Creative Ways to Advertise a New Startup

Starting a new business is exciting (and a little terrifying). You’ve poured time, money, and energy into getting your idea to the point that it’s ready to be birthed, but now comes the hard part: Getting people to actually notice it. When you don’t have a big ad budget or brand recognition, traditional advertising can feel out of reach.

The good news is that you don’t need massive spend or viral luck to get traction. What you do need is creativity, consistency, and a willingness to try things that most businesses overlook. And here are some creative, practical ways to do just that.

Start With the People Who Already Know You

One of the most underused advertising tools is your personal network. Friends, family, former coworkers, and acquaintances already trust you – and trust matters more than slick marketing when you’re new.

Ask people you know to support you in simple, specific ways. That could mean leaving a Google review, sharing your launch on social media, or making a small purchase to get your first real customers through the door.

Google reviews are especially powerful early on. Even a handful of honest reviews can help your business look legitimate to strangers searching for services or products like yours. Don’t spam people or pressure them. Just let them know you’ve launched and explain how their support helps.

Buy a Local Mailing List and Send Something People Will Keep

Direct mail sounds old-school, but that’s exactly why it works. Most people’s mailboxes aren’t crowded with thoughtful, well-designed pieces anymore.

Buying a local mailing list and sending a custom catalog or printed brochure can be a smart way to stand out – especially if your startup serves a specific geographic area. Instead of a generic flyer, create something that feels intentional. Tell your story and show your products. You might even explain why you started the business.

A small catalog or lookbook can sit on a coffee table or kitchen counter way longer than a digital ad lives on someone’s screen. The key is making it useful or interesting enough that people don’t toss it immediately.

Turn Your Launch Into a Crowdfunding Event

Crowdfunding isn’t just for tech gadgets or big ideas anymore. It can be a powerful way to launch a startup while building an early community. Instead of simply asking people to buy from you, you invite them to support your vision. In return, they get products, early access, exclusive perks, or limited-edition versions of what you’re creating.

A crowdfunding launch gives people multiple ways to say yes. Some might want the product. Others might want to support a local business or believe in what you’re building. It also creates urgency, which helps push people to act instead of “coming back later.”

Partner With Other Small Businesses

You don’t have to advertise alone. Look for businesses that serve a similar audience but aren’t direct competitors. For example, a coffee shop might feature a local artist’s work. Or a gym might partner with a meal prep startup.

This sort of cross-promotion lets you tap into an audience that already trusts someone else. It also feels more human than paid ads because it comes with an implied recommendation.

Show the Process Behind the Product

People love seeing how things are made, especially when a business is just getting started. Sharing behind-the-scenes content builds connection and curiosity.

With this in mind, post about the early wins and the challenges. You can show packaging orders late at night or share design drafts or product testing. Let people feel like they’re part of the journey, not just the end result.

This kind of content works well on social media, email newsletters, and even your website. It makes your startup feel real – and real businesses are easier to root for.

Turn Customers Into Marketers

Early customers are gold. They’re buyers and potential advocates, so make sure you have a process for capturing the energy they bring to the table. You need a process that allows you to follow up after purchases. This might look like:

Asking for feedback
Encouraging reviews
Creating generous referral incentives

When people feel appreciated, they’re more likely to talk about you without being asked. Word-of-mouth grows slowly at first, then suddenly. Your job is to plant the seeds early.

Keep Testing and Adjusting

No single idea will carry your startup forever. Advertising at this stage is all about experimentation. Try a few things and see what gets traction. Based on this, double down on what works and drop what doesn’t. At the end of the day, the most successful startups aren’t always the ones with the biggest budgets. They’re the ones willing to be creative, visible, and persistent – especially when no one is watching yet.