Starting a new vendor business? Marketing on a tight budget is tough — but it’s also where smart vendors make big wins. Here are 10 ideas you can run this week.

1. Claim every free local listing

Google Business Profile, Apple Business Connect, Bing Places, Yelp, and your platform profile here. Same brand name, same phone, same hours, same photos everywhere.

2. Ask your first 5 customers for reviews

Send the same friendly text within 24 hours of the event. Reviews drive bookings more than any ad.

3. Partner with one complementary vendor

If you cater, partner with a florist. If you DJ, partner with a photographer. Refer customers each way and split a discount.

4. Take 5 portfolio shots — well

You don’t need 50 photos. You need 5 hero shots that show your best work. Hire a friend with a real camera for an hour.

5. Start a one-tap inquiry funnel

One landing page. One form. One text reply within an hour. Speed-to-lead beats budget every time.

6. Run a tiny Instagram ad

$5/day, 7 days, targeted to your city + a 3-mile radius around event venues. Track which post drives DMs.

7. Email your network

You probably have 50–200 contacts who’d hire you or refer you. Write one personal email. Don’t blast.

8. Show up at one local event

Bridal expo, chamber mixer, food festival. Bring cards and a smile, leave with 3 conversations.

9. Create a ‘first-event’ offer

Reserve your first booking with a small discount in exchange for a review and 5 photos. Builds your portfolio fast.

10. Track everything in a spreadsheet

Lead source, response time, booked yes/no. After 30 days you’ll know what’s working.

Pick one and start today. Marketing compounds — every action this month makes the next one cheaper.