Alex Phung provided advice for new businesses with limited budgets, suggesting they start by claiming their Google Business Profile, which is FREE and a strong driver for local leads. Alex Phung recommended building a clean, even one-page, website as it is more effective than relying solely on social media pages. They also advised actively seeking and replying to reviews on platforms like Google Business Profile and Yelp. Alex Phung emphasized the value of connecting with local agencies and community networks, which can offer free startup advice and connections.

Alex Phung stated that successful digital marketing for small businesses requires a holy trinity of website, SEO & Google Ads, a balance between visibility and conversion, emphasizing the non-negotiable need for a professional, mobile-friendly website. They recommended pairing a strong website with local SEO, including a Google Business Profile, to ensure local discoverability. Alex Phung also suggested incorporating Google Ads and advised working with a local marketing agency to leverage their expertise and local network.

Alex Phung highlighted that the digital marketing industry is rapidly evolving, with AI-driven tools like ChatGPT & Google AI Overview creating new, affordable opportunities for small businesses. They explained that AI can assist with content creation, ad development, and social media posts, making tasks previously requiring extensive training more accessible.