3 tips for marketing in a down economy

The economy is slowly inching toward recovery, but many small businesses have yet to feel the positive effects. Entrepreneurs are keeping their eyes on their overhead expenses and bottom lines to avoid financial hardships. Some owners have slashed their marketing budgets in an effort to save money.Entrepreneur Magazine reports that the frugal strategy isn't entirely beneficial because it's important to reach more consumers during tough economic times. Small business owners can find creative

Small Business Marketing Blog

Disposable water bottles might not be around for much longer

Concord, Massachusetts, recently made history when it became the first American city to ban the sale of plastic water bottles. According to Treehugger.com, a new town law went into effect on January 1 that prevents businesses from selling single-serving bottles. Concord was the first town to ban the containers, but the movement has become extremely popular on college campuses throughout the United States.The Mother Nature Network recently reported that 90 schools have restricted or banned the

Small Business Marketing Blog

The advantages small businesses have in advertising

Small businesses fight an uphill battle when it comes to marketing against large corporations. Well-established companies have greater resources than independent operations - for instance, multinational chains have ample funding to conduct market research so they can create advertisements that appeal to large groups of consumers. Fortunately, small business owners have some unique advantages that can make their marketing campaigns more successful than those of their competitors. Unlike large

Small Business Marketing Blog

3 common marketing mistakes small businesses can make

Small business owners must be careful when developing their marketing campaigns. The slightest errors can result in advertisements that don't generate brand awareness or increase market penetration. Even the most experienced entrepreneurs can be prone to certain common mistakes when they're preparing new advertisements. Blunders often occur when owners overhaul their long-term strategies. It's always a good idea to fuse new ideas with established tactics like promotional giveaways and direct

Small Business Marketing Blog

Staying ahead of the marketing curve

Marketing is one of the most competitive aspects of business. Due to the high volume of advertisements consumers see every day, it's often difficult for companies to increase their brand visibility. Jay Walker-Smith, former president of a marketing firm, told CBS News that the average person is exposed to 5,000 advertisements per day. Walker-Smith also stated that consumers saw approximately 500 ads on a daily basis in the 1970's. "It seems like the goal of most marketers and advertisers

Small Business Marketing Blog

Using promotional giveaways for social media growth

Small business owners are always looking for ways to improve their marketing efforts on social networks. Web sites like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest have become valuable advertising assets for independent establishments that want to expand beyond their local markets.Manta, an online consulting firm, recently found that 90 percent of small businesses are actively using social networks. Pamela Springer, the company's CEO, believes that most entrepreneurs understand the value of employing the

Small Business Marketing Blog

Tips for a successful trade show season

It's difficult for a small business to stand out at a trade show. Competition is usually fierce at the events because dozens of companies are vying for the attention of a limited group of potential customers. Entrepreneurs are always looking for attention-grabbing strategies to making a lasting impact. According to Business 2 Community, most trade shows are held during the spring, so small business owners have to start developing their marketing strategies now. An excellent sales team and

Small Business Marketing Blog

Celebrate Fun at Work Day

January 28 is Celebrate Fun at Work Day, and it's the perfect opportunity for small business owners to make the workplace more enjoyable for employees. Many workers are overwhelmed with stress and don't enjoy their jobs. According to Online University, a database of educational materials, one million people skip work every day because of job-related stress. Fun is an important part of success. Business Insider writes that employees who have fun at work are more productive and creative than

Small Business Marketing Blog

5 steps for creating and implementing a successful marketing plan

A marketing campaign is the result of months of hard work and extensive planning. Small business owners must create long-term strategies for their companies and decide how they can achieve specific goals. The more an entrepreneur prepares advertisements, the more leads the campaign will generate. To write an effective marketing plan, small business owners must consider their desired results. Owners can start mapping the route to success after they've defined their destinations. Additionally,

Small Business Marketing Blog

5 steps for creating and implementing a successful marketing plan

A marketing campaign is the result of months of hard work and extensive planning. Small business owners must create long-term strategies for their companies and decide how they can achieve specific goals. The more an entrepreneur prepares advertisements, the more leads the campaign will generate. To write an effective marketing plan, small business owners must consider their desired results. Owners can start mapping the route to success after they've defined their destinations. Additionally,

Small Business Marketing Blog

NHL team using promotional items to apologize

The latest NHL lockout lasted 119 days and forced league officials to cancel almost half of the regular season. Fans were understandably disappointed when players and owners couldn't come to terms to get the season started. After the work stoppage ended, teams started coming up with plans to apologize to their loyal supporters. According Global BC, one of the league's most popular franchises plans to hold promotional giveaways to say sorry. The Vancouver Canucks are planning raffles and other

Small Business Marketing Blog

Attract new volunteers with promotional items

February is Youth Leadership Month, a time to recognize the charitable efforts of children and volunteers. PBS Kids writes that volunteering is an important activity in which every child should participate. The news source writes that participating in a charitable program helps kids develop social skills, build self-esteem and make important connections with community leaders and small business owners. Nonprofit organizations and local establishments should celebrate Youth Leadership Month to

Small Business Marketing Blog

4 more tips for designing a logo

A corporate logo is the most important feature of every advertisement. The symbols are printed on unique promotional products and embedded in emails to raise a business' visibility. Time Magazine writes that well-designed images help companies make positive first impressions on consumers. Similar to other practices, logos must be tested before they can be put in place. Small business owners can include their personal tastes but should always be prepared to tailor their emblems to reach the

Small Business Marketing Blog

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

The American Dental Association (ADA) celebrates National Children's Dental Health Month every February. The awareness campaign is especially important in 2013 because recent reports have shown that many American kids don't have access to regular medical care. According to a 2012 study conducted by the United States Senate, 17 million children from low-income households received no dental care in 2009, the latest year with available data. Additionally, the Kaiser Family Foundation found that

Small Business Marketing Blog

Marketing trends to follow in 2013

The new year brings a host of new challenges for small businesses. Complications can rise at any moment, and last year's strategies might not always be effective for combating the issues. Adaptation is the key to success in the corporate world, especially when it comes to marketing efforts.In 2013, entrepreneurs have to enact new plans to successfully advertise their establishments. New trends can help independent companies increase their marketing presence and reach large groups of consumers.

Small Business Marketing Blog

Attention all wedding planners: National Weddings Month is coming

February is National Weddings Month because it's the time when most happy couples are busy preparing for their summer ceremonies. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, June, August, July, May and September are the most popular months for marriages. The weather plays a huge part in summer's popularity as the ideal wedding season, and grooms and brides have to start planning in February if they want their ceremony to be perfect.Wedding planners must be prepared to capitalize on National Weddings

Small Business Marketing Blog

Use sales and promotions to attract customers during January

The holidays are over, and for most consumers that means it's time to tighten the purse strings. United Press International (UPI) recently reported the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)and Goldman Sachs have found that retail spending dropped during the first two weeks of January. Store owners must be creative and use effective marketing tactics to prevent the post-holiday blues from negatively impacting their businesses.

Fun promotions can make January a massive success and

Small Business Marketing Blog

February is American Heart Month

February is the shortest month, but that doesn't mean the awareness campaigns that take place during it are less important than those in January or March. In fact, February is the time dedicated to heart disease, one of the major health concerns in the United States. American Heart Month is meant to educate consumers about the importance of healthy living and regular cardiac exams. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 2,200 deaths every day linked to

Small Business Marketing Blog

Marketing tips for businesses in the automotive industry

The automotive industry is making major strides toward pre-recession heights. The Wall Street Journal recently estimated that 14.4 million new vehicles were sold in 2012, and industry experts believe that number will increase to 15 million this year.

Additionally, mechanics are playing a huge part in the recovery process. According to Polk, a research firm, the average vehicle on the road is 10.8 years old. The age is a record high and indicates that drivers are investing heavily in regular

Small Business Marketing Blog

Combine the NHL's return with your promotional items

After a 113-day lockout, the National Hockey League (NHL) will finally return to action on January 19. The sport has seen gradual increases in popularity in recent years. The NHL recently reported that its playoff broadcast earned record ratings in 2012, thanks in part to the success of teams in major markets like New York City, Boston and Los Angeles.

Small business owners can use promotional marketing products to capitalize on hockey's popularity. For instance, pens and magnets can be

Small Business Marketing Blog

Fun activities and promotions for Valentine's Day

February's biggest holiday is Valentine's Day, and small business owners should start preparing as soon as possible to capitalize on the day's massive popularity. According to CreditLoan.com, February 14 is the second biggest holiday in the United States in terms of consumer spending, trailing only Christmas. The news source estimated that $17.6 billion was spent on gifts, greeting cards and food in 2012.
Valentine's Day is the perfect time to debut a new marketing campaign

Small Business Marketing Blog

Get organized in the new year

January is Get Organized Month, and it is the perfect opportunity for small business owners to ensure that their establishments are in perfect order. Additionally, business-to-business (B2B) vendors can celebrate by giving out promotional marketing products to help their clients get organized.
Time management and orderly offices are the two biggest keys to improving productivity. Calendars and USB drives can help your employees stay on task and tidy up their workstations. The two items are

Small Business Marketing Blog

Picking traditional or creative promotional items

Unique promotional products are some of the best advertisements small business owners can use to increase brand awareness. Small gifts put logos directly into consumers' hands and last longer than most other marketing materials. Entrepreneurs can increase the effectiveness of their advertisements by picking the best promotional tools. Customers will keep functional items and develop long-term brand recognition, but creative giveaways can also lead to new levels of success.
Go

Small Business Marketing Blog

Reminder: January is National Blood Donor Month

January is National Blood Donor Month, and throughout the month the American Red Cross recognizes the generosity of millions of donors and encourages more people to give. The Association of Donor Recruitment Professionals notes that blood supplies are usually low during the winter because of the holidays, seasonal illnesses and bad weather.
Small businesses and medical practices should get involved with the cause by sponsoring blood drives and encouraging clients to donate. Entrepreneurs and

Small Business Marketing Blog

Advertising your promotional giveaways

Promotional giveaways can increase traffic within your establishment. Branded gifts and small prizes can motivate consumers to visit your business and increase their patronage. You must advertise your giveaway if you want it to be successful.
Microsoft Business Hub states that you should dedicate as much of your marketing budget as possible to creating awareness for your event. Alternatively, you can use cost-effective platforms to generate interest without using all of your advertising funds.

Small Business Marketing Blog

Celebrate National Thank You Month

January is National Thank You Month, which makes it the perfect time to show your appreciation for your loyal customers and valued employees. You can distribute unique promotional products and personalized business gifts throughout the month to say thanks.
Recognition programs are usually appreciated by clients and staffers. Fox Business notes that small presents can improve customer satisfaction and lead to positive reviews. Additionally, gifts can improve your relationships with your workers

Small Business Marketing Blog

Consumers want functional promotional items

A recent survey from the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) revealed that the most well-liked promotional items are those with everyday functionality. In the "Global Advertising Specialties Impressions Study," ASI wrote that 81 percent of respondents said that a branded product's usefulness was the main reason they kept it.
The institute reported that gifts like tote bags, pens and USB drives were among the most appreciated. Promotional pens were rated as the most popular

Small Business Marketing Blog

Promotional opportunity days in February

Despite having the fewest number of days, February still has plenty of holidays, including major celebratory days like Valentine's Day and Presidents' Day and smaller ones like Umbrella Day. Small business owners should always look for unique opportunities to advertise their companies, and associating their establishments with monthly holidays can be an effective strategy. Businesses can associate themselves with minor holidays by distributing unique promotional products that are

Small Business Marketing Blog