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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

Lingerie shop sector trends

This trend summary explains that the amount of money that people spend on clothes - including lingerie - is affected by the state of the economy.

Garden centre sector trends

This trend summary explains that there has been a steady long term increase in demand for garden products, for a number of reasons.

Furniture shop sector trends

This trend summary explains that during the past 20 years or so the number of independent furniture retailers in the UK has fallen steadily.

Florist sector trends

This trend summary explains that in recent years there have been many changes to the structure of the flower growing industry.

Fishmonger sector trends

This trend summary explains the fluctuations in the fishmonger sector over recent years.

Fishing tackle retailer sector trends

This trend summary explains that participation numbers may have increased in recent times as people look for cheaper leisure activities.

Electrical shop sector trends

This trend summary explains that the number of independent electrical retailers has been falling for some years now.

eBay trader sector trends

This trend summary explains that buying and selling on eBay is part of the wider e-commerce sector which has seen strong growth in recent years.

E-business sector trends

This trend summary explains the changes seen in the e-business sector over recent years and probable trends going forward.

DIY shop sector trends

This trend summary explains that consumer spending on materials for DIY projects has been falling for many years according to government figures.

Delicatessen sector trends

This trend summary explains that over the last twenty years or so the popularity of delicatessen, specialty and fine foods has grown enormously,

Computer shop sector trends

This trend summary explains the huge changes that have occurred in the computer industry since the development of the personal computer.

Clothes shop sector trends

This trend summary explains that the clothing sector evolves as consumer interest in branded fashion labels increases.

Carpet shop sector trends

This trend summary explains that the amount of money that people spend on carpets and floor coverings is affected by the state of the economy and the housing market.

Butcher sector trends

This trend summary explains the changes in the butcher sector over recent years.