Five ways Donegal businesses can attract more customers online on a shoestring

Small businesses in Donegal often think that digital marketing is expensive, but the truth is, with the right strategies you can attract new customers without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll share five cost-effective ways to grow your business online.

1. Leverage local SEO to get found on Google

Why It Matters: 46% of all Google searches have local intent. If someone in Donegal is searching for your service, you want to be the first business they find.

How to do it:
- Claim and optimise your Google My Business listing.
- Get listed in Donegal business directories for example Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce.
- Encourage customer reviews to boost trust and rankings.

Pro Tip: Use local keywords like “best café in Letterkenny” or “Donegal plumbing services” in your website and social media content.

2. Use social media to build a loyal customer base

Why It Matters: 76% of consumers have bought a product because they saw it on social media.

How to do it:
- Post consistently on Facebook and Instagram with engaging content.
- Join Donegal-based Facebook Groups to connect with potential customers.
- Run low-cost ads targeted at people within your local area.

Pro Tip: Share behind-the-scenes stories, customer testimonials and special offers to keep followers engaged.

3. Email Marketing: Your secret weapon for repeat business

Why It Matters: For every €1 spent on email marketing, businesses see an average return of €42.

How to do it:
- Collect customer emails through your website or in-store.
- Send a monthly newsletter with offers, updates, and valuable tips.
- Use automated emails for special occasions (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries).

Pro Tip: Offer a small discount or freebie in exchange for an email sign-up.

4. Run hyper-targeted Facebook & Google Ads

Why It Matters: With as little as €5 per day, you can reach thousands of potential customers in your local area.

How to do it:
- Target people within 10-20km of your business location.
- Use retargeting ads to bring back website visitors.
- Test different ad creatives and messages to see what works best.

Pro Tip: Use Facebook’s “Lookalike Audiences” to find new customers similar to your best

5. Start a Blog with SEO-optimised content 

Why It Matters: A well-written blog helps your business rank higher on Google, attracts potential customers searching for solutions, and builds trust in your expertise, all without spending a cent on ads.

How to do it:
- Identify common customer questions and write helpful blog posts (e.g. “Best ways to whiten your teeth at home” for a dentist or "Best trainers for running on the road" for a sports shop).
- Use local keywords like “best café in Letterkenny” to attract Donegal-based customers.
- Share your blog posts on social media to drive more free traffic.

Pro Tip: Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner or AnswerThePublic to find high-demand topics in your industry. 

Need help with any of these strategies?

If you want to attract more customers without overspending, we can help. Our team based at Colab Business Centre at ATU, specialises in digital marketing strategies tailored for Donegal businesses.

Book a free strategy session today and let’s explore the best approach for your business.