When it comes to marketing, small business owners are frequently at a disadvantage. It’s harder than ever for smaller companies to cover even the basics with a small budget, yet the need to identify and communicate effectively with prospective customers is no less important than it is for the big companies with million dollar budgets. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll examine six of the best free marketing resources available today. Take a look, take plenty of notes and above all, take action.
“Internet Marketing: A Guide to Small Business Success”
This is a great primer on internet marketing, chock-full of ideas and tips covering all of the essentials including improving your website, free and paid traffic sources, content marketing, social media, video marketing, list building, and email marketing. Access this valuable guide at http://www.slideshare.net/JulieBenlolo/internet-marketing-a-guide-to-small-business-success
“22 Ways to Create Compelling Content When You Don’t Have a Clue”
Your website, blog and social media channels all require great content, and plenty of it. The biggest stumbling block for novice writers is figuring out what to write about, and this infographic is filled with great tips to get your creative writing juices flowing. Read all about it at http://www.copyblogger.com/create-content-infographic/
Learn More About Search Engine Optimization at the Moz Blog
SEOMoz is one of the leading sources for the latest information about search engine optimization. A successful website requires a steady flow of traffic, and everyone from experts to beginners can learn the latest methods from this community of SEO wizards. Visit their blog at http://moz.com/blog
Mareting Profs: Your One-Stop Site for Small Business Marketing Information
No matter what your small business marketing interest, Marketing Profs is sure to cover it with informative, in-depth articles. Recent topics include brand management, content, email marketing, graphic design, pricing, social media, and websites. Free as well as paid subscriptions are available, and can be accessed at http://www.marketingprofs.com/
Grow Your Business With Social Media Marketing
The role of social media continues to grow in importance, influencing your online reputation and your search engine rankings, in addition to building customer loyalty. Even the humblest of businesses can benefit by adding social media to their marketing mix, and the Social Media Examiner blog offers informative articles that cover every aspect of successful social media marketing. Sign up for a free subscription at http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/
Join the Marketing Exchange for Local Market Sources and Referrals
The Marketing Exchange provides small to medium sized businesses with geographic-specific marketing resources and opportunities to partner with local company members. There are presently 3,394 local exchanges that cover all 50 states plus The District of Columbia. For more information about this great local marketing resource, visit www.marketingexchange.com
Nothing Happens Without Marketing
Building a better mousetrap is no longer any guarantee of success. You need to focus on marketing a better mousetrap. Don’t use the size of your business as an excuse to shortchange yourself when it comes to marketing. The more you learn about and implement effective marketing practices, the better your bottom line is going to be.