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5 Free & Quick Marketing Methods for Social Enterprises

  • Writer: Holly Hunt
    Holly Hunt
  • Apr 14
  • 3 min read

Running a social enterprise or not for profit comes with its own unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to marketing on a tight budget. The good news? There are plenty of free (or nearly free) ways to spread the word about your mission, build trust with your community, and grow your impact.


Here are some effective and cost-free marketing tactics that your social enterprise should be doing…


1. Email marketing: your most valuable free asset


Email remains one of the most powerful (and affordable) marketing tools available. If you're not building and communicating with your mailing list, you're missing out.


  • Collect email addresses through your website, events, and social media

  • Use free platforms like Mailchimp or Brevo to design and send professional campaigns

  • Share updates, calls to action, and impact stories straight to your active audience


2. Newsletters: keep your community in the loop


Your supporters care about what you do, that’s why they subscribed to your mailing list. A regular newsletter is a great way to keep them connected to your work.


You don’t need to reinvent the wheel… keep it consistent, same time each month, same tone and style. A simple, heartfelt roundup of what’s new and what’s coming up can go a long way.


3. Consistent branding: build trust at a glance


People trust what they recognise. Visual and verbal consistency helps people remember who you are and what you stand for. You don’t need a big rebrand or redesign to look polished. Consistency is key, and it's free!


  • Use the same colours, fonts, and logo across platforms

  • Stick to a clear tone of voice that reflects your values

  • Create reusable templates for social posts or newsletters using Canva (free for nonprofits!)


4. Webinars and online events: share your knowledge


Webinars are a brilliant way to share your knowledge, bring people together, and highlight the value of what you do, especially for organisations with a community or educational focus. 


  • Host a skills-based workshop, an educational session, or a discussion with an industry expert

  • Invite a guest speaker or partner organisation to co-host, this is a great way to market yourself to a wider audience

  • Record your session for future use on YouTube and/or your website

  • No fancy equipment needed, just a good idea, a Zoom link, and a bit of promotion


5. Social media: show up and be human


You don’t need a massive following to make an impact on social media. What matters most is showing up regularly and sharing content that feels real. Your community wants to see the humans behind the mission. Let your values,  and your personality, shine through. 


Stuck on how to start using your social media channels? We offer a range of free downloadable resources, designed to help social enterprises become social media wizards… take a look!



You don’t need a big budget to make a meaningful impact, just the right tools and a clear message. By using free, accessible marketing methods like email, social media, and webinars, your social enterprise can build trust, grow its community, and stay front of mind.


Start with what you have, stay consistent, and focus on telling your story in a way that resonates. Over time, those small efforts will add up to something powerful.


And if you ever need a hand with planning, content creation, or making your message stand out, we’re here to help! Book a free hour of marketing consultancy with us here.


 
 
 

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