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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.

Sector trends

What particular trends are affecting specific types of business (such as a hotel, or a printer, or a taxi firm)? We explain some of the key trends for 200 types of business.

Resource topics

15 results shown

Scrap metal dealer sector trends

This trend summary explains that demand for scrap metal is directly affected by the demand for steel worldwide, which is closely linked to the state of the global economy.

Retail based sector trends

This trend summary explains how the retail-based sector fluctuates with the economy.

Record shop sector trends

This trend summary explains that the music retailing business in the UK has seen many changes over the past two decades.

Post office sector trends

The number of Post Office branches has remained steady in recent years as changes in shopping habits is seeing growth in some Post Office services. Read our Post Office sector trends.

Photo equipment sector trends

This trend summary explains the fluctuations in the photo equipment sector in recent years.

Pet shop sector trends

This trend summary explains that despite the fall in number of pets, the amount spent on pets increases.

Outdoor equipment shop sector trends

This trend summary explains that the outdoor equipment shop sector remains relatively strong despite a challenging economic climate.

Office goods supplier sector trends

This trend summary explains that in a competitive market such as this, an independent supplier needs to be able to differentiate itself from competitors.

Off-licence sector trends

This trend summary explains what has been happening in the off-licence sector in recent years.

Newsagent sector trends

This trend summary explains how traditional newsagents have had to face intense competition in recent years because supermarkets and many other outlets have diversified and now sell the newsagent's core products.

Needlecrafts shop sector trends

This trend summary explains the fluctuations in the needlecrafts sector in recent years.

Music shop sector trends

This trend summary explains the factors affecting the music shop sector.

Mobile phones sector trends

This trend summary explains that mobile phone stores must stay on top of the constant change and evolution of mobile technology if they want to be successful.

Milk round sector trends

This trend summary explains what has been happening in the milk retailing sector.

Market stall sector trends

This trend summary explains that in common with all independent retailers, market traders have suffered in recent years from increasing competition.