15 Best Platforms to Advertise Small Businesses for Best Results.
Advertising is essential for small businesses to increase visibility, drive sales, and grow a loyal customer base. However, finding the right advertising platforms can be challenging, especially with limited budgets and countless options. This guide covers the top 15 advertising platforms for small businesses, providing key numeric insights on each to help you make the most effective choices.
1. Facebook Ads
Best for: Businesses aiming to reach a highly targeted audience.
Facebook is the top platform for reaching diverse age groups, with over 2.9 billion monthly active users worldwide. Businesses using Facebook Ads can take advantage of specific targeting options, such as age, interests, location, and online behavior. Studies show that 78% of U.S. consumers discover products on Facebook, and advertisers see an average click-through rate (CTR) of 1.6% across all industries. In 2023, small businesses were able to reduce their customer acquisition costs by over 20% by optimizing Facebook's Lookalike Audiences feature.
2. Google Ads
Best for: Local businesses and service providers aiming for search-driven visibility.
With over 8.5 billion searches per day, Google remains a critical tool for small businesses. Google Ads help businesses connect with customers actively searching for products or services, enhancing conversion potential. Google’s Local Services Ads provide a valuable way to get discovered at the top of local search results, with 75% of users never scrolling past the first page. According to Google, businesses make an average of $2 in revenue for every $1 spent on Google Ads.
3. Instagram Ads
Best for: Visually appealing brands looking to attract a younger audience.
Instagram has become a hotspot for visual-based marketing, with over 1.3 billion users globally. 80% of users follow at least one business account, and 60% of users discover new products on Instagram. The platform’s engagement rates are among the highest, with an average engagement rate of 1.22% for images and 0.61% for videos. For small businesses, ads can be as effective as organic posts, with ad recall rates up to 2.8x higher on Instagram than on other platforms.
4. LinkedIn Ads
Best for: B2B companies, professional services, and high-value products.
LinkedIn, with its network of 875 million professionals, is the leading B2B advertising platform. LinkedIn is responsible for 80% of B2B leads generated by social media, and advertisers report 2x higher conversion rates compared to other platforms. Sponsored Content, InMail, and Text Ads allow businesses to target by industry, job title, and more, reaching decision-makers directly.
5. YouTube Ads
Best for: Brands with engaging, informative video content.
YouTube’s reach of over 2 billion monthly users makes it a top choice for small businesses leveraging video. 70% of users say they bought a product after seeing it advertised on YouTube. TrueView ads, which only cost advertisers when a user engages with the ad, make YouTube a cost-effective choice. Average video ad completion rates on YouTube hover around 31%, and 80% of people recall seeing an ad on the platform—a testament to YouTube's impact.
6. Pinterest Ads
Best for: Brands in niches such as home decor, fashion, and DIY projects.
With 450 million monthly active users, Pinterest is a top visual search engine and shopping inspiration tool. The platform reports that 83% of users purchase products based on Pinterest content. Furthermore, businesses that advertise on Pinterest see an average conversion rate increase of 2x, as users on this platform are often in a discovery mindset.
7. Twitter Ads
Best for: Brands seeking real-time engagement and thought leadership.
Twitter’s 330 million monthly active users make it ideal for businesses wanting to keep a direct conversation with their audience. 53% of Twitter users are more likely to be the first buyers of new products from brands they follow, offering a great advantage for new launches. Sponsored Tweets allow brands to reach targeted audiences, while Twitter’s low average cost-per-click (CPC) of $0.38 makes it affordable for small budgets.
8. TikTok Ads
Best for: Small businesses targeting younger demographics with creative content.
With 1 billion monthly active users, TikTok has quickly become one of the most engaging platforms. 67% of TikTok users report discovering new products on the platform. Small businesses can use in-feed ads, branded hashtags, and challenges to reach a highly active audience. Brands have seen 5.5x higher ad engagement on TikTok compared to other platforms, making it an essential tool for engaging Gen Z and millennial audiences.
9. Yelp Ads
Best for: Local service-oriented businesses.
Yelp reaches 92 million monthly users, primarily looking for local services, making it ideal for small businesses. 97% of Yelp users make a purchase within a week after visiting a business listing, making it highly effective for attracting ready-to-buy customers. Businesses see an average transaction of $101 from Yelp leads, making it valuable for high-quality, local-focused engagement.
10. Snapchat Ads
Best for: Businesses targeting Gen Z and millennial audiences.
With 500 million monthly users, Snapchat reaches younger audiences with immersive ad formats. Snapchat reports that 71% of users aged 18-29 interact with ads, and the platform boasts a unique daily video view rate of 10 billion views. Businesses with a strong visual appeal can leverage Stories and Discover to reach an audience that is highly engaged and willing to explore new products.
11. Craigslist
Best for: Local, budget-conscious advertising.
Craigslist remains a strong choice for local businesses with over 50 billion monthly page views. It’s an affordable and straightforward way to advertise, with some categories even offering free listings. Service-oriented businesses, particularly in the trades and housing, can connect directly with customers actively looking for local options.
12. Google My Business (GMB)
Best for: Local businesses aiming for search visibility and enhanced local SEO.
GMB provides essential local visibility, with profiles getting 42% more directions requests and 35% more clicks when they’re complete. It’s free to use, and studies show that businesses with a GMB profile receive 25% more customer engagement than those without one, making it an essential tool for local brand discovery.
13. Nextdoor
Best for: Hyper-local businesses looking to engage with nearby communities.
Nextdoor connects local businesses to 1 in 3 U.S. households. Businesses see a 67% higher rate of recommendations from Nextdoor members, and 76% of members report they prefer to support businesses they find locally on Nextdoor.
14. Reddit Ads
Best for: Niche markets and specialized audiences.
Reddit’s 430 million active users across 100,000 active communities allow small businesses to target highly engaged audiences. With 47% of Reddit users saying they trust the information shared on Reddit, the platform offers unique advertising opportunities for businesses seeking authentic, trust-based engagement.
15. Quora Ads
Best for: Educational and solution-oriented businesses.
Quora’s 300 million users search for trusted advice, making it ideal for brands offering expertise. The platform has a 4x higher engagement rate than most social channels, and promoted answers are seen as authoritative, improving brand trust and recognition.
Conclusion
Each of these 15 platforms offers distinct advantages for small businesses, from targeted social ads to localized Google results. By selecting the right platforms, businesses can reach new customers, drive conversions, and achieve sustainable growth through strategic advertising.
