21 Simple Yet Powerful Marketing Ideas for Free or Cheap

Yes, it's possible to make a big impact on a small marketing budget!

As the leader or employee of a small nonprofit or social enterprise, you likely have a lot to do, and limited time and capacity in which to do it. You already wear many hats, so you need to maximize any marketing experiments.

That’s where this guide will come in handy.

Think of this guide as a short cut to the tried and tested marketing methods that have worked for other, larger organizations.

Whether marketing is your main role, or just one of many titles you rotate between, it's a non-negotiable function for your organization. (Yes, I'm still looking at you nonprofits!) Marketing just means that you're finding ways to connect your fans, supporters, donors, and customers to whatever amazing thing it is you offer. It's a relationship. Maybe not the kind of relationship that you go to the movies with, but still very valuable. After all, marketing keeps your organization afloat. It's what makes hypothetical people become actual donors and customers.

And guess what? It doesn't end with the sale or donation. That's only another starting point. You still need to find ways to engage with your fans and build relationships on a deeper level. These interactions are what keep them coming back for (or giving) more.

Marketing is essential.

But it doesn't have to be hard.

Many people only stare at marketing out of the corner of their eye because it seems scary and overwhelming. Good news: It doesn't have to. This guide will give you all kinds of options at all kinds of experience levels (including beginners). And most are free, and the rest are cheap. Sounds good, right?

Your cause is important, and I want to see you succeed. You’re trying to solve a large problem, and that takes time, resources, and most importantly, a strategy. Use the ideas in this document to get noticed and grow. 

Good marketing = more sales, more donations, more fans, and more of the good stuff.

But good marketing doesn't have to mean lots of money.

You may not want to take marketing to the movies after implementing these ideas, but I guarantee you'll consider a coffee date. #lowcommitment

"Kristi Porter is amazingly smart, fun, and great with words and messaging. She’s helped us with a few projects, and we love her. She’s also quick to share great, free advice along the way. We highly recommend her."

- Anne K., TrueNorth Freedom Project

I'm Kristi Porter, and I started Signify to help small nonprofits and for-profits with a social mission get noticed and grow through effective marketing and communications. I believe that cause-focused organizations like yours are the future of business. You're proof that companies can both make money and do good. And I'm here to make sure you focus and shine. When you succeed, we all win.