The online market is getting tougher to navigate, especially for the small businesses that don’t have the budget to spend like the large organisations. But here’s the good news: You don’t have to match the size of their budget to create the desired impact. With research and the right strategies, it is possible to reach your potential customers.

If you're a small business owner with a website that isn’t performing well, you might be wondering what you're doing wrong or why you're getting ignored in the online space despite doing everything necessary.

You are not alone

A study conducted by SEO Tribunal says 92% of people click on businesses listed on the first page of Google. That means if you know how to position your business online, you have a better chance of grabbing attention.

So, if you’ve been wondering how to compete with the big brands, here are some actionable tips that can help you stand out, without burning a hole in your pocket.

Why Small Businesses Often Go Unnoticed Online?

Running a small business is hard and running it online is way harder. Here are some reasons why small businesses don’t always get the visibility they deserve, because to solve a problem, you’ll need to know the cause.

• Not enough budget
• Lack of brand awareness
• No proper online setup

But don’t worry. With the right tools, some time, and money, you can fix this.

---

Also  Read: Small Business Digital Transformation: Benefits and Challenges

---

Fix the Basics First

For you to compete with the big names, your foundation must be strong. Here’s what to focus on first.

1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

This is one of the most basic but also most ignored parts of digital marketing. Start by doing these:

• Make sure your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are correct
• Upload clear photos
• Write a compelling description
• Choose the right category, and keep posting updates
• Reply to reviews regularly

Having a strong GBP increases your chances of showing up in the Google 3-pack, which in turn helps you reach more people.

After you create your GBP, find directories that have good domain authority and list your business with them. You can also try out premium business listing services for better Google rankings. Having a premium listing with detailed info about your business on a trusted site would do wonders for your ranking in the SERPs.

2. Make Sure Your Website Is Mobile-Friendly

In 2025, people consume content mostly through mobile devices, yet there are still websites on the internet that are not optimized for mobile.

As per Google, more than 60% of users leave a site if it’s not mobile-friendly.

3. Consistent Info Across All Listings

If your Facebook page shows one address, your Yelp page shows another, and your website lists yet another, search engines wouldn’t know which one to trust. Your business would also lose the trust of the people checking it out for the first time. Thus, make sure every platform has the same, up-to-date information.

4. Compete Smart by Focusing Local

You obviously cannot compete with the global giants in terms of scale, but you can dominate them locally. People usually prefer local businesses. You just need to put in the effort to be seen by them.

Be Local in Everything

Instead of using keywords like “best bakery”, choose local keywords like "best vegan bakery in Minneapolis". Add the name of your city or neighborhood to your content, but also make sure that it is relevant and avoid keyword dumping.

Also, try getting featured on local news websites or city blogs - these small mentions add up when it comes to brand awareness.

5. Show Personality Through Your Content

Customers prefer real human content rather than robotic brand voices. They want to see the real you. That’s where blogging, social media, and videos help.

Small businesses already have an advantage over the big brands in this area. Just make sure that your content reflects your personality and the values of your business. Let them see the people behind the product.

6. Blogging Helps a Lot More Than You Think

Having a blog corner and posting on it regularly brings many benefits:

• Increases your SEO ranking with fresh content.
• Helps you become an industry authority.
• Gives you content to repurpose for emails and social posts.
• Builds trust when you answer common customer questions.

If it is impossible to even create blogs once or twice a week, then it might be better to hire a marketing company that can take care of the job for you.

7. Don’t Ignore or Overuse Social Media

You don’t need to have accounts on every existing social media platform, but being invisible will not help you either.

Choose 2-3 platforms where your target audience is quite active. Post consistently on those platforms.

Also, boost a post once in a while. Even $10–$20 spent on a good post in your local area can bring great results.

---

Also Read: Get Social. Get Found. Start with Expert Account Creation Across Platforms

---

8. Reviews – The Low-Effort Gamechanger

Nothing builds trust faster than a good review. And nothing scares a customer more than zero reviews.

Ask every satisfied customer to leave a review on platforms where you’re active.
 Respond to every review, good or bad. Show them you're listening. Mention services, products, or locations in your response since it helps SEO too.

9. Collaborate and Cross-Promote

You can collaborate with another local business that can also benefit from collaborating with you. For example, if you are a florist, you can collaborate with a wedding planner or an event venue business.

Cross-promotions will help you tap into each other's audiences. Also, try bringing in local influencers, even if they have only 2K–5K followers, since their reach is focused and authentic.

10. Track Everything

Here’s what you can use to track whether your strategies are working.

• Google Analytics – See how people find and use your site.
• Google Search Console – Note which keywords are bringing traffic.
• Facebook Insights – Know which posts perform well.

LocalBizNetwork

Sometimes your business needs that extra care and boost to reach the customers. Here’s where we come in. Our premium business listings give you the space to fully showcase your business and impress your customers. You can post your blogs, podcasts, and videos, and do much more with our LBN listing. Curious to know more about it? Visit us here.

Got Questions About Competing with Big Brands Online? Start Here 

Why do small businesses struggle to get online visibility? 

Small businesses often lack the budget, SEO knowledge, or time to consistently optimize their online presence. Inconsistent info, outdated websites, and inactive listings also reduce their visibility on search engines like Google.

 

Can small businesses compete with big brands in search results? 

Yes! By focusing on local SEO, optimizing their Google Business Profile, and using long-tail location-based keywords, small businesses can rank higher in local searches even when competing with national brands.

 

How does claiming a Google Business Profile help? 

Claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile helps you appear in local search results, Google Maps, and the Google 3-Pack. It boosts your credibility, especially when paired with positive reviews and consistent business information.

 

What kind of content helps small businesses grow online? 

Blogging, posting videos, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and answering FAQs can build trust and authority. Personal, value-driven content helps small businesses connect better with local audiences than big brands.

 

Should I invest in blogging as a small business owner? 

Absolutely. Blogging improves your SEO, gives customers useful info, and helps you rank for relevant search terms. Even 2–4 blog posts per month can significantly boost your site’s visibility.

 

What are the best low-cost strategies for small business marketing? 

• Optimizing your website for mobile and SEO  
• Claiming and updating your Google Business Profile
• Asking for customer reviews
• Posting consistently on 2–3 social media platforms
• Listing on trusted local directories 

How important are customer reviews for local SEO? 

Very important. Reviews build trust and improve your ranking in search results. Google favors businesses with frequent, high-quality reviews that include location- and service-based keywords. 

What should I track to measure online visibility? 

Use tools like Google Analytics (traffic), Google Search Console   (keywords), and Facebook/Instagram Insights (post engagement) to measure your progress and refine your strategy.