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

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

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

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

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

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

The Pitch competition opens for applications

20 April 2021

This year's Pitch competition promises to give 3,000 UK start-ups the tools they need to become investment ready.

The Pitch - now in its 14th year - offers new businesses the chance to be mentored and funded by top investors. This free-to-enter competition has helped UK start-ups raise tens of millions of pounds since launching in 2008. The competition is open to small businesses that have been trading for up to three years.

The 2021 programme is now open for applications. This hybrid event includes free online educational resources and workshops as well as live in-person pitching events, designed to equip entrepreneurs with the skills they need to take their business to the next level. The top ten start-ups will go on to compete on the national stage to win a package of mentoring and support from well-known entrepreneurs and the chance to gain investment.

Throughout May and June, there is a free package of online learning and webinars which anybody can access. Regional semi-finals will be held in October and the final will take place in November.

"The Pitch is committed to giving 3,000 UK start-ups the tools they need to become investment ready - and take their business to the next level," said Chris Goodfellow, founder of The Pitch. "The competition and package of mentoring and learning, which is completely free, will equip thousands of UK start-ups with the skills and opportunity to raise the money they need to grow."

This year's programme is supported by SageCrowdcubeSimpleWebAgora and FounderCatalyst.

"The pandemic has seen many individual's mindset shift on their working circumstances, with many now looking to take the plunge and start their own business," said Kirsty Waller, vice president UKI marketing at Sage.

Since launching in 2008, The Pitch has helped many start-ups, including ResolverLatest Free Stuff and Much Better Adventures.

Written by Rachel Miller.

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