Thursday November 20, 2008
smSmallBiz.com - SmartMoney's Small Business Site
marketing
From Entrepreneur.com
Connect the Branding Dots
By John Williams
Logos, websites and marketing materials have to work together to create a positive impression -- and put money in your pocket.
Stay on Top of Mobile Advertising
As current and potential customers increasingly embrace mobile technologies, so should you. Here’s how to stay in touch.
Convert Passers-By Into Purchasers
Big events pose big opportunities to generate sales. Here’s how to convert crowds into customers.
Targeted Marketing Gets Intelligent
Advertisers ride a brain wave called neuromarketing. But is it for real?
A Marketing Tool That's Obvious, Overlooked and Cheap
Superior customer service is a thrifty and effective way to hang onto existing customers – and attract new ones.
Unearth the Hidden Publicity Gems in Your Business
Build exposure for your brand by showing off your company's expertise and top employees in trade magazines.
4 Advantages to Buying a Big-Name Franchise
With borrowing leverage, purchasing power and marketing prowess already in place, big franchises handle much of the legwork.
Economic Crises Call for Better Marketing Plans
Waiting for the next crisis to hit means you will have waited too long to revise your business plan.
Restaurants Push Value Meals
All-you-can-eat promotions and the like are flooding casual-dining outlets as restaurant chains attempt to lure customers to their tables.
Starting Up: Pricing Your Products
Business owners often miss the mark in terms of pricing their products. Here’s a primer on how to hit the target.
Companies Offering Innovative Incentives to Lure Franchisees
Franchisers are using innovative marketing tactics in the face of increased competition.
Wholesalers Set Up Shop Online
To compel added sales, some wholesalers are using the Internet to cut out retailers and sell directly to consumers.
Starting Up: The Art of the Pitch
How to persuade prospective clients to take a risk on your start-up.
4 Steps to Assessing Your Product's Profit Potential
Have a great idea for new business? Here’s how to judge whether it’s a market or just a mirage.
Give Web Users What They Really Want
Most people go online with a goal in mind. Learn to capitalize on their habits.
Standing Out in the Beauty Game
Burt's Bees' marketing chief talks about maintaining a small-brand feel as business grows.
Looking Abroad for a Profit Boost
Struggling at home? Overseas markets may be ripe for the picking.
Do You Know What Your Audience Wants?
Define your target market and stay up to date with its needs.
Appeal to Consumers' Five Senses
Your copy should stimulate a sensory reaction that compels readers to buy.
Innovative Incentives to Lure Franchisees
Franchisers are becoming increasingly creative in marketing themselves.
Amazon vs. eBay: a 7-Point Comparison
Knowing the pros and cons of each can help you maximize your online profits.
3 Secrets to a Site that Sells
Put these tips in place to turn browsers into buyers.
Starting Up: Staying Out of Spam Folders
A newsletter is a great way to connect with customers — if it doesn't land in their spam folders.
Use E-Coupons to Increase Online Sales
E-coupons are a proven way to increase sales, and are easy to implement.
Win Sales From Recession-Minded Consumers
Here are 4 ways to woo shoppers this summer, when the spotlight's on saving.
Irked by eBay, Sellers Trade Elsewhere
Upset by recent changes, some online retailers are moving away from the auction giant.
Starting Up: Attracting Luxury Shoppers
Starting a high-end shop in rocky times? Here’s how to land wealthy customers.
Starting Up: Teaming Up With Other Businesses
Joining forces with another small business can help you win customers.
Certifiably Green
Strut your business's eco-friendly stuff with the help of these 10 programs.
12 Tips for Writing Better Brochures
Every online company must have brochures and other printed literature to hand out to customers and prospects. Are yours ready to go?
Networking Together
The expansion of social-networking sites are giving small businesses new opportunities to network with each other and their customers.
Use Social Media to Bond With Consumers
Social media can help small firms to better connect with and market themselves to consumers and others in their industries. And they're often free.
Generating More Referrals
There are plenty of opportunities to develop quality referrals — you just have to look for them.
Advertising in Digital Media
These 3 hot trends can give you a competitive edge on the web and beyond.
Small Businesses Succeed with E-mail Marketing
These 3 entrepreneurs used e-newsletters for a cheaper, faster and more effective marketing campaign.
Nostalgia Sells
The oldies but goodies of baby boomers are all the rage.
How to Market a For-Profit Social Venture
A socially-minded business needs to win customers, without compromising its mission.
Asked & Answered: Marketing Multiple Businesses
Should I combine my separate businesses under one umbrella to save on marketing costs?
Green Products Gain From New Price Equation
Green products are becoming more affordable these days, allowing businesses to draw in new consumers.
Break Into the Global Marketplace
Preference programs and free trade agreements can provide strategic advantage.
Keep Your Customers from Straying
Follow these 8 simple methods of building business relationships that last.
Developing Your Company's Logo
If you just need a logo and not an entire campaign, an online logo company is a better alternative to a traditional ad agency.
No More 'Me Too' Marketing
Before you can beat your competitors, customers have to be able to tell you apart. Here are 3 steps to becoming the leader of the pack.
Three Tips for Closing a Sale
Revamp your sales strategies to ramp up your closing rates.
Three Strategies to Get Customers to Say 'Yes'
Small companies often find creative ways to level the playing field with larger competitors.
Permanent Wholesale Marts a Boon to Retailers
You don't have to wait for the next trade show to keep your shelves stocked with the latest and greatest.
Top 10 Sales Mistakes
Every salesperson, regardless of the industry, product, or skill level, makes mistakes. Be smart. Avoid these common errors and generate more revenue and happier customers.
Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks
Understanding the changing face of journalism can be the key to getting more coverage for your business.
With Wedding Bells, Novelty Sells
Finding and courting a creative niche business idea is destined for success in the $62.8 billion wedding industry.
Emotional Branding: What's Love Got to Do With It? Plenty!
Sell to your customers by appealing to both their reason and their emotions.
Ten Key Principles of Franchise Marketing
Being part of a franchise system offers tremendous advantages such as, in most cases, instant brand recognition. But it also presents some limitations.
Do-It-Yourself Display Ads
Start-ups and major Internet players such as Facebook are giving advertisers the option of building online-ad campaigns all on their own.
Marketing in the Recommendation Age
As customer review venues and their influence increase, business owners should capitalize on this trend.
Web Start-Ups Seek New Ways to Click
As concerns mount that the slowing economy may hurt the online-ad market, Silicon Valley Web start-ups are developing new approaches.
Tech Firm Drums Up Sales Growth Through A Web Marketplace
This outfit kept its techs working during a revamp by turning to an IT-services matchmaker.
The Essentials of Guerrilla Marketing
Implement these building blocks to create a successful campaign.
Gucci-Stalking: New Sites Make Shopping a Game
A number of members-only Web sites have launched selling luxury goods at discounts of as much as 70%.
As Candidates Quit, Trinkets Pile Up
The businesses responsible for campaign paraphernalia are devising creative ways to unload their excess inventory.
Modern Marketing: Using Tech in Creative Ways
From widgets to mashups, businesses use imagination and tech savvy to win customers.
Web Market Lets Companies Buy, Sell Ideas
Small businesses looking to find a hot idea — or trying to sell a hot idea to a big company — are about to get some help.
Make Your Ads Workhorses
Tough economic times demand productive ads. Learn the 4 most critical elements for ads that get results.
Getting on Top Bloggers' Radar
Small businesses looking to pitch their products or services to influential blogs have some help these days.
Expand Your Ad Empire
Amplify your interactive ad arsenal with the latest technology trends.
Getting Workers to Share Know-How With Their Peers
Knowledge-management technologies are helping small companies make the most of limited training budgets.
8 Tips for Increasing Your Average Sale
Getting a few more dollars out of each customer can put startups on a fast track to success.
How Can I Sell My Client List?
We answer a reader's question about how to sell your client base to another professional.
The Wisdom (or Not) of Non-Compete Contracts
Here are some things to consider before hiring your first salesperson.
Starting Up: How to Market on Social-Networking Sites
Does your business have a profile on MySpace or Facebook? How to win customers via social media.
Think Outside the Box With E-Brochures
These hot new marketing tools show a lot of potential.
Differentiating Your Business
7 tips for creating a unique selling proposition that helps cut through the competitive clutter to drive sales.
Marketing Your Home Based Biz
Even if it's the only thing you do to promote your home based business, e-mail marketing will get you repeat business and referrals without breaking the bank.
Starting Up: Entrepreneurial Buzzwords
Are you a solopreneur, greenpreneur or copreneur? Here's a lesson in the new entrepreneurial lexicon.
Getting Customers to Buy More
Want to increase profits? Try this smart upselling technique and watch sales soar.
What are the Pros and Cons of LinkedIn?
The value of professional networking sites depends on how much time you're willing to spend on making connections.
Taking a Green Initiative
These 3 entrepreneurs are taking advantage of green marketing tactics the right way.
Learn to Market More Creatively
Knowledge of your industry can bring originality to your business.
Starting Up: The Business of Love
Online dating, private matchmaking… love is everywhere. How to break into a hot industry.
Improve Client Relationships Through Social Media
Would your business benefit from a page on Facebook or MySpace?
The Future of Customer Service
Mobile technology is changing the way consumers search for answers.
Colors That Bring Out Your Brand
Make sure the colors you choose are sending the right message to your customers.
Pitching a Product Over the Phone
Kelly Spors explains how to convince a company to pay you for a product idea.
Misleading Marketing Copy
You may be tempted to use them, but avoid these phrases in your advertising and marketing materials.
E-mail Marketing Resolutions
Implement these 5 goals for a great new year of e-mail marketing.
Starting Up: Four Tips on Effective Networking
For entrepreneurs, networking is essential. Here are four ways to get your name out there.
Paying for PR — But Only When It Works
How small companies on a budget spread the word about their business in the media.
This Holiday, Say It With an E-Card
Here are 10 creative holiday e-mail card ideas.
Web Promotion: Lights! Camera! Sales!
How to use video to expand your business in a YouTube world.
Talk Is Cheap
Advertising can be a big problem for a small business. One alternative is just to get the right people talking.
Facebook, a Marketer's Friend
Small firms are using the social-networking site Facebook as a marketing tool to cultivate relationships with clients and consumers.
Starting Up: Giveaway Slip-Ups
A business can win customers by offering free products. Just don't give the store away.
10 Common Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
A good marketing plan can help launch a new business or grow an existing one. But make sure to avoid these mistakes.
Starting Up: Freebies Can Spur Sales
New business owners can attract attention by giving away products.
Web Sites Cast a Net Over Striking Writers
With no restraints under Guild rules, upstarts lure talent.
Getting the Most From Tradeshows
Don't show up empty-handed. Make sure you're fully prepared to maximize your time at this annual event.
Consulting and Licensing Agreements
We have a start-up and know people interested in using our model to open their own company. We don't want a partnership, so what kind of agreement do we need?
When Success Isn't Enough
Here's what retailer Shabby Chic did to take its business to the next level.
Starting Up: The Art of the Gimmick
For entrepreneurs looking to make a big splash in a new market, an over-the-top sales promotion can help.
A Niche to Grow
Expand your business by targeting qualified niche markets.
The Fastest Way to Find New Customers
Tap into your customer base by piggybacking on established businesses with similar target markets.
Top 5 Business Card Blunders
Avoid these mistakes that could ruin your branding efforts.
Bidding for Large Contracts
Learn how your startup can bid for contracts against established businesses.
How Small Businesses Can Land Big Contracts
Want to boost business and your profile? Here are some tips on landing a major deal.
Starting Up: Drop Shipping Can Relieve Inventory Headaches
Want to start an e-commerce site without inventory worries?
Green Fashion: Beyond T-Shirts
Eco-designers branch out but still face scarcity of outlets and logistics woes.
Holiday Sales Checklist
Start doing these 10 things now to prepare for the year's biggest shopping season.
The Luxury of Flexible Ownership
Partial ownership has moved beyond yachts and ski chalets. Find out how businesses are capitalizing on this trend sweeping the middle class.
Halo: The Power of 3
Think the biggest video game launch in history doesn't apply to you? Here's why you're wrong.
Web Sites Find Security Seals a Boon for Business
Merchant verification programs can boost consumer confidence -- and your business.
Marketing an Online Business
I have an online retail business that sells ethnic, handmade jewelry. How can I market my products most effectively?
Small Business, Big Clients
Don't fear taking on giant corporations as clients and business partners. Everyone benefits when Goliath hires David.
Toy Stories: Show-and-Tell Blog Hooks Customers
A former science teacher credits a blog for his educational toy's company success.
An Eye-Catching Way to Drive Home Your Message
When it comes to pitching products, there's nothing like an eye-catching set of wheels.
Got a Great Business? Spread the Word
With all the demands of running a business, it's not uncommon for business owners to ignore a potentially lucrative tool: public relations.
An Event to Remember
Whether it's a flying competition or an art show, these companies prove that businesses of any size can host a memorable event.
For Your Review
Want more eyes on your products? Go online and share your expertise.
Discounts Abound for Small-Business Owners
Get discounts on everything from computers to janitorial supplies.
Readers and Owners Talk About Branding
Mark Hellendrung, president of Narragansett Brewing Co., and George Wright, director of marketing at K-TEC Inc.'s Blendtec, moderate a forum on branding.
Going Global: Businesses Earn More by Exporting
Small businesses often shy away from tapping foreign markets. Big mistake.
Four Ways to Protect Your Business Ideas
We offer a guide on trademarks, copyrights, patents and more.
Creating the Right Image Sets the Tone for Success
The perfect name, logo or tag line can make a big impact on a business' success. Here's how to proceed.
Develop a Weird Idea Into a Marketable Success
Got a great -- but offbeat -- product? Here's advice on how to market the truly odd idea.
Building on a Name
Uncle Wally's muffins may not be as famous as Famous Amos cookies, but the same person was behind starting both brands: Wally Amos.
Hispanic Entrepreneurs Succeed in Fertile Latino Market
Hispanic-owned businesses are succeeding in the fertile Latino market.
A Few Moments in the Limelight Can Boost a Small Business
Getting the famous to use your products is a good way to boost sales.
- Not Just a Pretty Face
Monday, November 17, 2008 - Find a Home for Your Business
Monday, November 17, 2008 - Not Your Father's Marketing Campaign
Monday, November 17, 2008 - A Cold Call, a Blog, and a $20 Million Lawsuit
Sunday, November 16, 2008 - President-Elect Obama: What Will Change Really Mean to Small Business?
Saturday, November 15, 2008 - More Business News @ FoxBusiness.com
small business resource center
Register | About Us | Corrections | Help | Sitemap | 
smSmallBiz ™ SmartMoney ® Layout and look and feel of SmartMoney.com and smSmallBiz.com are trademarks of SmartMoney, a joint venture between Dow Jones & Company, Inc. and Hearst SM Partnership. © 1995 - 2008 SmartMoney. All Rights Reserved. By accessing and using this page, you agree to our terms and conditions and our PRIVACY STATEMENT.
