Whether you run a single-person home office, a small firm, or even a local nonprofit, to succeed in today's changing, hyper-competitive marketplace, you need to know everything you can about finding, winning and keeping customers--marketing in other words. The competitive lifeline of any business, large or small, marketing isn't just about placing an ad in the local penny saver--it's about establishing an ongoing dialogue between you and your customers that influences nearly every phase of your operation, from product development, pricing, packaging and distribution, to advertising, public relations, sales, and customer service. Small Business Marketing For Dummies is your road map to successful marketing. Packed with savvy tips and easy-to-implement action steps, this street smart guide arms you with the ammunition you need to survive and thrive in the war for profits and market share. You get proven strategies that help you: Expand your customer base Earn your customers' undying loyalty Get more repeat business and customer referrals Get the word out with low-cost, high-impact campaigns Generate publicity and word-of-mouth Stay one-step ahead of the competition Find out why don't have to have to have a million-dollar marketing budget to wage a solid-gold marketing campaign. Experts Barbara Findlay Schenck and Linda English walk you step-by-step through the entire marketing process, offering sage advice and guidance on: Developing a winning marketing strategy Defining your target market and customer profile Creating a killer marketing plan Establishing your position and brand Creating effective low-cost advertising campaigns Writing high-impact press releases and television and radio ads Marketing on the Internet--includes proven tips for how to build a website and generate online traffic Building customer loyalty with superior customer service There are currently five million small businesses with fewer than 20 employees in America, and that number is expected to rise steadily over the next decade. Small Business Marketing For Dummies supplies you with the marketing know-how you need to stay out ahead of the pack.
Great book with a lot of useful tips. If you're interested in how your business can benefit from marketing via Mobile Search (cell phones) check out Mobile Search and Local Search Marketing. It's a brief guide that gives you step by step directions on getting to the top of local search rankings on Google, Yahoo, Yelp, etc. Mobile Search and Local Search Marketing: The Small Business Survival Guide (Volume 1)
Especially Helpful with Marketing Communications
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
If you are running a small business, then a knowledge of marketing can be crucial for your success. But marketing is a very broad topic, and you won't master it by reading just one book. While there are plenty of good marketing books to choose from, this one is a particularly good source of advice on such topics as advertising and public relations. For example, to help you create effective print ads, this book offers checklists that explain how to write a catchy headline, how to write interesting copy, and how to present your prices to maximum advantage. In addition, there are checklists comparing the pros and cons of print, broadcast, and outdoor media, helping you select the best advertising media for your needs. The section on web site design offers enough basic information that after reading it, you'll likely have more confidence communicating with a web site designer. This book is well worth reading in entirety as an introduction to basic marketing. On the other hand, if you are already familiar with basic marketing principles, keep it on your shelf for handy reference. Remember to consult it before undertaking each marketing communications project, and you'll likely achieve better results with less frustration and less wasted effort. Paul Francis Musgrave, author of Indispensable Marketing Strategies - How to Outwit Your Competition, Attract and Retain Customers, and Multiply Your Profits - Powerful Marketing Strategy Secrets for Profitable Small Business Management
Very good with one caveat
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
I really liked this book overall. It brought a lot of things together for me. But, I think too much of the book is dedicated to advertising, which a really small business or startup may not have the funds to do. I think more on promotion and "guerilla" tactics would have made this a really outstanding book.
Not just for dummies!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
Don't let the title mislead you. Even if you already have a background in marketing, you'll love this book-- I did.Barbara Schenck clearly explains the jargon, terminology, value, and implementation details of each facet of marketing, using real-world (and often humorous) examples. This book is so accessible to non-marketeers that our company has made Chapter 21 (Customer Service) required reading for each member of our team.This book is empowering, informative, inspirational. If you're rethinking your marketing (and what business isn't constantly obsessed with satisfying their customers), then make this book your road map. As instructed by the simple exercises in each chapter, I took notes while making my way through the book. Then following the instructions in the final chapters, I was able to create a Marketing Plan in just a few hours. I found the process invigorating, and our clients can already feel our enthusiasm-- and we haven't even started implementing yet!
The PEERLESS new "Bible" for small businesses!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
Barbara Findlay Schenck has FINALLY brought us what we've all, as small business owners and entrepreneurs been in need of, the consummate book of wisdom and guidance for marketing concerns A-Z. I had not a single question remaining in my mind when I closed the back cover. She's thought of it all. Absolutely invaluable information, in fact, perhaps priceless.Excellent investment.
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