When was the last time someone told a friend about your business?
Not because you asked them to leave a review or share a post, but because something happened that they just had to tell someone about?
Word of mouth is one of the most powerful ways to grow a small business. And the good news? You don't need a huge marketing budget or an elaborate campaign to get people talking.
Sometimes all it takes is a little creativity, a sense of humor, and a willingness to try something different.
Here are 10 fun ideas you can borrow, adapt, and make your own.
1. Give Them Something to Talk About
Think about the businesses you remember. Chances are, there's something about them that stands out.
Maybe it's a restaurant with hilarious menu descriptions, a boutique with an unforgettable dressing room, or a contractor who leaves a little thank-you gift after finishing a job.
What's something unexpected you could do that would make someone smile, laugh, or tell a friend?
It doesn't have to be expensive or elaborate. Sometimes the smallest details make the biggest impressions.
2. Celebrate a Silly Holiday
There's a holiday for just about everything these days, and that gives you plenty of opportunities to have some fun with your marketing.
National Donut Day? A coffee shop could offer a special pairing. National Dog Day? A boutique could invite customers to share photos of their fashionable pups.
You can even invent your own holiday!
A bookstore might host a "Buy a Book for Your Best Friend Day," while a salon could celebrate "Treat Yourself Tuesday."
Find a reason to celebrate, invite your customers to participate, and make it something they'll look forward to.
3. Team Up With Another Local Business
Two businesses can create something together that's more interesting than either could offer alone.
Imagine a florist and a bakery creating a flowers-and-cupcakes gift package. Or a fitness instructor partnering with a local café for a morning workout followed by smoothies.
A pet groomer and photographer could host a pet portrait day.
The possibilities are endless, and collaborations introduce your business to people who may never have discovered you otherwise.
Look around your community. Who could you team up with to create something fun?
4. Make Your Customers the Stars
People love seeing themselves, their friends, and their families celebrated.
A restaurant could feature a Customer of the Week. A landscaping business could showcase a customer's beautiful backyard transformation. A bookstore could invite readers to share their favorite books.
You might even let customers name a new product or help choose what you'll offer next.
With their permission, share their stories and photos on social media or in your newsletter.
It's a wonderful way to build community while giving people something they're excited to share.
5. Create a Little Mystery
Who doesn't love a good surprise?
Try teasing something new without revealing everything at once.
A bakery could post close-up photos of a mystery flavor and invite guesses. A boutique might hide a golden ticket in one purchase each week. A service business could announce a surprise bonus for its next five bookings.
You could even create a series of clues leading up to a product launch or special event.
A little curiosity can go a long way toward getting people interested and talking.
6. Host a Tiny Event
You don't need to organize a huge event to bring people together.
Sometimes a small, simple experience is even more inviting.
A garden center could host a 15-minute plant-care demonstration. A kitchen store might offer a quick cooking demonstration. An artist could invite customers to watch a piece being created.
Even service-based businesses can get creative. A bookkeeper could host a casual coffee chat for local entrepreneurs, or a photographer could offer a mini workshop on taking better phone photos.
Keep it simple, make it enjoyable, and give people a reason to stop by.
7. Start a Friendly Competition
A little friendly competition can be a great way to get customers involved.
Ask people to vote on your next product, seasonal flavor, window display, or business mascot.
A restaurant could hold a battle between two new menu items. A boutique might let customers vote on which outfit should go in the front window. A bakery could invite customers to submit names for a new cookie.
You could even create a bracket-style tournament where customers vote on their favorites over several days.
The fun is in the participation. People become more invested when they get to help make the decisions.
8. Surprise Your Regulars
Your loyal customers are some of your greatest advocates. Why not give them a little unexpected appreciation?
Slip a handwritten thank-you note into an order. Surprise a regular customer with a free upgrade. Add a small bonus to a service or send a personal message celebrating their support.
Imagine ordering your usual coffee and discovering the shop has treated you to your favorite pastry, just because.
Those moments stick with people.
And when someone feels genuinely appreciated, they're much more likely to remember the experience and share it with others.
9. Show the Funny Side of Your Business
Every business has its behind-the-scenes moments.
The bakery cake that didn't quite turn out as planned. The shop owner's dog who insists on greeting every customer. The funny things people say when they discover what your job actually involves.
These moments can make wonderful social media posts, videos, or newsletter stories.
You don't have to make everything polished and perfect.
Sometimes letting people see the personality and humor behind your business is exactly what makes them feel connected to it.
10. Give People a Reason to Bring a Friend
Think about ways to make your business more enjoyable when shared.
A pottery studio could offer a bring-a-friend night. A café might host a two-person tasting experience. A boutique could create a shopping party for small groups.
Service businesses can participate, too. A fitness instructor might offer a partner workout, while a consultant could host a workshop where business owners are encouraged to bring another entrepreneur.
The idea is simple: Create something people want to experience together.
When your customers invite someone along, they're introducing your business to a potential new customer in one of the most natural ways possible.
Great Marketing Doesn't Always Look Like Marketing
It's easy to get caught up in the serious side of running a business. There are bills to pay, customers to serve, schedules to manage, and a never-ending list of things that need your attention.
But marketing doesn't always have to be another complicated task on that list.
It can be creative. It can be playful. It can even be fun.
And often, the businesses people remember most are the ones that make them feel something, whether that's excitement, curiosity, laughter, appreciation, or a sense of belonging.
You don't need to try all ten ideas. You don't even need to come up with something completely original.
Just pick one idea, give it your own twist, and try it this week.
You never know. Your next great marketing idea might be the one that gets your whole community talking.
Need a little help bringing your ideas to life?
The Women's Business Center is here to help you explore new ideas, connect with other entrepreneurs, and find creative ways to grow your business. Whether you're just getting started or looking for fresh inspiration, our workshops, resources, and business advising services can help you take your next step.