How to advertise your local business in Utah

Whether you carefully mapped out a plan or you dove in head first, your business won’t succeed without customers. But how do you reach them? Advertising, of course, is the fastest way to connect.

If you’re shaking your head saying, “It’s way too expensive,” think again. You aren’t limited to traditional marketing such as billboards and mail flyers. Today, Utah advertising options include affordable, and even free, digital options that will help you build a customer base. 

Why advertising matters

When it comes to advertising, the size and category of your business doesn’t matter. A solo graphic designer with a web-based company can benefit from advertising just as much as a brick-and-mortar store because the goal is the same: Get the attention of potential customers.

The question isn’t “Should I advertise?” but “What is the best way to advertise my local business in Utah?” Determining which advertising options are right for you depends on three factors:

• Your goals

• Your audience

• Your budget

Once you identify where your target audience is most likely to see your message, choose the Utah advertising options that will put it there. Reaching the wrong audience means wasting both time and money, so focus your efforts where you’re most likely to connect with potential customers.

Free and low-cost Utah advertising options

When you're just starting out or your capital is low, you may have a small business advertising budget. No problem, there are plenty of free and low-cost options. 

Google profile for businesses

Whether or not you have your own website, a Google Business Profile can serve as a digital storefront for your business. It’s free to create and helps customers find you when they search on Google.

Your profile displays essential business contact information such as phone number, address and hours, as well as a link to your website and customer reviews (when applicable). 

You can also upload photos and videos to your profile, share updates or post special offers. You may also reply to customer reviews, which helps you build trust and engage with your audience.

Ready for a Google Business Profile? We’ll help you get started → 

Social media posts may be more successful when you include both promotional and educational content.

Social media marketing

Social media is a popular way to introduce a brand and keep up with customers. On platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, you can use photos and videos to highlight products, give tips or offer advice, tell stories and make announcements — whatever you think will interest and entertain viewers.

Be sure your social pages include a link to your website. Social media helps build awareness, but your website is where people will buy or make appointments.

Remember to respond to the comments — it’s a powerful opportunity to engage with future and current customers. You can quickly answer questions, respond to concerns and show appreciation for compliments. They also give you insight into who you’re reaching.

Community boards

If you’re looking for something more grassroots, a community board is a simple and relatively inexpensive option for your local marketing in Utah. To get noticed, your posters should include compelling graphics and copy.

Don’t place your posters just anywhere. Choose spots that are both high-traffic and popular among your target audience. A house cleaning service or piano tuner, for example, might try a grocery store board. If you run a kids’ science camp, find a neighborhood community board.

Take advantage of digital platforms too, where people are already looking for local goods and services. On KSL Classifieds, for instance, there are more than 4.8 million monthly users. You can list items for sale or rent. Or, promote your business in the Services category, where you’ll reach customers actively seeking landscapers, electricians, painters and more.

Add your business listing to KSL Classifieds

Place eye-catching posters on the community boards your target audience is most likely to see.

Word of mouth

Did someone just leave you a five-star review? A happy customer is your best form of advertising. After all, who better to recommend your business than someone who’s a fan? Genuine and positive word-of-mouth recommendations build trust before a new customer steps through the door or makes a call.

To motivate satisfied customers to spread the word to family and friends, start a referral program. Offer an incentive such as a $10 or 10% discount on their next purchase. Make it simple to do by providing a referral link via text or email.

Paid small business advertising options

Traditional marketing exists because it’s a proven way to reach new customers. But you don’t always need a big budget to try it. There are advertising solutions for all sizes of companies.

Online ads that work

With local classifieds such as KSL Classifieds advertising, you can list inventory right where your neighbors are already shopping. It’s an easy way to connect with buyers who are actively looking to make a purchase.

Digital display ads offer precise targeting, putting your message in front of the people most likely to become customers. They are so effective, more than 75% of marketers say they plan to maintain or increase their spending on search and display advertising in 2026.

If you have a physical storefront, you can target your display ads to customers based on location. For an online business, reach people based on their interests, browsing habits and shopping behaviors.

Local radio/TV sponsorships 

Repeated exposure through an on-air program sponsorship helps customers remember your name when they’re ready to buy. A radio or TV sponsorship could be for a single show or a series of programs.

Radio and TV sponsorships on trusted stations such as KSL allow your business to connect directly with an established, local audience. This type of advertising is especially effective when you are trying to grow your business and for promoting special offers.

While it is often among the most expensive of the Utah advertising options, many stations offer packages for a variety of budgets. 

Contact a KSL rep to learn more about local TV and radio advertising.

Keep track of ad performance so you have a better idea of what works and what to try next.

How to choose the right mix of advertising for your budget

Try using a combination of both free and paid tactics to get the best bang for your small business advertising buck.

If you’ve been around a while, you may already know what works well. Keep at it, but be willing to try some different avenues. You may discover a whole new audience.

If you’re just starting out or have little cash in your marketing coffers, try the free and inexpensive advertising options. They’re a good way to learn what messaging connects with your customers — and brings results — which you can later transfer to paid options.

Most importantly, don’t put all your dollars in one advertising basket. Using a variety of methods helps you reach your target audience in different arenas.

Getting started

Before launching your small business advertising, it pays to do some groundwork, asking the same kinds of questions you did as a startup. Who is your customer? Consider their demographics such as age, gender and income. What problem or need are you solving for them?

Define why your business is better than the competition. Your advertising message will need to convince your audience why you are different/unique/better.

Now you’re ready to choose where to advertise. Remember, the right advertising depends on your goals, your audience and your budget.

A resource such as KSL Classifieds allows you to try multiple options, from Service listings to display advertising. An ad rep who understands the local market can help you focus your efforts, from strategy to ad creation.

Remember to track your data. On KSL listings, you can look at the number of views and likes (Favorites). On social media, you can see how many likes, shares and follows you’ve earned.

Also pay attention to customer feedback. The more you learn about your customers, the more proactive you can be in your advertising.

See how KSL can help you reach local customers