Small Business Marketing 101: A Guide to Growing Your Small Business

Marketing is one of the most essential ingredients of starting and running any successful business. Unfortunately for small business owners, it’s also one of the hardest to get right.

Most marketing costs too much and simply isn’t right for small business. Really, what good will a $15,000 TV campaign do for a local consultant (aside from make him go broke). On top of the cost, the time and complexity involved with traditional marketing can easily smother a small business.

Small businesses need marketing that is simple and practical—marketing that’s understandable and easy to use. The purpose of this series is just that: to help you start marketing your small business in a way that actually works.

Position and Plan

The first step is to know exactly who your product benefits and how you can communicate those benefits in a way they understand. Then, by looking at your competitors, you can create a unique position that will ensure a strong foundation for your success.

1. Get to Know Your Perfect Customer
2. Attract Customers With a Unique Market Position
3. Learn to Relate to Your Market

Create an Identity

Every successful small business needs a clean, professional image that customers can trust. These articles are about creating unforgettable corporate identity that will make you naturally attractive to potential customers.

4. Create an Attractive and Memorable Corporate Identity
5. Be Credible, Professional, and Trustworthy
6. Make Yourself Easy to Buy From

Spread The Word

The final step of marketing a small business is to find a method of advertising that will get your message to your core customer, and deliver an offer that entices them into action.

7. Advertising That Works for Small Business
8. Compel Potential Customers to Action
9. Measure, Learn, and Improve


Marketing a small business isn’t easy—but if you stick to what’s important, and avoid unneeded complexity, you’ll have quite a head start.

If you want to learn more about marketing a small business, keep reading through our marketing blog and make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss any free tips or ideas.

Reader Comments

Matt McGee
Oct. 2. 2007 10:56 PM
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This looks really good. As a recent reader/subscriber, I’m looking forward to catching up on some of the older posts you referenced here. Thanks!


Mason Hipp
Oct. 3. 2007 6:08 PM
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Hey Matt,

Welcome to the SmallFuel community! I’m really glad you like the collection—I’m sure you’ll enjoy all of the articles as well.

Thanks for the comment,

- Mason


Anita Campbell
Oct. 8. 2007 11:06 PM
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Hi Mason,

Good marketing series.  I like the way it is broken down into three stages.  Looks like that mirrors the Small Fuel Marketing system, too.

Anita


Mason
Oct. 9. 2007 12:56 AM
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Anita - I’m glad you enjoyed it (and honored to have someone of your distinction commenting on our blog).

I really like the three step approach because it is easy to understand and easy to remember. It also covers the vast majority of marketing that any small business will need.

- Mason Hipp


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An old post, but a good one.  Marketing needs to fit budget, but also needs to be targeted and qualified.  Expensive marketing will do nothing for you unless you’re in front of the right people.


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