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The First 5 Marketing Tools Every New Business Needs (and What to Skip)

The First 5 Marketing Tools Every New Business Needs (and What to Skip)

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Starting a new business in Montgomery County—be it in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, or elsewhere in the New River Valley—can feel like stepping into the deep end of entrepreneurship. Before you spend your hard‑earned dollars on marketing, let’s make sure your toolkit is strategic, cost-effective, and ready to support your growth.

Here are five essential marketing tools every new business should start with…and one you should absolutely skip.

1. Local SEO with Google Business Profile

What it is: A free tool from Google that puts your business on Maps, Search, and Knowledge Panel results.

Tip:

  • Claim and verify your listing using your official business name, address, and hours.

  • Add high-quality photos, a detailed description (think keywords: Christiansburg bakery, Blacksburg consultant), and relevant services or products.

  • Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews—respond to them to boost engagement.

Why it matters:
Local searches like “best deli in Blacksburg” or “Christiansburg plumber” drive foot traffic and build trust. A well‑optimized profile can be your first and best online storefront.

2. A Simple, Mobile-Friendly Website

What it is: Your digital home base—ideally a single-page or small-site template that works on mobile.

Tip:

  • Use clear headlines with search phrases like New River Valley digital marketing, or Montgomery County event planner.

  • Include a prominent call-to-action (CTA): “Schedule a consultation” or “Email us”.

  • Add basic SEO: meta titles, alt tags, and 300–500 words that reflect what you offer and where you’re based.

Why it’s critical:
Even in an age of social media, a website validates your business and ranks property in voice searches. It should work like a business card on steroids.

3. Email Marketing Platform

What it is: A way to collect emails and send newsletters or announcements.

Tip:
Start with a free tool like Mailchimp or MailerLite—most plans support up to 500 contacts at no cost.
Focus your content around:

  • Upcoming events (like Business After Hours)

  • Featured deals or launches

  • Local insights (partnering with VA Tech, Radford, NRCC)

Why it helps:
Email marketing generates a strong ROI among small businesses—and builds relationships better than any one-off promotion.

4. Social Media Presence (Pick One or Two Platforms)

What it is: Where you connect with customers and prospects visually and conversationally—Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.

Tip:

  • Choose one platform where your audience lives.

    • B2C? Think Facebook + Instagram

    • B2B or professional services? LinkedIn is key

    • Looking to recruit, partner, or speak? Mix in posts that use Christiansburg networking or Blacksburg leadership

  • Post consistently—once or twice a week is better than a sporadic daily blitz.

  • Make use of local tags: #NewRiverValley #MontCoBusiness

Why it matters:
Small businesses thrive on local engagement. Social media offers visibility, authenticity, and connection when done well.

5. Trust-Building Content (Start with a Blog or Local Insight)

What it is: Short-form content (300–500 words) on your site that builds trust and ranks locally.

Ideas:

  • “Top 5 reasons to shop local in Christiansburg”

  • “Why support Black-owned businesses in Blacksburg”

  • “How I built my first marketing campaign in the New River Valley”

Why it works:
These pieces help you rank for local searches and position you as a trusted voice. They also give you content to share via email and social channels.

Putting It All Together: The First 90 Days

Here’s a suggested timeline for implementing the tools:

Week Focus Goals
1–2 Google Business Profile Claim listing, verify, add details and photos
2–4 Website Setup Launch basic site with SEO-rich phrasing
4–6 Email Platform Setup Build email collection with lead magnet
6–8 Social Media Launch Choose platform, post local-first content
8–12 Content & Trust Building Publish 1–2 blog posts, promote in email/social
12+ Analyze & Iterate Check analytics, optimize CTAs or content

What the Chamber Offers to Support These Tools

We may not write your copy, build your newsletter, or post on your behalf—but the Montgomery County Chamber is here to:

  • Promote you through our online directory and featured spotlight

  • Invite you to share your insights at Business After Hours or Industry Lunch and Learns

  • Connect you with Member partners (logo designers, web developers, accountants)

  • Host marketing-focused workshops—check the calendar for dates!

Ready to Grow Your Marketing?

The magic isn’t in a viral gimmick. It’s in aligning the right tools with strategy, consistency—and community.

Want help getting started?

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