Alright, let’s get something straight—if you’re still complaining about not having the budget to market your business, that’s on you. There are plenty of ways to get your name out there without spending a single penny. The problem isn’t your budget—it’s that you’re too comfortable waiting for leads to fall into your lap.

The truth? Marketing isn’t about how much cash you’ve got, it’s about how much effort you’re willing to put in. So, if you’re ready to get off your arse and stop hiding behind excuses, let’s get into the real strategies that cost nothing but time, energy, and a bit of creativity.

1. Write for Your Clients’ Industry Publications (Not Yours)

You’re great at what you do, but your clients don’t care about your industry—they care about theirs. So, while you’re busy writing for publications that impress your peers, your clients are getting advice from someone else. Someone who’s smart enough to put their expertise in front of the right audience.

Want to get real results? Stop talking to your competitors and start talking to the people who might actually hire you. Pitch expert content to publications your clients are already reading. You’ll look like an authority while sneaking into their trusted circles without paying a damn thing.

How to Do It:

• Find out which industry magazines, blogs, or newsletters your ideal clients are glued to.
• Pitch an article that solves a problem they’re facing RIGHT NOW—no fluff, no jargon.
• Deliver something valuable and watch how being in the right place opens doors.

Stop thinking about exposure for the sake of exposure. It’s about getting your name in front of the right eyeballs.

2. Join Committees and Own the Room

Committees might sound like boring admin work, but the reality is—they put you in the same room as decision-makers. It’s about networking, but without the small talk and awkward handshakes. When you’re on a committee, people start seeing you as someone who does, not just someone who talks.

Chamber of Commerce committees, industry boards, local business groups—they all have one thing in common: They’re full of people with power and influence. Be the expert in the room and watch how fast those connections turn into opportunities.

How to Do It:

• Pick committees that attract the type of clients you want to work with.
• Volunteer, show up, and contribute—don’t just sit there like a warm body.
• Use your expertise to build trust and create relationships without selling.

It’s a long game, but the credibility and connections you build are worth way more than any paid campaign.

3. Get on Podcasts & Webinars—People Need to Hear Your Voice

Here’s a fact: Every podcast and webinar out there is desperate for good guests. If you’ve got insights to share, get in front of their audiences and make it count. You’re not just some random talking head—you’re an expert offering value to people who need it.

Appearing on podcasts and webinars costs nothing, but the return? Potential clients hearing your voice, learning from your experience, and connecting with your story. It’s the kind of exposure you can’t buy, even if you tried.

How to Do It:

• List out podcasts or webinars in industries your clients are in—not your competitors.
• Reach out to hosts with a compelling angle they can’t say no to.
• Show up, drop knowledge, and make a lasting impression.

When you show up for an audience that’s primed to listen, you don’t have to work as hard to get noticed.

4. Max Out LinkedIn—Stop Being Lazy and Start Showing Up

Here’s a brutal truth: Most people suck at LinkedIn because they don’t put in the effort. If you’re just reposting articles or dropping the occasional “inspirational” quote, you’re wasting everyone’s time. LinkedIn is free and it’s powerful—if you know how to use it.

Stop logging onto LinkedIn once a year, posting some self-important crap, and then wondering why it’s not working for you. If that’s you—go take a long, hard look in the mirror, delete your account, and do us all a favour. LinkedIn isn’t your personal soapbox for one-off rants or ego strokes. It’s a platform that rewards consistency, value, and real engagement.

Want results? Show up, post regularly, and for the love of all things business, say something that actually matters. Share stories. Talk about failures. Give away tips that actually help people instead of just trying to look smart.

How to Do It:

• Post at least 3 times a week with real, actionable content. No fluff.
• Tell stories. Share your wins, but also your screw-ups—people connect with authenticity.
• Engage with your audience—reply to comments, ask questions, make it a two-way conversation.

LinkedIn is a goldmine for building connections, but only if you’re willing to put in the work.

5. Host Free Workshops or Training Sessions—Show Off Your Expertise

Want to get clients to see your value before they ever pay you a penny? Offer free workshops or training sessions. Pick a problem they’re facing, deliver a solution, and make sure they walk away thinking, “I need more of that.”

Here’s the thing: Free doesn’t mean worthless. In fact, it often creates more trust and goodwill than any sales pitch ever could. People remember the business that helps them out without asking for anything in return.

How to Do It:

• Choose a topic that addresses a specific pain point for your ideal clients.
• Promote the session on LinkedIn, email, and in any groups you’re part of.
• Deliver something useful, not a thinly veiled sales pitch.

This is your chance to give value first and create a lasting impression—because when people need more help, guess who they’re going to call?

Conclusion: No Budget, No Excuses

So, what’s stopping you now? The strategies are right here, and they cost nothing. You don’t need a huge marketing budget to make an impact—you just need to put in the time, effort, and a little creativity. The truth is, most business owners are too lazy to do the work. Be the minority, not the majority!

If you’re serious about growing your business, then these zero-budget strategies will get you there. But they won’t work if you don’t show up. So, stop sitting on your hands and start leveraging the tools you’ve already got. Your next big opportunity is out there—you just need to put yourself in the right place to grab it.

Want some help figuring out when, where and how you should be showing up for your prospects? pop me a message and let's figure it out together!