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Small business marketing

chair30393486.JPGAs small businesses start to grow and become successful, they often make the fatal mistake of neglecting their existing customers. Almost 80% of business will come from repeat customers, which is why it is vital to start marketing to them. Don't become obsessed with finding new customers, find ways to work on your current customers. What can you do to boost customer satisfaction?

When it comes to small business marketing, it is important to review your business plan. Where did you start from and where do you hope to be? What is your cash-flow situation? What will happen to your business if you lose some of your customers? When the economy went sour, many small business owners quickly found themselves declaring bankruptcy. This often happens because people react in fear and they start cutting the wrong expenses. Small business owners should always cut inventory and other cash flow costs before they even think about trimming money from their marketing budget.

Without marketing, how will you reach your customers? You cannot create a web site and hope that your customers will stumble upon it. Instead you need to think of marketing as an investment for the growth of your business.

If your small business is currently experiencing hardships, look back at some of your successful marketing ventures. What worked and what didn't? Reviewing some of the past plans can help you look for ways to improve your customer satisfaction.

Talk to your customers and get their opinion. Find out if they are satisfied with your products or services. When you obtain their information, it helps you determine how to market to them. You can understand their buying patterns, shopping behaviors, and other things that can help you develop a sound marketing strategy.

While the goal of marketing is to boost sales, you need to also focus on what your customer wants and needs. Do you have a product they actually need? Why do your customers purchase your products? What sways customers to buy your products over your competitors? Once you answer these questions, you can figure out how well you are serving your existing customers and what you can do better.

An important part of marketing is conducting market research. If you feel that you have tapped out a particular market, look for a new one. Determine what strategies are working and which ones are wasting your time and money.

Since marketing is a large cost, look for ways you can still achieve the same type of exposure for a lower rate. Contact some of your adverting agencies about reducing your ad size or removing one of the colors from your ad. Try to keep them simple and to the point. The customer will be able to find all the vital information they need like your web site and other contact information. Several mailers will combine your ad with another small business that is looking to save money. This helps both businesses gain exposure to their clients and a new audience.

Always participate in online marketing. Since so many people are online nowadays, you need to satisfy their browsing needs. Create a web site that is easy to find and easy to navigate. It is also important to participate in pay-per-click advertising and other search engine optimization strategies that can boost your business by increasing your web site traffic.

Use promotional products to market your business at a variety of different venues. Market your business at schools, sporting facilities, supermarkets, and a handful of other places that attract all types of customers. When it comes to small business marketing, know your limits and only spend what you can afford. Do not become involved in competing against some of the larger companies; it won't do your small business any good.

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