You do not need a giant ad budget to tell people you are open. You do need to make it easy for a neighbor to know what you do, where you are, and how to reach you.
Week one: say it in one sentence
Finish this thought: “I help [who] with [what] so they can [result].” Put that sentence on your sign, website, social page, and business card. Use normal words. If a sixth grader cannot tell what you sell, try again.
Week two: make yourself findable
If your business is eligible, claim or add your Google Business Profile. Check your name, hours, phone, and address. Add clear photos of the real place or work. A photo of the front door may not win an art prize, but it can help a customer find the front door.
Week three: meet your neighbors
Introduce yourself to nearby owners. Ask what their customers need. Find a fair way to refer people to each other. If you are downtown, learn what Main Street McDonough is doing. Do not walk in with a sales pitch longer than a Council meeting.
Week four: ask what worked
Keep a simple count: How did each new customer hear about you? Which question do they ask most? Which message brought a call, a visit, or a sale? Keep doing what helps. Stop paying for what only looks impressive.
And please, follow through. A post can bring a person to your door. Good service gives them a reason to come back. The City can help you understand the local steps to open, and its training initiative may offer more help. Your daily care for customers is still the best part of your marketing plan.
Sources and next steps
These are my District 1 views and general information. City notices and records control when an official action or deadline changes.