Starting a Marketing Business Key Terms

Marketing is a very hot field to get into these days. There are many companies and products out there. As a result, it is imperative for companies to work hard and spend a lot of time getting their name in the public. Starting a marketing business can be a great idea, and versatile too. There are different types of marketing, including business-to-business, search engine marketing, promotional and direct. Deciding which type to specialize in should be your first step.

Brand building

As a marketing professional, brand building is the core of your business. The goal of marketing is to instill a sense of a brand's quality and desirability in the minds of consumers over the long term. Advertising and communications should reinforce the brand's core message.
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Tutor2u has a good summary of the components of brand building.

Certified Professional Services Marketer, or CPSM

The CSPM certificate, offered by the Society for Marketing Professional Services, is a great qualification to have as you develop your marketing business. It will give you the marketing foundation you need, but you may pick up general business starting ideas as well.
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Get your CPSM certificate from the SMPS. This website is also a great resource for other information related to starting your own marketing business.

American Marketing Association, or AMA

As the foremost organization for marketing professionals, the AMA is the go-to resource for marketing information. It doesn't matter what type of niche marketing your business does, you are sure to benefit from the resources this association offers.
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The AMA is the largest marketing association in North America. Its website has a great deal of information that can help you start your marketing business.

Business Marketing Association, or BMA

The BMA is an organization dedicated to helping professionals in business-to-business marketing. As such, it publishes articles and organizes seminars and conferences to help you get your marketing business off the ground.
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The BMA is the place to check out if you decide that B2B marketing is for you.

Social media

In the world of marketing, social media is a relatively new, but a vital tool for reaching consumers. Essentially, social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and blogs are used in in marketing campaigns to reach consumers online and maintain a conversation with them.
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BusinessWeek has a great article on the realities of social media and marketing.

Direct marketing

A specific type of marketing, direct marketing cuts out media in an effort to reach consumers directly. In this model, companies contact people over the telephone, or via mail or email, and attempt to get a response.
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The Direct Marketing Association is an excellent resource for marketers who specialize in this niche. In addition to its newsroom, members have access to all kinds of research and networking opportunities.