Resources for Strategic Marketing

Vendors of strategic marketing services including opportunity analysis, online marketing strategies, and marketing plans.
Internet Directories and Portals

General directories and search engines for finding information, news, and photos on the Internet. more »

Search Engine Marketing

Companies that provide search engine marketing services. SEM firms that will optimize business websites and internet search engine marketing campaigns. more »

Internet Marketing

Providers of internet marketing services, including creation and management of pay per click campaigns, affiliates and email marketing. Vendors can help businesses create an online… more »

Strategic Marketing Planning Consultants

Advisers and consultants providing strategic marketing planning services. more »

Newspaper Advertising

Companies that specialize in buying and selling newspaper advertisments. more »

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Food and Beverage Advertising and Marketing

Offering advertising and marketing services for food and beverage businesses. more »

Marketing on a Meager Budget

It's a dilemma that most small businesses and startups face: You must market and advertise, but you're strapped for cash. Fortunately, ideas, energy and imagination can make up for meager marketing budgets. Whether you're an established company or a nascent business, the marketing formula is the same. You'll need to start with:
  1. The right message
  2. To the right audience
  3. At the right time

Maximize Internet marketing opportunities

The web has opened up a world of low-cost marketing opportunities, from email and e-newsletters to blogs and podcasts. Also, consider search engine marketing and programs, which charge on a pay-per-click basis.

Seek publicity

Send out press releases and look for "hooks" to get your company covered in print or on TV or radio. Also, make the most of trade showsby speaking on industry panels to position yourself as an expert in your field. (Speakers and panelists at trade shows often receive free registration.)

Adopt Guerrilla Marketing techniques

Guerilla Marketing is described as "a proven method of achieving profits with minimum money." After 14 million books in 41 languages, Jay Conrad Levinson's low-cost tactics are still going strong. Some of his tried and true tips include writing a column for your local paper, sending "off-season" cards (instead of holiday cards), and even slipping your business cards into relevant books at the bookstore or library.

Harness the power of Word of Mouth marketing

Word of mouth, or buzz marketing, has been generating buzz of its own as a powerful and inexpensive marketing discipline. Create your own customer evangelists and let them spread the good word.

Consider low-cost, "do-it-yourself" media options

Before you invest in an elaborate direct mail campaign, consider sending less expensive mail such as postcards or birthday cards to clients. Piggybacking on existing community promotions such as participating in town days, and developing loyalty or frequent-buyer programs are other "frugal" methods.
  • In a world of spam and impersonal emails, try sending personal, hand-written notes.
  • Find a related but non-competitive partner and join forces to share marketing efforts.
  • Do "grassroots" marketing research by talking to your customers one-on-one.
  • Join newsgroups and online discussion groups to position yourself as an expert.