We’re here with practical marketing information for your business.

Marketing essentials

How to create a marketing plan for your small business - build a brand, target customers and set prices that will maximise sales.

Online marketing

The internet has transformed business marketing. No matter what you do, the internet is likely to be at the heart of your marketing strategy.

Social media

Social media is firmly established as a marketing tool. Having a presence opens up new lines of communication with existing and potential customers.

Advertising

Good advertising puts the right marketing message in front of the right people at the right time, raising awareness of your business.

Customer care

Customer care is at the heart of all successful companies. It can help you develop customer loyalty and improve relationships with your customers.

Sales

Sales bring in the money that enables your business to survive and grow. Your sales strategy will be driven by your sales objectives.

Market research

Market research exists to guide your business decisions by giving you insight into your market, competitors, products, marketing and your customers.

PR and promotion

Exhibitions and events are valuable for businesses because they allow face-to-face communication and offer opportunities for networking.

Tools

What to do when a competitor cuts its prices

Just because a rival has slashed their prices doesn’t mean that you should. They might not have the same reasons as you for considering a price cut.

How to deliver first-class customer service

Customers are the lifeblood of any business, so by treating them well and regularly exceeding expectations, you can boost satisfaction and retention.

Best apps for organising and planning

Discover the best small business apps for organising and planning your work. Organise all aspects of your business life with these handy apps and tools. Here are some of the best apps.

Telephone marketing

Many businesses use telephone marketing to communicate with customers. Any firm that sells direct usually handles enquiries and orders over the phone.

Sales promotion

Sales promotion aims to provide a short-term boost to sales. While a price cut is one option, we look at alternatives that are more cost-effective.

How to attract more local customers

How to get more local customers using local SEO, Google Business, social media, customer reviews and networking to market your business.

Ten ways to get the most out of customer testimonials

Testimonials offer an independent indication that you have done a good job and can help reassure new or nervous buyers. Here are ten ways to generate customer testimonials.

How we use exhibitions to sell our products and services

Business events can be a great way to meet prospects and raise your profile - but they can be hard to get right. Small business owners describe how they get value out of exhibitions.

Make your exhibition stand more environmentally-friendly

Exhibitions can be highly eco-unfriendly events - but consumers increasingly demand that businesses demonstrate their eco credentials. How to stay sustainable when exhibiting

Combine social media with other forms of marketing

Social media has transformed the way we market, but it hasn't replaced other ways to reach your audience. How to combine your marketing activities.

Outdoor advertising - making a big impact

Local outdoor advertising sites such as hoardings, billboards and posters are cost-effective and they get results

How to produce your own marketing leaflets

Marketing flyers are a great way to promote your business in your local area; here’s how to produce your own leaflets.

Motivating your sales and marketing team

Effective motivation can significantly boost the performance of your marketing team. Try a combination of financial incentives and management support.

Local sponsorship is good for business

Sponsoring a local team, event or good cause doesn’t have to cost a lot and it can give your small firm great publicity and a sales uplift.

Why you must follow up leads

Research reveals that 80% of non-routine sales only occur after at least five follow-ups, so the 8% who persevere will succeed.

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