By Pallavi Thakur 
Los Angeles is a city of opposites. On one hand, there are glamorous Hollywood stars and on the other, there are gritty startups. There are also beachside shops and tech hubs in the city center. For people who own businesses in this huge city, it can be hard to stand out.
Here’s the good news: you don’t need a lot of money to get noticed. If you know how to promote strategies for businesses in Los Angeles, you can get a loyal following, more customers, and grow your brand.
Let’s look at the best strategies that are really working for businesses in LA right now and how to turn those strategies into money.
Strategy 1: Leverage LA-Specific Digital Resources
A lot of business owners don’t know that the City of Los Angeles has tools that can help them succeed online. When looking for free marketing options in LA, look for government-backed programs first.
The “LA Optimized” program offers free webinars and other resources that are specifically meant to help small businesses improve their online presence. These workshops teach you everything you need to know to run your own promotions well, from optimizing your website to making a social media plan.
Also, groups like Delete The Divide run the “Small Business Connections” program, which is free for businesses in LA County. Members can take training courses, get business evaluations, and connect with partners like “Grow Your Business with Google.”
Strategy 2: Claim Every Free Business Listing Available
Online searchers won’t find you if you’re not on the big directories. Getting a free business listing in Los Angeles is the first step in any marketing plan that doesn’t cost anything.
Begin with the basics:
- LocolDeal: A free place to list your business
- Google Business Profile: It makes maps and search results for local businesses work.
- Yelp: Used all the time by people in Los Angeles
- Apple Maps: Very important for iPhone users
But that’s not all. Finderspage and other niche directories let any business make a detailed, SEO-friendly profile for free. These listings help you show up higher in search results for certain local keywords and make it easier for local customers to find you.
Strategy 3: Master DIY Promotion LA Style
For the do-it-yourself entrepreneur, DIY promotion LA is all about getting your hands dirty. The best local businesses see marketing as an ongoing conversation, not just a one-time cost.
You don’t need a videographer for social media if you don’t have the money. In LA, a smartphone and telling the truth can take you far. Show off the behind-the-scenes of your Boyle Heights bakery or introduce your favorite regular at your Echo Park coffee shop. Realness hits home.
Work with other businesses in your area:
Cross-promotion is a superpower. Work with a business that goes well with yours, like a juice bar and a yoga studio, and tell your customers about each other.
Go to free workshops:
The LA Regional SBDC network offers free workshops all the time on topics like “Dominating Your Local Market Online,” “Social Media 101,” and “AI Automation for Smart Growth.”
Strategy 4: Turn Strategies into Sales with Digital Deals
The problem with the strategies above is that they raise awareness but don’t always lead to immediate action. You can have a great Google listing and a workshop-certified social media plan, but how do you get people to come in today?
The missing part is motivation.
Offer special deals and coupons to get new customers, keep them interested, and get more people to tell their friends about you. This is where free online advertising turns into real money.
When you combine your free marketing with deals that are too good to pass up, you give potential customers a reason to choose you over your competitors. A digital coupon from a community platform makes people feel like they need to act quickly and lowers the risk for first-time visitors.
Why Does LocolDeal Complete Your Free Marketing Strategy?
You’ve done the work yourself. You have claimed your listings. You’ve gone to the workshops. Now you need a platform that makes all that work even better.
LocolDeal lets you reach more people, keep customers coming back, and make more sales without having to spend a lot of money on marketing.
Think about giving a special “First Visit” discount or a “Neighborhood Appreciation” deal that gets passed around in local networks. These deals don’t just bring in new customers; they also make regulars. And people who come back often tell their friends about you.
This method is great because it makes all of your other free strategies work better. Your Google listing lets people know you’re there, and your LocolDeal offer gives them a reason to come.
Your Next Step for Zero-Cost Growth
Forget about high costs for marketing! Our platform is a cheap way to get the word out about your business and get new customers.
You don’t need a lot of money to make a big difference in Los Angeles. You need smart plans, connections in the community, and the right platform to add value.
Are you ready to stop planning and start growing? Start advertising today and your business will grow without any effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to promote your business without paying?
Leverage free social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to showcase your products. Collaborate with complementary local businesses for cross-promotion. Optimize your Google Business Profile for local search. Most effectively, offer exclusive digital deals through community platforms to attract new customers and encourage repeat visits without spending a dime.
How to promote your products online for free?
Post high-quality photos and videos on social media with relevant local hashtags. Join Los Angeles community Facebook groups and share your offers. List your products on free directories like Finderspage. Create urgency by distributing zero-cost digital coupons that give customers an immediate incentive to buy.
Where can you promote your business online for free?
Start with Google Business Profile and Yelp for local visibility. Use social media platforms—Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. List on free community directories like Finderspage. Join neighborhood-specific Facebook groups. For driving actual sales, use platforms like LocolDeal to publish exclusive deals that reach local customers actively looking for offers.
How to boost your business for free?
Encourage customer reviews on Google and Yelp to build social proof. Partner with nearby businesses for referral swaps. Create shareable content showcasing your products or services. Offer a “first-time customer” discount through digital deal platforms. Happy customers become word-of-mouth advertisers, creating organic growth without marketing costs.