What Works for Small Business Marketing, Advertising, and Promotion

Depending on the type of small business you own or run, different types of marketing and media will work better and worse. An attorney's marketing needs are quite different than those of an auto repair shop. Both are services small businesses, but that's where their similarities end.

Obviously, one size does not fit all.

After studying what works for small businesses of many types over too many years, I've compiled a list of the types of strategies, by business type, that because of constant repetition, and positive word of mouth from small businesses themselves, I'm certain they "work" for those business types. Because successful businesses remember and repeat what works, and they quickly discard what does not work. Just like repeat customers, repeat marketing strategies are unquestionably linked to small business success.

Now, for every business type and every marketing and media matchup you'll see, I'm sure you can identify "exceptions to the rule" for what works.

Fair enough, I'll concede them all right now. But generally speaking and in most cases, what's outlined on the linked pages below IS what works, or at least what tends to work, for these 27 business types.

Just 27 business types? Aren't there hundreds? Of course there are. But I've taken the necessary liberty of condensing and combining some really large categories. For example, Retailer covers everything from consumable groceries, pharmacies, liquor, and clothing stores. Their similarities for marketing, advertising, and media are far greater than their differences.

Even non-profits are included in this analysis, such as churches and schools, because they are businesses too.

If you don't see YOUR particular business type, just look at a couple of business types that you believe are somewhat close to your own, and decide if what's there makes sense to you. Does what works for them also apply to your business? Possibly yes.

Accounting Marketing is where you'll find best practices for CPA's, Accountants, and Financial Advisors.

Art Marketing is where you'll find Galleries and Studios that showcase painted and other arts, including Photography.

Attorney Marketing is our destination for Lawyers, Attorneys, Law Practices, and Legal Support businesses.

Auto Dealer Advertising includes both franchised and non-franchised dealerships, of both new and used vehicles.

Auto Repair Advertising includes everything from Auto Body Repair and Paint Shops to Quick Oil Changers. If you fix or maintain cars or trucks, you'll find yourself here.

Bank Marketing is pretty self-explanatory, but also includes Loan providers like finance companies, and Credit Unions.

Boutique Marketing is called out as a special type of retailer catering to females exclusively, covering apparel, shoes, jewelry, and accessories. Bridal falls into this group also. Boutiques can employ some very special marketing strategies that some other retailer types would have a tougher time utilizing successfully.

Bar Advertising is not to be confused with attorneys and lawyers. Bars, Taverns, Dance Clubs and Nightclubs need to advertise and market themselves too.

Church Marketing includes Synagogues and every non-profit denomination of worship facility. Churches and synagogues are businesses, too.

Contractor Marketing covers Roofers, Plumbers, Fence Builders, Flooring, Residential Cleaning and Repair, and similar skilled trade services specialists.

Culture Marketing is a bit of a misnomer as there is no such thing. This group includes Museums, Theaters, Music Stages, and other businesses providing cultural diversion.

Dental Marketing covers dentists, orthodontists, periodontists, and others practicing Dentistry specialties.

Hair Salon Marketing covers not just hair salons, but also hair restoration and hair removal, plus traditional barber shops.

Furniture Marketing covers not just Furniture, but also Flooring, Wall Decor, Lighting, and similar indoor residential merchandise specialties.

Home Improvement Advertising covers do-it-yourself merchandisers including Hardware Stores and Home Centers.

Insurance Marketing includes every insurance agent and agency selling property and casualty, life, health, liability, and small business .

Medical Marketing covers the broad range of health care not included under dentistry. So here you'll find marketing and advertising information for doctors, hospitals, clinics, group practices, chiropractic services, and practice specialties.

Mortgage Marketing covers Mortgage Brokers.

Music Advertising, despite the title, does not refer to music retailers (you can find them under Retail Marketing), but actually covers bands and other musical groups that perform live at weddings, clubs, and other events. Bands and performers are small businesses, too.

Pet Marketing includes Pet Stores, but also Pet and Animal Supply stores.

Real Estate Marketing covers advertising, promotion, and marketing for Realtors, Real Estate Agents, and Realty Agencies

Restaurant Advertising includes every restaurant type, from sit down to take out, and every cuisine from American to Armenian.

Retail Marketing is a big basket. In this website's context, it is dominated by consumables, such as grocery, drug, adult beverages, florists, apparel, and similar specialties.

Salon Marketing covers Skin and Nail salons, and the special professionals providing the care they require.

School Marketing includes both public and private schools, as well as both profit and non-profit education opportunities.

Spa Marketing refers to those licensed therapeutic spas that provide a range of services designed to provide relaxation and stress relief.

Sports Marketing includes arenas and clubs that provide venues for public or membership use and enjoyment. Golf, Tennis, Soccer, Rinks, Stables, and other related recreational venues are included here.

Did we miss some? No doubt we did, and they'll be added as this website grows. And don't be shy. Tell me what works for YOUR business.