Guiding you to a better future

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.

Selling more to existing customers

One of the easiest ways to increase your revenue and profitability is to sell more to your existing customers. Up-selling is all about relevance.

Find out how to encourage new customers to come back and start buying regularly from you, to create regular and reliable revenue for your business.

Good customer care needs a personal touch, but businesses must ensure that client hospitality is “proportionate” or risk prosecution.

Creating a loyal band of customers through good service is a great achievement, but you've got to keep working at your relationship. Find out how.

Keeping customers makes good business sense but it's not always easy. Here are our tips on how you can keep customers coming back to your business.

It’s more cost-effective to cultivate existing customers than look for new ones. CRM can help you sell more to your existing customers.

Your website might be attractive, easy to navigate and buy from, so why don't more customers return? Emma Allen explains some possible reasons.

Latest business news

More and more Brits are choosing to shop for Christmas food and presents in their local, independent retailers, according to new research.

The government has launched the Fair Payment Code to tackle late payments, to reward good practices and ensure small businesses are paid on time.