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4 Rules of Small Business Marketing

So, you’ve done it. You’ve finally made the commitment and decided to go into business for yourself. But have you stopped to think about how you’re going to let people know about your new company or the products and services that it offers?

If this is you, then now is probably the time to begin thinking seriously about a marketing strategy. To some this may be an intimidating thought. After all, there are many different types of marketing and finding a mix that fits your business may seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, marketing is not as hard as it sometimes appears and there are many different avenues that can be taken in order to achieve marketing success.

So what is marketing? Even if you don’t know the dictionary’s definition you probably have an idea of what it is and if you have been in business for any amount of time you’re probably already engaged in some form of marketing, whether you realize it or not.

Many business owners (novice and veteran alike) think that marketing is an extravagant and expensive campaign that is comprised of billboards, television spots, mass emails, and countless phone calls (to name a few). It is true that marketing involves these things, but it is so much more than that. Simply put, marketing is everything that goes into selling a product or service. Everything in between the transfer of a good or service from the seller to the buyer is marketing.

What makes a marketing project work is how a business arranges all of the different types of marketing to form a unique message that captures the attention of the consumer.
In order to do this, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Simplicity is the key to a good marketing strategy – Everything, from a slogan to a logo, should be kept simple. The simpler it is the more likely people are to remember it.

Don’t think that one form of marketing is enough – Do everything you are capable of doing to get the word out about your business. This means go beyond stuffing mail boxes with brochures and start incorporating some different things. Build relationships with people, set up a website, advertise etc.

Don’t think that marketing is a quick fix – Creating and implementing a good marketing strategy is one of the best things you can do for your business. But it will not solve all of your problems. Just keep in mind that marketing is not an end, but a means to an end.

Don’t wait – The sooner you begin marketing your business the sooner you will be established in the minds of your target market as someone who provides what they want.

There you have it: a few basic steps to better your business and improve your chances of success.