Advertising doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. If you’re launching a business in Eastbourne and watching every penny, there are smart, low-cost ways to get your name out there—without wasting time or money.
You might be wondering: Does local advertising still work in 2025?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s more relevant than ever. With more people choosing to support local businesses, advertising in your own community builds familiarity, trust, and long-term loyalty. The key is knowing where to focus your efforts—and making every pound count.
Here are some practical advertising ideas that work locally, even with a tight budget:
One of the most powerful tools you can use is what others say about you. Encourage your customers to leave reviews and use those in your marketing—online, in print, and in conversation. thebestof Eastbourne’s Reputation Builder helps you collect and share reviews that build trust with potential customers.
Tip: Make a note of all the services you offer and check them off as you collect reviews. Then, use a tool like Canva to turn those quotes into eye-catching graphics for social media. It’s far more effective to let your customers say why they choose you than to keep telling people to "buy your stuff."
Being seen in local search results is essential. thebestof Eastbourne helps your business stand out with an optimised local listing that focuses on visibility and trust—without the high agency costs.
In case you haven’t already noticed, thebestof Eastbourne maintains a strong presence across social media and regularly promotes the Business Guide to highlight our members. A portion of your subscription goes directly into driving targeted traffic to key areas of the website. Your goal? Make sure your service stands out enough to earn that enquiry or get asked to quote.
Your Google Business Profile is often the first impression people have of your business. Keep your details up to date, add photos, respond to reviews, and post updates regularly. It’s a free tool that works like a 24/7 advert when set up properly.
Need a hand? We provide Google advertising help through thebestof Academy, including a helpful walkthrough video guide we share exclusively with our business members.
Not all advertising is digital. Being in the right room with the right people can create valuable business opportunities. Take a look at our Business Networking events page to find events that can help you connect and grow.
Keep an eye out for the thebestof Eastbourne Business Boost—a curated event where local business owners share their knowledge and offer practical advice. These sessions are invite-only, so if you’d like the chance to attend, make sure you're signed up to our mailing list for upcoming opportunities.
You don’t need to pay to get noticed. Social media can work brilliantly for small businesses—as long as you use it with purpose. Focus on sharing content that builds trust and reminds people what you offer, without constantly pushing the hard sell.
Here are some easy ways to make social media work harder for you:
Highlight your reviews – Turn positive feedback into simple posts or graphics to build trust with your audience.
Tag local partners and collaborators – This increases reach and encourages engagement across other networks.
Check in at networking events and share photos where appropriate – It shows you’re active in the community and gives your business more visibility among local audiences.
Show behind the scenes – A quick photo or short story about your day builds connection and authenticity.
Share relevant local content – Comment on local events or community updates to keep your business visible and relatable.
Be consistent – A few posts a week go further than a burst of content followed by silence.
Social media is most effective when it complements your offline activity. Whether you're collecting reviews, attending local events, or collaborating with other businesses, use your platforms to keep that visibility going.
Advertising on a budget means using every advantage available to you—and one of the most valuable is local knowledge. Knowing which events to attend, which platforms actually work, and which businesses to collaborate with can save you time, money, and frustration.
That’s where David Ruddle, Your Eastbourne Connector, comes in. With years of experience supporting local businesses, David understands what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to advertising in Eastbourne. Whether it’s reviewing your current marketing, recommending a trusted local supplier, or helping you spot hidden opportunities, having someone local in your corner can make all the difference.
You can connect with David professionally on LinkedIn to follow updates and insights into what's working for local businesses right now.
You’re not expected to figure it all out alone—especially when others have already walked the same path. Ask questions, seek guidance, and let the connections you make open up new doors for your business.
If you're a small business in Eastbourne looking for help with online advertising, Edeal Enterprise Agency offers fully funded, one-to-one business support. This includes expert advice on digital marketing, social media strategy, and advertising channels—delivered by experienced local consultants.
It’s a great starting point if you want to grow your business online without spending upfront.
👉 Visit www.edealgroup.org to learn more.
Whether you go it alone or take advantage of local support, there are more opportunities than ever to get your business seen without overspending.
You don’t need a massive budget to make a local impact. thebestof Eastbourne offers affordable, effective advertising support to help you grow your visibility and reputation with confidence.
📱 Call David Ruddle today on 07957 806577 or use our contact form to get started.
