antares Systems helps small businesses get real results with real strategies. Whether you need a custom website, PPC ad management, or full automation with Antares 360, we’re your all-in-one marketing partner.
- Want your site to convert more?
- Need someone to finally make your Google and Facebook ads profitable?
- Ready to use AI without the tech headaches?
Let’s build something that actually works.
