Starter Marketing Workbook for Small & Local Businesses
(A beginner-friendly guide to help you grow your small business with simple, affordable, and culturally relevant marketing tools.)
Launching a small business is exciting — but building awareness, attracting customers, and growing sustainably requires a clear marketing foundation. Whether you’re an African or immigrant business owner starting out in North America, marketing can feel overwhelming. There are dozens of tools, strategies, and platforms — but not all of them fit your business, your budget, or your community.
This Starter Marketing Workbook helps you build a strong foundation. It is simple, actionable, and created to meet you exactly where you are — even if you’ve never done marketing before.
📌 1. Define Your Brand
a. What problem do you solve?
Describe the main need your business fulfills in the community.
b. Who do you serve?
List your top 2–3 customer groups (e.g., African newcomers, Caribbean families, local food lovers).
c. Your brand promise
Finish this sentence:
“When customers interact with my business, they will always experience ______.”
📌 2. Craft Your Elevator Pitch
Create a simple, memorable sentence:
“I help (your audience) achieve (the benefit) through (your product/service).”
Example:
“We help African and Caribbean families access authentic groceries locally and conveniently.”
📌 3. Choose Your Marketing Channels
Pick the top 3 to start:
- Social Media (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)
- Google Business Profile
- Flyers & community boards
- Local markets / pop-ups
- Email newsletters
- Word-of-mouth referrals
- Listing platforms like Natives Arena
📌 4. Content That Converts
Create content pillars:
- Education – teach, explain, share tips
- Storytelling – your founder journey
- Testimonials – customer experiences
- Behind the Scenes – how you create, package, or serve
- Offers & Announcements – new arrivals, promos, events
📌 5. Monthly Marketing Checklist
- Post at least 3× weekly
- Update Google Business info
- Reply to customer reviews
- Take new photos of products or services
- Add seasonal promotions
- Track your top-performing posts
📌 6. Marketing Goals
Set 3 goals for the next 30 days:
- More foot traffic
- More online sales
- Increased awareness
- New customers
- Repeat customers
📌 7. Track Your Progress
Use this simple scorecard:
| Week | New Followers | Reviews | Sales | Engagement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||||
| 2 | |||||
| 3 | |||||
| 4 |
📥 Download Your Workbook
This 18-page guide is free for all Natives Arena members.
👉 Download PDF: Starter Marketing Workbook
👉 Want a customized version? Contact us at support@nativesarena.com