If you’re a small business or nonprofit in the East Bay, you already know how dynamic—and competitive—this local market can be. Between economic shifts, changing online trends, and new neighbors opening shop, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up.
But you don’t need a massive marketing budget or a complete rebrand to make a real impact.
Here are three practical, high-impact strategies to help your business grow stronger this year—starting right now.
Refresh Your Google Business Profile (and Actually Use It)
Let’s start with something that’s free, powerful, and often overlooked.
Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the first things people see when they search for your services. Yet so many businesses let it sit untouched—or worse, don’t claim it at all.
Quick Wins:
- Make sure your hours, services, and contact info are accurate
- Add fresh photos of your space, team, or work
- Respond to every review (yes, even the bad ones)
- Use the “Posts” feature to highlight events, offers, or updates
- Ask happy customers to leave a review—gently and genuinely
Tip: Updating this even once a month can help improve your local search ranking and make your business look more trustworthy to potential customers.
Create Strategic Partnerships with Local Businesses
One of the most overlooked growth strategies is also one of the most human: collaboration.
Teaming up with complementary local businesses can boost both your visibility and your credibility.
Ideas:
- Host a shared event or workshop
- Run a cross-promotion giveaway on Instagram
- Offer bundled services (ex: a florist + event planner)
- Co-sponsor a local school or community event
- Feature each other in newsletters or blog shoutouts
In a place like the East Bay—where community matters—collaboration is a growth strategy, not just a feel-good extra.
Get Clear on What You’re Asking From Your Customers
Sounds simple, but it’s game-changing.
We see this all the time: A small business has great branding, a nice website, active social media—but no clear call to action. If a new customer lands on your page, do they know:
- What you offer?
- Who it’s for?
- What you want them to do next?
Whether it’s book a call, browse your products, or follow on social, your content should gently guide visitors to take the next step.
Pro tip: Look at your homepage, Instagram bio, or About page—if you can’t spot the CTA in 5 seconds, it’s time to clarify.
Bonus: Don’t Try to Do Everything Alone
Running a business is hard enough—you shouldn’t have to figure out all the marketing stuff by yourself.
At Kaysi Stanley Marketing, we help East Bay businesses and nonprofits:
- Show up consistently online
- Build intentional strategy (not just post to post)
- Connect with the right audience
- Drive real results, not vanity metrics
Whether you need a quick social media reset or full strategy consulting, we can meet you where you are—and help you grow from there.
What Clients Say
“Kaysi and her team helped us simplify our approach and stop wasting time on things that weren’t working. Within weeks, we saw more inquiries and actual conversions.”
– Local Service Business, Pleasanton
“We weren’t sure where to start. Now we have a clear plan, and we actually enjoy showing up online. Huge difference!”
– East Bay Nonprofit Director
Let’s Boost Your Business Together
Email us at info@kaysistanleymarketing.com
Or book a free consult
One smart step can shift your whole year.
Let’s make this one your best yet.