Turning your business into a visible, trusted brand is a tough and unpredictable journey. No matter how strong your product or idea is, it won’t get far if the right people don’t know it exists.
And with thousands of new UK businesses launching every month, simply being online isn’t enough.
To give your startup the best possible start, you need to take visibility seriously from day one. In this guide, we’ll walk through five practical and proven ways to get your business noticed, even if you’re just starting out or working with a small budget.
And if you haven’t set up your business yet, you can form a limited company with Rapid Formations in just a few minutes.
1. Get found on Google
Many people’s first instinct when they need something is to search for it online. That’s why making your business discoverable on Google is one of the smartest places to start.
The first step is easy: set up a Google Business Profile so your business appears in local search results and on Google Maps. Make sure your name, address, website, and opening hours are all accurate.
Next, it’s important to encourage customers to leave Google reviews to start building up a positive reputation. You don’t need to get hundreds overnight – just a handful of well written and genuine positive reviews will make your business stand out and seem far more established and trustworthy than a business with no reviews at all.
And finally, optimise your website for search engines. Use clear and relevant search terms (known as keywords) on your homepage and product/service pages that match what people might search when looking for what you offer. And if you have time, writing simple blog posts that answer common questions can boost your visibility over time without spending a penny.
2. Use social media advertising
Social media offers huge opportunities to get your business seen. However, organic (unpaid) reach can be slow, especially for new accounts. This is where paid ads can give you a helpful push.
Advertising on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok can be surprisingly affordable, with some businesses paying as little as £5 per day. You just need to target your intended audience. Choose specific locations, interests, and demographics that closely match your ideal customer.
Start with one goal, such as sending people to your website or promoting a special offer, and keep your visuals and message clear and engaging. With a small test budget and regular reviews, you’ll quickly see what works and what doesn’t.
3. Pitch to local newspapers, magazines and radio
Traditional media is often overlooked by startups, but it can be a great way to stand out – especially if your business has a local focus or an interesting story behind it.
Regional radio stations, community newspapers, local lifestyle magazines and community Facebook groups and Instagram pages are always looking for content. Don’t be afraid to reach out and let them know.
A short, well-written email with who you are, what you’re doing, and why it’s relevant is often all it takes to get a mention or interview.
4. Get featured through PR and collaborations
Press mentions and brand partnerships are another powerful way to get your startup seen. You can do this yourself; you don’t necessarily need to hire a PR agency to do it for you.
Start by reaching out to journalists, bloggers, social media content creators and influencers who cover topics related to your industry. Think people who have the attention of your target audience.
You can also team up with other small businesses for giveaways, bundles, or events, especially if you share a similar customer base but offer different services. For example, a fitness coach could collaborate with a meal prep business, or a jewellery maker with a boutique clothing brand.
These relationships help you access new audiences and build credibility at the same time.
5. Make the most of your local area
Never underestimate the power of simply showing up where your customers already are. Community noticeboards, local cafés, events, independent shops and even local networking groups all offer opportunities to get seen in real life.
This approach works especially well for service-based businesses or those with a strong local presence, such as bakers, photographers, tutors, or personal trainers. It’s about getting your name out there and being remembered.
A simple, well-designed flyer and the confidence to tell people what you do is all it takes to get people talking. Over time, those local connections can become your most loyal customer base.
How to grow your business
Once your startup starts getting seen, the next step is keeping that momentum going.
This means regularly checking in on what’s working, building a consistent presence across your chosen channels, and responding to customer feedback as your offer evolves.
Here’s a quick checklist to keep things on track:
- I understand who I’m targeting and where they spend time
- My business can be found online and locally
- I’ve tested at least one advertising method
- I’ve explored one partnership, PR opportunity or event
- I regularly check what’s working and make adjustments
How to make your business more professional
Looking professional helps people trust you faster, and it’s often what separates a business that gets enquiries from one that gets ignored.
For example, using a proper business email address (not a personal Gmail or outlook one) and showing clear contact information can help build confidence.
Another easy win? Setting up a central London business address. Instead of listing your home address publicly, a business address service keeps your personal details private and makes your business look more established, even if you’re just starting out.
If you want your business to look more professional, use a central London business address from Rapid Formations and make the right first impression.