How to Look Bigger Than You Are: Marketing Tricks for Small Teams

You’re pitching to a big client, but they hesitate. Why? Maybe they've been to your website. And maybe your website looks small-time to them. If so, that means you look small-time to them as well. And so they hesitate.

This can happen if your small team’s digital presence doesn’t match the baseline of professionalism your prospects expect. And you can miss that baseline because ... well, you're a startup, and you've got a lot of stuff to do.

In the crowded marketplace, small or early-stage companies face a common challenge: how to look credible and established while operating with limited resources. We live in a world where the right first impression can be the difference between landing a big opportunity or losing out to competitors who simply look more polished. For small teams, the challenge isn’t just about scale—it’s about maximizing impact without overextending your resources.

The good news? Perception is within your control. A few focused strategies can help your small team create a big presence. Investing in the right areas—like your website, brand identity, and social presence—projects professionalism and credibility that rivals much larger companies.

Let’s dive into the most effective marketing tricks to help your small team punch above its weight.

Create a Great Website

Your website is your digital storefront, and for small teams, it’s your most powerful marketing asset. For example, a small design agency recently revamped its website, focusing on clean design and fast load times. Within weeks, their inquiries doubled, showing the direct impact of a polished online presence. It’s often the first point of interaction between your company and potential customers. A well-crafted website is more than just a way to display information—it’s a tool for building trust, showcasing your value, and guiding visitors toward taking action. A great website acts as a 24/7 ambassador, making your team appear larger, more established, and highly professional.

Why it Matters

Your website shapes how people perceive your business. A common concern for small teams is the cost and effort of building a professional site, but modern tools make it achievable. With platforms like Webflow, you don’t need a big budget or in-house expertise. Your website must work hard for you, no matter the size of your team.

How to Execute

• Focus on clarity and functionality over flashiness. Ensure your site communicates who you are, what you do, and why it matters.
• Use affordable platforms like Webflow or Squarespace to create a sleek, professional site without hiring a full-time developer.
• Prioritize essentials: a homepage with a clear value proposition, a contact page, and an “About Us” page that conveys your story.

Pro Tip: Navigation should be intuitive, and your call-to-action (CTA) should stand out. Think: “Schedule a Demo,” “Get Started,” or “Learn More.” Small teams can’t afford to lose visitors to poor user experience—make every click count.

Develop a Thoughtfully Designed Brand Identity

Small teams often overlook the importance of brand identity, assuming it’s a luxury for larger companies. A frequent worry is the time and expense required to create a cohesive identity. However, integrating brand development into other projects—like your website—can simplify the process while delivering impactful results. A cohesive brand identity ties together every aspect of your company’s communication, helping you look professional and aligned across all touchpoints. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about being memorable and consistent. A thoughtful brand identity developed alongside your website ensures your small team makes a big impression.

Why it Matters

Your brand identity extends beyond a logo. It includes your color palette, typography, and overall aesthetic—elements that ensure consistency across all touchpoints, from your website to social media to presentations. A well-designed identity tells your audience you’re professional, trustworthy, and ready to grow. For small teams, a cohesive brand identity creates the perception of scale and stability.

How to Execute

• Integrate brand identity development into your website project. This ensures your visuals are cohesive and created on a specific timeframe for a clear purpose.
• Focus on designs that are versatile, working across all contexts and sizes—from your website to business cards.
• Collaborate with an experienced designer or agency that can deliver quality quickly and affordably.

Pro Tip: Keep it simple but effective. Your brand identity doesn’t need to be extravagant, but it should communicate professionalism at every touchpoint. For small teams, it’s about working smarter, not harder, to deliver a brand that resonates.

Build a Polished LinkedIn Presence

LinkedIn isn’t just another networking platform—it’s a key tool for establishing credibility and reaching decision-makers. For small teams, it’s an opportunity to create a professional presence that competes with larger companies. Unlike platforms centered on entertainment, LinkedIn is business-focused, making it the perfect space to showcase expertise, connect with your audience, and align your messaging with your website.

Why it Matters

LinkedIn is where professionals go to evaluate companies. A well-maintained LinkedIn page serves as an extension of your website, reinforcing your brand and creating a cohesive online presence. For small teams, this consistency is essential for building trust.

How to Execute

• Build a complete company page with a compelling tagline, polished logo, and concise description of your services.
• Link your LinkedIn page directly from your website to create seamless navigation and boost credibility.
• Share key assets like blog posts, case studies, and updates to align with your website’s messaging and showcase expertise.

Pro Tip: Make sure your LinkedIn visuals, such as banners and logos, match your website’s branding. Consistency across platforms reinforces professionalism and builds trust.

Establish an Active Social Media Presence

Social media offers a direct line to your audience, providing opportunities to share your story, highlight successes, and engage in conversations that matter to your industry. For small teams, a steady and strategic presence on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn can amplify your voice and create the impression of a larger, more dynamic organization. When done right, social media can make you relatable, credible, and top-of-mind for your audience.

Why it Matters

Social media is a low-cost way to build visibility and credibility. A concern for many small teams is managing the time commitment of multiple platforms. Focus on one or two where your audience is most active, using scheduling tools to post consistently. Regular, high-quality posts give the impression of an organized, well-resourced team, even if you’re operating lean. For small teams, social media is a powerful equalizer, enabling you to compete with larger companies on visibility and engagement.

How to Execute

• Focus on one or two platforms where your audience is most active. For B2B startups, LinkedIn and Twitter are excellent choices.
• Post consistently, using scheduling tools like Buffer or Sprout Social to automate your content.
• Share a mix of content, including customer success stories, behind-the-scenes looks, and insights into industry trends.

Pro Tip: Use visuals wherever possible. Photos, infographics, and videos are more engaging and help your posts stand out. Small teams can leverage free or low-cost tools like Canva, Adobe Express, or Piktochart to create professional-quality visuals that elevate their social presence.

Outsource Strategically

Small teams often face the challenge of juggling multiple priorities with limited resources, and that’s where outsourcing can be a game-changer. A common concern is finding reliable partners who understand your brand and budget constraints. Building relationships with trusted freelancers or agencies ensures that every piece of your outward communication—from pitch decks to social media posts—looks polished and on-brand without overextending your team.

Why it Matters

The key to appearing larger and more professional is being well-designed in every context. Young companies often face random design needs on tight timeframes, but these needs aren’t frequent enough to justify a full-time hire. Having a “designer on call” ensures you’re always ready with polished, on-brand materials. For small teams, this flexibility can be a lifeline for maintaining a consistent and professional appearance.

How to Execute

• Hire a designer or agency who can step in to handle ad hoc design tasks, from pitch decks to social media graphics.
• Focus on outsourcing areas with high impact, such as messaging, website management, campaign development, and content creation.
• Build relationships with freelancers or agencies who understand your brand and can deliver quickly.

Pro Tip: Consistency is key. A designer who knows your brand can ensure that every piece of content aligns with your identity, maintaining a professional look across all channels. Small teams can build strong partnerships with reliable freelancers to amplify their impact without overcommitting resources.

Conclusion

First impressions matter, and even small teams can make a big impact with thoughtful strategies. Small teams have unique strengths, such as agility, personalization, and niche expertise, that can be leveraged to compete effectively with larger companies. By focusing on creating a polished website, building a cohesive brand identity, maintaining an active LinkedIn presence, and outsourcing strategically, your team can look bigger and more professional, driving meaningful results.

Start small. Focus on the areas that matter most. And don’t be afraid to seek help, whether it’s through tools that streamline your efforts or a trusted partner that takes the heavy lifting off your plate.

Ready to elevate your brand? Contact B-Side Communications today to learn how we can help your startup look and perform like a major player in your industry.