You’ve decided to go out on your own and start a small business. You’re going to take that leap of faith and do it the right way with lots of marketing that involves your targeted customers. You’ve got great, creative ideas for integrated campaigns involving printed brochures, post cards and mailings, e-mail, landing pages and social media marketing. Your tag line and copy are al...

The following is a recap of the #smbiz Twitter chat on Search Engine Marketing (SEM). Anita Campbell (@smallbiztrends) and Matt McGee (@mattmcgee) were the special guest experts. @smbiz Q1 Let’s start off with some basics. What is SEM? #smbiz @smallbiztrends Q1: What is SEM? SEM is using the search engines to help your business get found online (that’s a layman’s definition). #SM...

How can a small business effectively use search engine marketing? More importantly, what is the difference between search engine marketing (SEM) and search engine optimization (SEO)? In its simplest form, both help you get listed and “rank” in different search engines like Google, Yahoo! and Bing (Microsoft’s latest foray into search engines). Search engine optimization is when y...

It’s a rather simple answer to a question that’s asked a million times a day. In fact, it may even be asked even more than that. Here’s the question - where do you go to get an answer to something? The answer: Google. And, no, I’m not being paid by Google to use their name. So where am I going with this? Yep, you guessed it, Search Engine Optimization. What is it that your ...

If you’re a traditional small business chances are you realize the potential benefits the Internet can possibly bring. You’ve spent years building your in-store sales and spent countless hours working on plans to drive foot traffic to your store. But what about online? You know the opportunity is there, but something’s holding you back. (See AdAge article) A good majority of smal...