The $0 Marketing Strategy That Works Every Time: Relationships

Aug 13

The Secret to Marketing Without Spending a Dime

If your budget is tight, you’ve probably Googled things like:

“Free marketing ideas”
“How to get leads without ads”
“Low-cost ways to grow my business”

And while you’ll find tips about social media hacks, SEO tricks, or community boards…none of them compare to the one strategy that works in every industry, every market, every time:

Building real relationships.

Why Relationships Beat Every Ad Campaign

Relationships turn strangers into fans, fans into clients, and clients into referral machines.

Unlike paid ads that disappear the second you stop paying, relationships create:

Trust (and trust sells faster than a coupon)
Loyalty (repeat business without more ad spend)
Referrals (free leads from happy clients)

And the best part?
It’s free - as long as you’re willing to put in the time.

How to Build Relationships That Grow Your Business

1. Check In Without an Agenda

Call, DM, or email past clients and connections just to say hi.
No pitch. No “I’m never too busy for your referrals” line.
Just genuine conversation.

2. Show Up Where Your People Are

This could mean:

Local networking events
Community Facebook groups
Industry mixers
Charity fundraisers

Be present without always selling.

3. Give Before You Ask

Share helpful resources, make introductions, or send tips that have nothing to do with your services.
When you help people without expecting anything in return, you become their person in your field.

4. Stay Top of Mind Consistently

If you disappear for months, so does the trust.
Send a monthly email, post consistently on social, or send personal updates - anything that keeps you visible in a valuable way.

Real Life Example

A realtor checks in with a past client about their new backyard renovation - not to sell, just to connect.
Two weeks later, that client refers them to a friend who’s ready to buy.
No ads. No cost. Just a relationship that paid off.

The Bottom Line

Relationships aren’t just part of marketing - they are marketing.
When you focus on genuine human connection, you build a business that’s stable, trusted, and grows even when you’re not spending a dollar on ads.

Want a system for building client relationships that generate referrals year-round?
JW Brands helps realtors and small business owners create a follow-up and networking plan that works.

Joli Waldeck