The smaller business is special.  I regard it as being incredibly exciting and challenging for those who own or manage it and those who can support it.  Whether the aim is maximum profitability or growth, effective promotions are an integral part of your overall marketing.

I also feel the smaller business has been largely ignored when it comes to marketing guidance.  You either have to put up with material that’s too theoretical for your purposes, or else it’s assumed that the size and scope of your business is directly related to the size of your brain and vision.

While there is no need for the business owner or manager to become an expert, in the same way that it’s necessary to have a basic working knowledge of accounting, personnel matters, stock control and administration procedures, so should you acquire some understanding of how best to promote your business.

Don’t leave it all up to the advertising representatives from media; their job is to sell their own services, so why should they advise you on the other promotional avenues at your disposal?   If there’s an advertising or marketing consultant in your area, rather use their services.

While much of the content is based on my own experience in the field of small business marketing and communications, I will also search for and post articles of interest by experts in this field. Hopefully,the contents of Merely Marketing will stimulate ideas and the inclination to attempt new methods of promoting your business.

I hope you’ll find that promotion need not be complicated — and that it can be fun!

Best,