Small Business Marketing News

Everyone in Illinois who makes $250,000 or less will benefit from the Illinois Fair Tax. We take a look at how things shake out on a county-by-county basis.

Small businesses rely heavily on the US Postal Service to collect checks, send out shipments and deliver direct marketing materials. Leave the postal service alone, please.

As Illinois prepares to vote on the Fair Tax in November 2020, moving away from an archaic and discredited flat tax method to a graduated tax system, there has been substantial debate over what behavioral impact will result from the change.

Marketing during a pandemic isn't something they trained us for. But the fundamentals of marketing will let us make it through this to better days ahead.

Preparing your 2017 marketing budget isn't something you should procrastinate on. Start the process now to ensure you create a good marketing budget.

Marketers who personalize their campaigns to the unique needs of a customer will win against those who continue to treat all customers the same.

With Super Bowl 50 just a few days away, the cost of a 30-second spot is at a record high. Here are five Super Bowl advertising lessons that can benefit your small business.

The fast casual chain, Chipotle, is desperate to move past recent food safety scandals and company leaders hope a new marketing push will bring customers back to the brand. But it is it enough?

Wordpress hosting company WPEngine touts enterprise-grade security as one of their three key differentiators. But this week a hack that impacted all WPEngine customers likely has the marketing team scrambling for cover.

November 28 is Small Business Saturday. Is your business ready?

Don't shoot the messenger, LinkedIn, but you have a serious and growing marketing problem.

My good friend Kevin Lee has launched an interesting new service that blends charitable giving and sweepstakes to help companies build their marketing email lists.

Driverless cars are going mainstream faster than many had expected. So how can you market to folks who are commuting to work but don't need to pay attention to their driving?

Want to sell a pair of running shoes? Consider prompting your prospective customer to think about something they feel guilty about. New research suggests it just might work.

Analysis of social media data tells an interesting story about the pumpkin spice latte. One social analytics provider offers some data-driven insights on the pumpkin-flavored coffee trend.

Facebook is actively courting small businesses. Managing a small business Facebook page just got a little easier.

Without a brand strategy and integrated marketing, companies are doomed to underperform and never achieve their full potential.

In today's business climate, your business can't survive without digital marketing. But is it smarter to hire an agency or handle your digital marketing in-house?

Forward-thinking restaurants are using kid-friendly digital games as key marketing tools. Here's how some restaurant marketers are turning games into improved business results.

Based on the latest big-brand PR crisis, the fall of Subway's Jared from grace, you might think that the leading causes of brand damage are outside of your control. Not so.

How much time and money should a business spend on social media? Here are a few guidelines for defining your company's social media strategy and budget.

As a business owner or executive, you may be wrestling with how much time and money to invest in social media. Here's perspective that will help you decide exactly what to do.

In a development that shocked nearly everyone (including store execs), Walmart has emerged as one of the Millennial generation's favorite shopping destinations. Here's why.

Cross-selling is a great way to boost your revenues, but few companies approach cross-selling with a systematic approach. There's lots of money being left on the table.

As traditional TV advertising continues to struggle, Google prepares to launch a digital era ad-tracking system that measures actual performance.

Faced with declining traffic, mid-tier shopping malls are being remarketed as lifestyle centers to attract new generations of experiential consumers.

Yesmail study shows that mobile now accounts for one-fifth of all email-generated revenue thanks to rising adoption of mobile-friendly marketing strategies.

As more digital publishers embrace paid content opportunities, native advertising is emerging as a powerful promotional tool for small and medium-sized businesses.

Sellers are constantly on the hunt for buyers, spending enormous sums to find them. In the future, will there be a better way?

Amazon's decision to discontinue the Webstore e-commerce service for small businesses leaves hundreds of e-tailers hanging high and dry. Here's what they'll need to look for when they select a new e-commerce platform.

Mastering the elevator pitch is critically important for entrepreneurs. These pitch tips will get you started on the right track.

American Marketing Association reports that Ford Motor Co. focuses on Generation Z to establish brand visibility and influence later buying behaviors.

Advertisers continue to increase their investments in sponsored content, but it still only accounts for 5% of marketers' total spend.

Wondering why your company's blog isn't driving traffic to your website? Here's what you need to know to improve the return on your blogging efforts.

Mindshare's annual Culture Vulture report shows that consumers are filled with good intentions, but are more likely to game the system for buying advantage.

Although one in five U.S. adults visits Pinterest at least once a month, marketers can't seem to make the site work for them. What's the problem?

Salesforce 2015 State of Marketing report shows that mobile generates ROI, leading marketers to double down on mobile investments and focus on the mobile channel as a catalyst for improving the customer journey.

Search giant will provide advertisers with information about whether or not audiences are watching their video ads, helping them make more informed video marketing decisions.

Local and political advertising are behind a 1.5% year-over-year increase in Q3 outdoor ad spending as Silicon Valley and other regions experience a billboard boom.

New Facebook rules limit the reach of status updates and prohibit non-paying small businesses from reaching followers with promotional posts.

Small Business Computing report offers several tips to help small businesses retain more email subscribers, reduce opt-outs and create more effective email marketing programs.

With the holidays just around the corner, here are several cost-effective marketing tips to help you connect with customers.

Forrester forecasts annual spending on digital ads will top $100 billion by 2019, representing more than a third of ad dollars in the U.S.

Social media giant earns $360M in revenue in Q3, primarily from advertising. But active user growth failed to meet expectations, raising serious questions about the platform's ability to expand over the long term.

VentureBeat report shows that B2B marketers are continuing to invest in mobile even though they aren't satisfied with the tools and solutions currently provided by mobile technology vendors.

Yahoo research shows that 85% of mobile users engage with native ads on mobile and that mobile users are twice as likely to engage with ads that are contextualized within a stream of content.

As pressure mounts for more data-driven marketing models, small business marketers can't afford to neglect the importance of incorporating emotional intelligence into marketing campaigns.

Pinning your online marketing hopes on banner ads? If so, you might want to rethink your strategy because according to some experts, banner ads may be the most ineffective advertising mechanisms on the Web.

Human beings have an innate urge to give something back in exchange for something received--and that makes the psychology of reciprocity a powerful small business marketing tool.

Urban Outfitters yanks bizarre Kent State sweatshirt from its online catalog in response to public outrage. But was it really just another example of the brand's unusual marketing strategy?

U.S. Local Media Forecast predicts that small and medium-sized businesses will drop $50 billion on local ads in 2015, accounting for 36% of total local media spend.

New York Business Journal report offers 5 takeaways for small businesses from this summer's wildly popular ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Consumers overwhelmingly prefer email marketing over direct mail and text messages--especially if emails are optimized for mobile.

Mobile marketing spend declines as marketers look to increase budgets for social and digital video, according to CMO Council report.

Facebook will expand its video ads over the next few months, but it comes at a hefty price that most small businesses won't be able to afford.

Here's an example of a bad PR pitch that ties a very recent personal tragedy into a PR agency client's thought leadership. For our audience of business owners and entrepreneurs, there's a "mistakes to avoid" lesson in this one. Take heed.

Retail data demonstrates consumers' aversion to paying for shipping and shows that free shipping can boost company revenue by 10 percent.

One-stop marketing solutions are making it easier for small businesses to access insights captured from extremely large data sets and other businesses in their competitive categories.

Encouraging website visitors to take action can be challenging. Formstack offers four tips to help small businesses without IT departments improve website engagement.

Corporate behemoth P&G ditches its marketing organization in favor of brand management, recognizing the changing shape of the marketing function for consumer-facing companies.

Instagram is becoming a key component in small businesses' social media strategies. But how exactly does Instagram help small businesses grow?

Online advertising revenues totaled $11.6 billion during the first quarter, hitting an all-time high and marking a significant increase over Q1 2013, according to data from the Interactive Advertising Bureau.

Dismal adoption rates for marketing automation technology in the B2B sector raise serious questions about firms' ability to meet market expectations.

Facebook is heading on a small businesses tour this summer to try to convince small business owners to buy more ads on Facebook, but do these ads actually increase revenue for small businesses?

Data-driven digital marketing triples the conversion rates of lower-end marketers, says new research from Adobe.

Small business digital usage survey shows that majority of small business owners created their websites using DIY tools and approximately four out of five act as their own webmasters.

Amazon and Twitter join forces to deliver a more streamlined checkout experience to consumers, demonstrating the increasing connection between retail and social media.

More than half of all small businesses post to social media less than once a month--even though small businesses overwhelmingly believe "word of mouth" is important for engaging customers.

Business Journals report discusses strategies that major brands are using to forge connections with millennial consumers.

First-ever mobile video benchmark study validates mobile video marketing as an effective strategy for making anytime, anywhere connections with consumers.

A new generation of marketing apps is changing the way B2B firms convert prospects into solid leads, signaling a transition to a more interactive marketing environment.

Marketers are tapping into a new world of opportunities with augmented reality--a strategy that uses cutting edge technology to visually immerse target audiences in enhanced promotional experiences.

The Wall Street Journal reports that more than one-third of all online ad traffic is fake, fraudulent and completely bogus.

eMarketer report shows that mobile advertising is growing at an exponential rate, with Google and Facebook owning two-thirds of the mobile ad marketplace.

Social media presents great marketing opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses. But to get real results, you'll need to hire the right social media manager.

Very few small businesses invest time and energy in cultivating online customer reviews--despite widespread recognition that customers depend on Web-based research to identify businesses, products and services.

Industry expansion and better technology are driving 60% growth in the B2B marketing automation industry this year, says industry analyst Raab Associates.

Entrepreneur offers four blogging alternatives to help small businesses gain traction with search engines and better engage target audiences.

Fast Casual reports on the use of mobile-friendly websites by hotels and food service businesses--companies that are ahead of other types of businesses when it comes to reaching mobile-empowered consumers.

Princeton researchers apply infectious disease theory to Facebook and predict a major collapse of the popular social networking site's user base by 2017.

Scores of national retailers downgrade earnings forecasts due to the heavy discounts they offered during the holiday shopping season.

Communicus study shows that 80% of Super Bowl ads have no real impact on sales, despite the $4M price tag for a thirty-second spot.

An overwhelming majority of last minute shoppers say they intend to make at least some of their purchases from small, independently owned businesses.

Latest research shows that just two percent of online holiday retail sales originated from a post on a social media site, despite heavy social channel engagement by online retailers.

Mashable reports that Facebook is eyeing small businesses to drive revenue growth; industry forecasts that half of all businesses on Facebook will eventually participate in paid advertising.

The Associated Press reports on services that are pushing the boundaries and expanding quick delivery service way beyond pizza and other food categories.

Now in its fourth year, Small Business Saturday will once again present opportunities for small businesses to attract new customers in their local communities

Latest research shows that consumers have come to expect free shipping from e-commerce providers--especially during the holiday shopping season.

The Chinese "Singles Day" holiday has become an online shopping bonanza, with Alibaba reporting more than double the amount of e-commerce sales as U.S. retailers report on Cyber Monday.

Social media is an important part of a successful small business startup. But deciding whether to hire an agency or do it yourself can be a tricky choice.

Travel website Orbitz launches innovative loyalty program as a way to become more competitive with other travel sites.

Macy's joins the list of retailers that are pushing back the start of Black Friday to Thanksgiving Day. But will the brand's early bird strategy pay off?

Location-sharing platform makes moves to expand advertising program to businesses of all sizes in an attempt to capture larger share of local, mobile ad market.

National Retail Federation predicts this year's holiday sales will be higher than the 2012 holiday shopping season -- but not by much.

Walgreens boosts year-over-year quarterly profits by 86 percent thanks to a sharp increase in customer loyalty card sales.

Marketers are spending twice as much on mobile advertising as they did in 2011 in an effort to scale mobile ad spend to consumers' mobile behaviors.

FTC to review the use of sponsored digital content, concerned about promotional digital messages created to intentionally deceive consumers.

List of the most admired e-commerce brands shows that the top e-tailers share characteristics like innovation, personalization and customer-centered company cultures.

Suit alleges that the law firm's own employees created fake accounts to post positive reviews, intentionally deceiving prospective customers.

Retail industry executives identify Starbucks as an example of stellar customer service in a changing marketplace.

Global research firm, MIllward Brown, releases list of the top 20 brands in China--giving would-be exporters an inkling of the brand values and products that are important to Chinese consumers.

Consumer spending on back to school products is expected to decrease as parents look for ways to reduce costs.

Forrester research shows that most retailers are adapting their digital strategies to capitalize on mobile channel growth.

Study shows that small and medium-sized businesses use social tools more, but larger companies are more likely to leverage intranet tools.

North America, Western Europe and Asia-Pacific account for 97 percent of the growing $72 billion tablet marketplace.

Bureau of Transportation Statistics identifies the U.S. airports with the highest fares for business travelers.

Constant Contact survey shows that most small businesses are trying to grow their email subscriber lists "at all times".

Apple remains atop the annual BrandZ list of leading global brands with an estimated brand value of $185 billion.

The "Safer Factories Initiative" will improve worker safety and prevent future tragedies at overseas production facilities.

Study shows that the true cost of air travel has risen 30 percent since 2008, putting increased pressure on business travel budgets.

Wasp Barcode Technologies offers 5 tips to help SMBs use video marketing to reach new, online audiences.

The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council outlines the opportunities and risks small businesses face when targeting Chinese markets.

Brand advertising has finally broken through the digital wall as marketers report a renewed interest in online brand advertising.

Energy industry satisfaction shows how small businesses can use pricing strategies and price stability to improve customer relationships.

PQ Media/uberVU Research study also shows that men outpace women in initiating brand-related social dialogues.

New study shows that small and medium-sized businesses are spending the largest share of their marketing budgets on email.

Constant Contact reports that the successful use of LinkedIn and Twitter in small businesses has more than tripled since May 2012.

NRF reports modest monthly retail growth in February as consumers adjust spending habits to payroll tax increase and other factors.

Small business owners are increasingly using pages and promoted posts to engage social channel consumers.

Following Amazon's lead, Google leaps into the B2B eCommerce space with Google Shopping for Suppliers. But are these sites what B2B buyers and sellers really need?

Consumers are texting in record numbers. Now small businesses are getting in on the game with text marketing strategies designed to attract new and existing customers to their brands.

STORES/BigInsight survey shows that Americans continue to buy small luxury items in the midst of a shaky economy.

National Retail Federation releases modest growth projection based on a lack of disposable income and lagging consumer confidence.

The phrase "growth hacking" appears to have launched a massive social marketing campaign to raise awareness and grow its online following.

A basic tenet of social marketing is to engage with customers who talk about you, but some of the best companies in the United States don't address customer concerns that are voiced on Twitter.

Study shows that mobile-optimized websites have become a fundamental element for small businesses struggling to achieve online success.

Many small business owners have resolved to get serious about social media in 2013. But some social media strategies are more effective than others at delivering customers to your doorstep.

Study shows that B2B marketers are falling behind in their efforts to connect with the right customers.

Today's young adult consumers appreciate technology but crave personal interactions, says marketing education firm Logix9.

A joint MasterCard/Wells Fargo report shows that consumers spent more at local small businesses at the start of the 2012 holiday shopping season.

New small business network group, SUCCEED, will offer advice, connections and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Startup jewelry e-tailer is on track to top $2 million in Year One revenue thanks to Facebook sales.

ACSI Index shows that overall U.S. customer satisfaction continues to struggle in Q3 amid lackluster economic growth.

With Groupon having released another disappointing earnings report, many small business owners are wondering whether the glory days of the daily deal are already over.

With Small Business Saturday just around the corner, business owners are taking steps to incorporate the November 24th event into their holiday retail strategies.

Business2Community publishes HubSpot statistics measuring the effectiveness of common inbound marketing tactics for small businesses.

Although B2B firms are increasing their investments in content marketing, many are skeptical about whether or not it has any impact on their companies' bottom lines.

More and more consumers are doing their holiday shopping online. Yet certain market segments still present big opportunities to small, brick-and-mortar retailers.

Social media giant Facebook teams up with Datalogix to argue that ad impressions are a more important factor than clicks in driving sales and other business outcomes.

The growing 65-and-older set loves to travel -- but to cash in, hotel chains need to be prepared to accommodate the needs and preferences of older travelers.

DigitalCoCo releases Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) naming Starbucks as U.S. consumers' favorite brand based on social media mentions.

Spending in the financial/insurance, technology and real estate categories is driving mobile revenue gains in Chicago and around the nation.

With the rapid proliferation of smartphones and other mobile devices, companies contemplating mobile marketing initiatives can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines.

New logo delivers an updated aesthetic as the brand gears up to release new versions of existing products.

List of the nation's fastest growing retail brands points to the retail trends that are scoring big points with consumers.

As daily deals trend downward, it's more important than ever for small business owners to understand the nuances of daily deals before they commit to a promotion.

Most Americans participate in multiple loyalty programs, demonstrating why customer loyalty needs to be a part of every small business sales and marketing strategy.

Social media is down as search engines lead the e-business sector in customer satisfaction ratings.

Cultural traditions and other factors drive beverage trends among Hispanics and create opportunities for entrepreneurs in the Latino community.

New report shows the measurable impact of green home construction practices in California's real estate market.

New research shows that marketing professionals are struggling to attach measurable ROI to social media spend, even though they are convinced social media is an important marketing resource.

Rice University study shows that the daily deal industry is thriving even though some have questioned the concept's long-term viability.

Target, Costco and other major retailers miss monthly goals as U.S. retail fails to capitalize on momentum generated earlier in 2012.

Research shows that small business owners see the acquisition of new customers and the deployment of emerging technologies as the top factors business growth.

Despite their lackluster reputation, airlines are slowly beginning to win back their customers' approval, according to a recent consumer satisfaction index.

Internet advertising during Q1 2012 totaled $8.4 billion -- an impressive 15% increase from Q1 2011.

Customer service strategist offers tips to help small business owners educate teenagers and other part-time summer workers about great customer service.

Technology is changing the way businesses sell products and services. But consumer trends and preferences continue to have the biggest impact on the sales process.

Small business owners express a desire to work with businesses and leaders that understand the issues small companies face.

With minorities now comprising more than half of all U.S. births, businesses need to be more proactive about incorporating multiculturalism into their marketing strategies.

Yahoo! Small Business's Marketing Dashboard tool will help SMBs identify marketing opportunities and more effectively manage their online reputations.

Despite a Fed report that debit card swipe fees have dropped significantly since 2011 reforms took effect, the NRF maintains that fees are still too out of line.

The latest Manta SMB Wellness Index shows that small business owners are hesitating when it comes to new business activity and planned 2012 initiatives.

Despite widespread agreement about the value of a social media presence, few small businesses are fully engaged in the social space.

At least a third of businesses indicate a desire for more social media interaction from the vendors in their supply chains.

Candy, apparel, food and other traditional favorites continue to be this season's top Easter spending categories.

Many companies and small businesses are failing to make the best use of QR (Quick Response) codes in their marketing campaigns.

Small businesses are becoming more willing to rely on digital sales and marketing strategies to connect with consumers.

In a recent survey of marketers, Crain's BtoB Magazine has found that while many marketers are failing to keep pace with the evolution of the digital marketplace, significant opportunities exist for B2B marketers to expand their strategies and achieve meaningful short-term gains.

In February, retail sales grew for the twentieth consecutive month, recording an 8.6% gain over sales at this time last year.

A recent study by Manpower Group shows that experienced and qualified sales personnel are in short supply during the spring 2012 hiring season.

Despite challenges, China's eCommerce industry experiences dramatic year-over-year gains.

Social media newcomer, Pinterest, is growing by leaps and bounds -- and many small businesses are racing to position themselves ahead of the Pinterest curve.

Study shows that while demand for social media access is still strong, privacy concerns may limit marketers' ability to influence consumers through social media.

Today's young sales force relies on selling techniques that alienate the generation with the highest disposable income.

National Restaurant Association releases list of growing trends in restaurant menus for the coming year.

Despite high expectations in the areas of measurement and return, accurate ROI tracking remains an elusive goal for many SMB marketers.

Faced with a crush of holiday shoppers, retailers are taking a more informed approach to customer service.

NRF survey predicts brisk Black Friday sales, sophisticated consumer shopping patterns

A new annual survey commissioned by the Public Affairs Council reveals Americans' views on businesses and the marketplace.

Global Buyers Initiative will assist small businesses in identifying experienced foreign buyers for products manufactured in the U.S.

The newly released Google+ pages feature gives businesses a new and potentially powerful social networking channel.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, several organizations are offering resources designed to help small business owners take advantage of increased selling opportunities this holiday season.

Online coupon king, Groupon, increases the size of its IPO, but many investors still aren't convinced about the company's ability to deliver over the long-term.

Nevada firms that market abroad can get subsidies for marketing expenses.

Small business owners can find valuable resources at education institutions and through programs offered by large corporations.

As the small business sector is experiencing the most growth in the economy, many companies are designing services and products specifically tailored to meet the evolving marketing needs of SMBs.

Small businesses should avoid celebrity investors and endorsements because of the potential of negative feedback if the famous individual were to be involved in a controversy.

The current economic climate should push entrepreneurs and small business owners to reach out to new professional partners and target consumer bases to make sure every avenue of growth has been explored.

Social media tools have evolved into the preferred method of public relations for many SMBs. However, to be an effective communication tool, the messages sent from the accounts must be coherent, and should be backed up by active networking efforts.

Federal agencies and academic institutions are doing their part to help small businesses succeed. The SBA and MBDA are hosting a conference to devise business strategies to help small firms experience growth.

Social media can drive up sales and increase customer retention for small and medium-sized businesses.

Small business optimism for the next year is up compared to sentiment from earlier this year.

Websites don't have to mean a money drain and hours of work, and Google is setting out to help the country's small businesses gain an effective presence on the web.

Small businesses with an American Express OPEN card will be able to take advantage of new perks aimed at improving their online presence. The tools will help them manage their online reputations, advertising and paid search campaigns.

Getting Twitter followers is a passion for many small businesses, but it turns out that the key is getting the right types of followers, according to one expert.

Social media may be the hot topic in many circles, but it's not a pressing matter for most business owners.

Hiring interns to perform your small business's social media campaign? According to Neal Schaffer, you might want to rethink your approach.

Social media offers a conduit to customers and prospects. But for many small businesses, it's still a hit and miss business activity.

Do daily deal sites work too well for small business? Some entrepreneurs are finding themselves overwhelmed by promotions throug Groupon and other sites.

Brand advocates are taking center stage in small business social media strategies says Lisa Barone, co-founder and chief branding officer at internet marketing company Outspoken Media.

Frustrated by social media? Klout helps entrepreneurs improve their company's online influence with social media metrics and other tools.

Marketing expert David Meerman Scott says that for small businesses, going viral is all about the message - not the product.

Roost Local Scorecard indicates that small businesses are failing to connect with local customers using Facebook and other social media sites.

According to one small business marketing guru, a few simple strategies can help your company compete effectively in any business environment.

Google's AdWords Express improves the ability of small businesses to target local consumers through search ads.

The full impact of social media is being blunted by mistakes and missteps in the execution of SMB social media strategies.

Jamillah Warner of Small Business Trends recently wrote said small businesses should still take the time to celebrate their independence, or the freedom to be able to creatively think on its feet.

Social media bridges the trust divide between brands and consumers by offering a convenient, word of mouth marketing device.

Entrepreneurs should ask themselves a few quick questions before starting up their social media presence.

On the fence about daily deal sites? Maybe the latest consumer use stats will change your mind.

An Atlanta creative agency has started a program to help small businesses market through social media.

Study finds consumers use print and online Yellow Pages more than search engines to find local businesses.

Newt Gingrich is an owner of four small businesses - the majority of which were designed to benefit his brand or promote his public appearances.

An upcoming workshop will educate small business owners about the advantages of an effective website.

The growing acceptance of social media marketing tactics among small business owners is prevalent in a recent MerchantCircle survey.

Facebook is being used more often by small business owners for promotion in 2011 than it was in 2010.

The Buy Local Network program offers ways for Fayette County, Pennsylvania, residents to give back to their community.

Strategic alliance between PR Newswire and BizDeals is a win-win for both sides.

National Small Business Person of the Year will be announced during National Small Business Week.

Digital services are the top revenue generators for advertising agencies, signaling greater adoption by businesses.

Facebook and American Express OPEN partner to sponsor small business contest.

Businesses should use social media to personalize their messages for consumers.

One small business' decision to hire Michael Vick demonstrates the perils and payoffs of celebrity endorsements.

Websites should organize content by looking at sub-headings, bullet points and white spaces.

Bloggers need to avoid presentation-like writing.

Groupon has introduced a new version of its smartphone application.

BizyDeals.com offers daily deals a la Groupon but for small business owners.

Small businesses are leveraging products and promotions to help victims of Japan's earthquake.

Brand should communicate with consumers through their personality and common interests.

San Francisco considering making Yellow Pages delivery an opt-in program.

Small business use of Twitter more than doubled during 2010.

A recent decision from the California Supreme Court bars retailers from asking for consumers' zip codes.

Groupon has proved to be a blessing and a curse for many small businesses. However, experts say it's all in the planning.

Montana Senator urges local businesses to adopt online and social media strategies at a recent event.

Research from ForeSee Results indicates the newest technology might not be the right marketing channel in all cases.

Shifting advertising dollars to the online video sector could be a smart move, one company says.

Market research is an important tool for small businesses.

Microsoft and Google square off over search results

Facebook is still tops among social media for small businesses, with nearly 30 percent making use of the site.

Crowdsourcing helps small businesses get the most out of social media by directly asking for suggestions.

Small businesses are planning to increase their marketing budgets in 2011, focusing on social media and online elements.

Small businesses made up more than half of Facebook's global ad revenue for 2010, which is only expected to increase in the coming year.

In 2011, technology news for entrepreneurs will certainly rise in relevance, as recent surveys predict a growing focus on marketing and social media.

Two hour course will educate entreprenuers

Websites like Facebook and Twitter are vital parts of increasing exposure

Two companies will work together to aid entrepreneurs

130 business organizations join American Express in sponsoring the holiday

Stephanie Leader named Small Business Leader of the Year by local organization

Survey reveals few entrepreneurs using sites like Facebook to get business

New tool will guide entrepreneurs

Nevada Small Business Leadership Alliance hooks up with Bullivant Houser Bailey PC

MarketingHuddle.com releases new guide

RatePoint Survey finds only 36 percent of entrepreneurs are using sites like Facebook, Twitter

Sites like Facebook and Twitter help entrepreneurs

The Coffee and Business Advice seminar will begin next week

Winner can win $1 million for their business

Index was 0.7 percent higher, but still remains at recessionary levels

Face of Opportunity contest will give away 250 free flights to London

Other services allow customers to "check-in" on their location.

38 percent of small business owners still being impacted by recession.

Former CEO of HP gets endorsement from business group.

Says that GOP is playing politics with America's future.

State's NFIB endroses tax-free weekend.

SBA-sponsored podcasts gives guide to small business exporters.

Small business owners are flocking to Oklahoma City for an FAA trade show aimed at helping them apply for the agency's contracts.

Companies are using startup competitions to get valuable rewards - even if they don't win.

Some small businesses have seen their sales increase after listing their products on Overstock.com's new Main Street Store.

UPS is promoting a series of global trade initiatives to help small businesses grow.

A new report published by Alterian says a major shift toward social media marketing is necessary for businesses.

New survey results indicate that Facebook has become a place for consumers to research and support businesses.

In an interview, Facebook's chief operating officer said the company does not plan to charge for services.

There are simple steps entrepreneurs can follow to market their business on Facebook.

A new study indicates that the way Americans shop and buy has been shifted by the economic downturn.

Social media marketing has proven to support rather than hinder SMB's email marketing efforts.

Social media offers many benefits to small business marketers, from brand awareness to customer engagement.

Making customer experiences satisfactory can bring them back for more.

Offering customers free items can both help and hurt a business.

The Baby Booms are now senior citizens. Small business must alter marketing plans for the senior demographic to take advantage.

Emotional responses and product value messaging are critical in ads that target Hispanic market segments.

A study from advisory group BIA/Kelsey reveals that small business owners are increasingly investing in online vertical advertisements.

Americans will spend more than $14 billion this Valentine's Day, and small business owners should use savvy marketing to draw consumer dollars.

Marketer Ivana Taylor shares marketing trend tips with entrepreneurs.

Small business owners can stay afloat with creative marketing strategies.

Email newsletters are affordable and effective ways to get clients clicking on your company's website.

A report from eMarketer offers insight on what social media users want from corporate connections.

Small businesses might benefit from Official Spin's tips on how to use social media.

The results of a new study suggest consumers think they get a bigger discount when numbers literally sound small.

Direct mail can pay off for small businesses with loyal clients.

Riverside Marketing Strategies offers small business owners some insight on this year's top trends in online marketing.

Inc. magazine offers some advice for small businesses owners who want to cash in on the Twitter frenzy.

Social media spending is predicted to increase in 2010.

A Vistaprint study reveals that social media will get the biggest boost from SMBs in 2010.

SMBs cold win free internet marketing consultation through The Better Way Challenge.

RatePoint aims to help SMBs gain credible online reputations with new social media marketing.

Twitter and CitySearch provide SMBs with free promotions and consumer feedback.

WebVisible reports shifts in search engine advertising this quarter.

SES Chicago 2009 will offer online marketing tips for SMB owners.

Google makes targeted marketing easier for SMBs.

Constant Contact offers marketing tips to SMBs for the upcoming holiday.

A Constant Contact survey reveals SMB owners are confident in their holiday marketing strategies.

SMBs try to hold on to tech savvy young workers.

SMBs plan to increase use of internet marketing in 2010.

Facebook is an increasingly important way for small businesses to show off their personality and attract clients.

New features will bring better integration of apps on user home pages.

Microsoft says Family Guy special was not fit for its Windows 7 brand.

Clothing company made false claims about bamboo fibers in rayon cloth.

Real-time searches on Google and Bing bring more traffic to your tweets.

A survey from Experian shows consumer spending habits may have changed due to the recession.

A study released this week from Internet2Go and MerchantCircle found that 45 percent of SMB owners use Facebook and Twitter to promote their businesses.

SEO marketers should be aware of meta-search engines like Nexplore.

Google and Facebook maintain a dominant presence in today's online business environment.

Twitter's little blue bird is tweeting in Google's and Microsoft's ears.

Small businesses should look to the opportunities for marketing through search engine optimization.

Cash-starved marketers are discovering both the financial and promotional benefits of social media marketing.

Mobile message marketing - or SMS marketing - has become a popular trend thanks to its high open rates.

Social media marketing just got more measurable, thanks to a partnership between Facebook and The Nielsen Company.

Social emails, when designed effectively, can generate a CTR of up to 38.7 percent.

Coupon use is rising amongst consumers, with some particular enthusiasts.

The number of Twitter users is expected to grow from 6 million U.S. adults in 2008 to 18 million by the end of 2009.

A recent study found that click-through rates for a brand's Facebook wall posts are highest on Tuesdays.

Marketing spending remains tight due to the recession, but that doesn't have to impact the effectiveness of small business marketing campaigns.

Strapped by the recession, marketers are continuing their modest spending and even budget cuts, a recent survey found.

"Prize economics" joins "crowdsourcing" as another tool that leverages the creativity of many consumers to solve business problems or guide business development.

Internet retailers are falling behind in the search engine optimization platform, underutilizing what could be an important marketing resource.

With consumers cutting back on spending, click-through rates for online coupons saw significant increases in August.

A recent study found that enhancing relationships with customers and building brand reputation were the most popular uses of social media marketing, while Facebook emerged as the most popular platform.

Spending on social media is expecting to continue increasing over the next five years, with social networking websites leading the trend, a recent survey found.

In terms of return on investment, not all online ad sizes and formats are created equal, a recent study found.

SMBs are advertising on online channels more than traditional platforms for the first time, a survey from The Kelsey Group found.

General Motors decided to cancel plans for a Buick crossover sports utility vehicle after receiving consistent negative feedback on Twitter.

Social networking websites have emerged as a popular resource for hiring managers in the recruitment process.

Google was found to be the search engine with the highest consumer satisfaction rating, making it an attractive marketing and advertising platform for businesses.

A recent survey from The Creative Group found that marketing and advertising departments have greater influence over business decisions than they did three years ago.

Reuters/University of Michigan Survey of Consumers indicates unexpected decrease in consumer sentiment.

With consumers across the world making an effort to buy more environmentally friendly products, small businesses are encouraged to take advantage of the trend.

Twitter and other social media strategies have recently captured the attention of the Fortune 100 companies, who are increasingly using the technology for marketing.

Experts advise that horizontal marketing is more cost-effective and less complicated than other marketing approaches.

With an increasing number of Americans accessing the internet through their phones, mobile marketing is poised to be the next big trend.

A recent survey by the Promotional Products Association International found that promotional products improved the recipient's impression of the advertiser, and were useful tools for repeated brand exposure.

While not free, social media marketing's high ROI - especially in one unexpected way - makes it a worthwhile investment.

Facebook released new filters allowing advertisers to target their ads to specific users.

If 4 percent of consumers drive the majority of a brand's business, as one advertising executive proposes it does, then analyzing that target audience will lead to effective marketing strategies.

SMBs may want to take a page out of the book of some of the most historically strong brands.

During this more relaxed season, consider alternative ways to keep business flowing.

Shustir.com will help small businesses work together to make sales.

Increasing a small business' marketing budget could help grow the operation.

Social networking sites says it hopes to show women in small business that they're not 'in it alone.'

Hot Topic sees more young consumers spend money.

Top small business announced during National Small Business Week 2009.

Twitter gains popularity in the corporate world.

One family-owned business continues to thrive despite tough economic times.

Online marketing and ecommerce are powerful tools for small business owners. But a new study finds that many entrepreneurs still have yet to tap into these proven ways to grow sales and expand a business.

Small business optimism is on the rise. In fact, many business owners say that business conditions are improving.