Marketing for Small Businesses
This course is designed to help small business owners and managers build a solid foundation in marketing. You will learn how to define your marketing message, analyze your market and competition, create and implement a marketing plan, and leverage Internet and social media marketing strategies — all within the realities of a small business budget.
What you'll learn
- Describe the essential elements of a marketing plan, no matter the size of the business
- Apply tools and strategy to create a marketing plan that supports the growth of your small business
- Use six steps to create, implement, and review a marketing plan
- Leverage the best of Internet and social media marketing
Preview a lesson
What Is Internet Marketing? Internet marketing means using digital channels to support and amplify your overall marketing strategy. It's not a replacement for your broader marketing plan — it's a powerful component of it. In today's marketplace, a digital presence is practically required for any business that wants to grow. Your Hub Site The center of your digital presence is your **hub site** — your main website, to which all other digital properties (blogs, social media profiles, sub-domains) should link. Even if you start with a free page on a platform like Google or Facebook, plan to evolve toward a professionally managed website as your business grows. Content is king: unless you're publishing useful, high-quality content, a website won't help you. Popular Internet Marketing Strategies **Web Design and Development:** Your website should be a comprehensive, engaging showcase of what you do and how you help customers — not just a digital brochure listing products and services. **Affiliate Programs:** Recruit others to sell your products online (or sell complementary products for others) in exchange for a commission. **Email Marketing:** Build a subscriber list and send regular, value-packed messages. Use a reputable email distribution service (such as Mailchimp or Constant Contact) — never send bulk marketing from your personal email address, or you risk being blacklisted. **Social Media:** Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook,