More Resources
Home > Marketing > Marketing Basics

Marketing Basics

Marketing That Takes Flight
Steve Astephen's turning cult heroes into household names--and his philosophy can work for you, too.

Browse by Topic
Editor's Picks

A Time To Market
A time to market your to-do list isn't complete without this key practice--and neither is your business.

Social Shopping
This site builds a community on product recommendations.

Reaching Multitaskers
Consumers juggle all kinds of media these days. So how can you get noticed and influence their purchases?

Read All About It
Newsflash! Here's how to reach newspaper readers in print, online or both.

Rule of Thumb
Make sure your message is loud and clear by following the 10/20/30 rule of Powerpoint.

Expert Marketing Advice
Marketing Columnist
Get step-by-step help in developing your marketing strategies. Kim offers practical advice you can implement immediately.
More Expert Marketing Advice:
How to Create a Marketing Plan

Introduction to Creating a Marketing Plan
What is a marketing plan and why is it so essential to the success of your business? Find out here, in the first section of our comprehensive guide to creating a marketing plan.

Researching Your Market
Whether you're just starting out or if you've been in business for years, you should always stay up-to-date with your market information. Here are the best methods for finding your data.

The Ingredients of a Marketing Plan
Ready to get it all down on paper, but not sure where to put it? We'll help you with the format and elements of your marketing plan.

More Articles
5 Ways to Kill a Great Marketing Plan
Are your marketing campaigns too creative? Here's what separates a marketing plan that works from one that doesn't.

2009: The Year of One-to-One Marketing
Great letters make for strong sales. Start the new year out right by building relationships one letter at a time.

Use Small Actions to Get Big Results
When it comes to creating relationships with other companies, take a long-term approach.

Influence the Influencers
Dust off those public-speaking skills and get ready to market your business.

Not Your Father's Marketing Campaign
Press releases can be targeted directly to consumers, without the media filter. Here are 4 new ways to use press releases to win sales.

Connect the Branding Dots
Logos, websites and marketing materials have to work together to create a positive impression--and put money in your pocket.

Copywriting Grammar Ain't Perfect
Break the rules. It's OK. You're not writing for your high school English teacher. Present your copy in a casual but professional way.

Targeted Marketing Gets Intelligent
Advertisers ride a brain wave called neuromarketing. But is it for real?

Get Back to Business Planning Fundamentals
In a recession, it's important to know what adjustments to make to your business plan. Here are three fundamentals to remember.

Go Big or Go Home
Even in a bad economy, one truth about marketing stands: you have to spend more to make more.

Cause Marketing Matters to Consumers
Social responsibility makes consumers take notice. Follow these 5 steps to create a successful cause-based marketing campaign.

From Storeroom to Store Shelves
Use these 9 tips to craft a pitch that will have retailers filling out purchase orders.



Partner Provided Service
2009: The Year of One-to-One Marketing
Great letters make for strong sales. Start the new year out right by building relationships one letter at a time.

Resource Nation
Marketing Forms
Run an Effective Marketing Program
From competitor analysis worksheets to sample brand loyalty surveys, we have the forms you need to do it all:
  • Plan your promotional budget
  • Know your market research costs
  • Find your niche in the market
  • Create a brand loyalty survey
  • Evaluate the competition
  • Do a demographic survey

Related Products
No B.S. Direct Marketing
The ultimate, no holds barred, kick butt, take no prisoners direct marketing for non-direct marketing businesses. Includes audio CD!

Guerrilla Marketing in 30 Days
The bestselling marketing series of all time, in one great package!