5 Essential Steps Every New Business Owner Should Take in Advertising to Grow Sales

Written By Alberto Linares

Starting a new business is exciting — but it also comes with one big challenge: how do you get customers to notice you? The answer often comes down to smart advertising. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To help, we’ve broken down the five most important steps new business owners should take when they begin advertising to build awareness, attract customers, and grow sales.

1. Define Your Target Audience Clearly

Before spending a dollar on ads, get specific about who your ideal customer is. Think beyond age and gender — consider their location, interests, habits, and pain points.

✅ Example: Instead of saying “anyone who needs shoes,” define your audience as “women in Hickory, NC who value comfort and style for everyday wear.”

👉 Why it matters: Ads become much more effective (and cheaper) when they’re reaching the right people.

2. Build a Strong Online Presence (Website + Google Business Profile)

Your advertising is only as strong as your digital foundation. A professional website and a fully optimized Google Business Profile make your business easy to find when customers search online.

  • Make sure your website is mobile-friendly and fast.

  • Add clear service pages and contact information.

  • Use keywords like “[your service] in Hickory, NC” or “[your product] near me”.

👉 Why it matters: Most customers will Google you before they buy. If they can’t find you — or your site feels incomplete — they’ll move on to a competitor.

3. Start Small With Paid Ads (Social Media + Google Ads)

You don’t need a huge budget to make an impact. Even a few hundred dollars in Facebook Ads or Google Ads can bring quick traffic and sales if targeted correctly.

  • Use Facebook/Instagram Ads for visual products and local targeting.

  • Try Google Search Ads if people are actively searching for what you offer.

  • Always test small campaigns first, then scale what works.

👉 Why it matters: Paid ads help new businesses get noticed faster while your organic (free) strategies grow in the background.

4. Create Content That Builds Trust

Ads can get attention, but content builds relationships. Start creating simple content that positions your business as trustworthy and knowledgeable.

  • Blog posts (like this one) answering customer questions.

  • Social media posts that educate or inspire.

  • Testimonials or case studies from early customers.

👉 Why it matters: Customers buy from brands they trust. Content marketing shows you’re an expert and keeps you top-of-mind.

5. Track, Measure, and Adjust

Advertising isn’t “set it and forget it.” Every click and view tells you what’s working — and what’s not.

  • Use free tools like Google Analytics and Meta Ads Manager.

  • Track conversions (sales, leads, or sign-ups).

  • Adjust your strategy regularly to focus on the highest-return activities.

👉 Why it matters: The businesses that grow fastest are the ones that learn from data and improve their ads over time.

Final Thoughts

Advertising doesn’t have to be complicated. By defining your audience, setting up a strong digital presence, experimenting with ads, creating trust-building content, and tracking results, you’ll be well on your way to growing sales.

At Unknowingly Agency, we specialize in helping small businesses in Hickory, Charlotte, and beyond launch advertising strategies that actually convert. From brand identity to SEO-driven content, we make sure your message reaches the right people.

👉 Ready to grow your business? Contact us today to uncover your story and start building campaigns that work.

Alberto Linares