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Marketing essentials

How to create a marketing plan for your small business - build a brand, target customers and set prices that will maximise sales.

Online marketing

The internet has transformed business marketing. No matter what you do, the internet is likely to be at the heart of your marketing strategy.

Social media

Social media is firmly established as a marketing tool. Having a presence opens up new lines of communication with existing and potential customers.

Advertising

Good advertising puts the right marketing message in front of the right people at the right time, raising awareness of your business.

Customer care

Customer care is at the heart of all successful companies. It can help you develop customer loyalty and improve relationships with your customers.

Sales

Sales bring in the money that enables your business to survive and grow. Your sales strategy will be driven by your sales objectives.

Market research

Market research exists to guide your business decisions by giving you insight into your market, competitors, products, marketing and your customers.

PR and promotion

Exhibitions and events are valuable for businesses because they allow face-to-face communication and offer opportunities for networking.

Sector trends

What particular trends are affecting specific types of business (such as a hotel, or a printer, or a taxi firm)? We explain some of the key trends for 200 types of business.

Resource topics

15 results shown

Sandwich bar sector trends

This trend summary explains that the sandwich industry has seen strong growth in recent years and is continuing to grow, although very much faster in London than in the rest of the country.

Public house sector trends

This trends summary explains developments in the public house sector, such as more pub chains and new regulations.

Pizza delivery sector trends

This trend summary explains that pizza delivery has become a very popular takeaway meal option, particularly with students and young people.

Outside caterer sector trends

This trends summary explains why the catering industry changes rapidly in line with the economy.

Mobile takeaway sector trends

This trend summary explains recent developments in the mobile takeaway industry.

Internet cafe sector trends

This trend summary explains that internet cafés must offer fast internet connection and a range of other services to attract custom.

Ice cream parlour sector trends

This trends summary explains that the market for ice cream has expanded greatly as different types of ice creams have been introduced.

Fish and chips sector trends

This trend summary explains that while other fast food sectors have prospered in recent years, fish and chips have been left behind.

Chinese catering sector trends

This trend summary explains how the trend of eating out has benefited Chinese restaurants, while also resulting in a huge increase in competition.

Cafe sector trends

This trends summary explains how the popularity of eating out has helped the cafe sector to grow enormously in recent years.

Reflexologist sector trends

This trends summary explains how reflexology and other complementary and alternative medicines are gaining popularity.

Physiotherapist sector trends

This trends summary explains how the physiotherapy sector reflects the economy.

Pharmacy sector trends

This trends summary explains how the pharmacy sector is broadly connected to the economy.

Osteopath sector trends

This trends summary explains why the osteopath sector is growing. The treatment is now mainstream rather 'complementary'.

Optician sector trends

This trends summary explains how the optician sector is broadly connected to the economy.