9 free (or nearly free) ways to advertise your local business in South East London
Running a small business in South East London – whether you’re in Welling, Bexleyheath, Eltham or Plumstead – means wearing a lot of hats. And when it comes to advertising, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by expensive campaigns or agencies promising the world.
The good news? There are plenty of ways to promote your business without spending a fortune. Some just take a little time and creativity. Here are 9 free or cost-effective advertising tips tailored to local businesses in our corner of London:
1. Make the most of Google Business Profile
If you haven’t claimed and optimised your Google Business Profile, you’re missing out on free visibility. When locals search for “barber in Welling” or “café near Eltham High Street,” a good profile helps you show up on maps and search.
✅ Add quality photos
✅ Respond to reviews
✅ Keep opening hours up to date
✅ Post weekly offers or updates
2. Use local Facebook groups (properly)
There are hundreds of active Facebook groups across SE London – from Bexley Businesses to Greenwich Mums. Don’t spam. Join in the conversation. Share tips, comment on local issues, and drop your business when it fits naturally.
🗨 “I run a little bakery just off the High Street – happy to help with your event!”
Being helpful = being remembered.
3. Build a website (even a simple one-pager)
You don’t need a fancy site to start. But having something with your services, contact details, and location helps build trust. Think of it like your digital shop window – especially important if you're using social media too.
💡 Bonus: Add testimonials or a blog for extra trust points and local SEO juice.
4. Team up with other local businesses
You know the gym down the road? Or the florist next door? Create a referral loop or a small event together. Cross-promotion costs nothing and builds foot traffic for both of you.
👟 “Get 10% off your next bouquet when you show your receipt from Jane’s Coffee Shop.”
It’s collaborative, not competitive.
5. Add your business to local directories
Sites like:
yell.com
thomsonlocal
FreeIndex
Loads of more local ones too if you do a bit of searching online
They’re free, easy to set up, and often show up in search results. Just keep your info consistent everywhere – name, address, phone.
6. Use Instagram Reels & Stories (even lo-fi ones)
You don’t need a content team to show off your work. Behind-the-scenes shots, time-lapse videos, or customer shoutouts are brilliant for engagement.
📱 “Fresh batch just came out the oven!”
📹 “Quick before/after of a garden makeover.”
Local people love local faces. Show up as you.
7. Offer something shareable
What’s something your customers would want to share?
🎟 A refer-a-friend scheme
📸 A photo wall in-store
🎁 A birthday freebie
These little touches cost very little and encourage word-of-mouth – a powerful tool in tightly-knit areas like SE London.
8. Use flyers in the right places
Flyers still work – but don’t just scatter them anywhere. Target them.
📍 Independent cafes
📍 Community centres
📍 Libraries
📍 Local events or school fairs
Design something clean and helpful, not just salesy. Even better if you include a local offer.
9. Start a local email list
If you have regulars, ask them if they want updates. Use a free tool like Mailchimp (up to 500 contacts on the free plan) and send monthly tips, events, or discounts.
💌 “We’re at the Eltham Market this Saturday – come say hi and grab 10% off!”
It’s simple, effective, and yours.
Final word: you don’t need big budgets – you need local focus
Advertising doesn’t have to mean billboards or boosted posts. The best marketing is often word-of-mouth, built on community and consistency. Start with a few of these tactics. Track what works. Keep showing up.
And if you ever need help bringing it all together – whether that’s a website, branding, or simply ideas – I’d love to help.