What is marketing?

Marketing is any activity that involves developing, promoting, and selling your products and services.

It covers advertising, promotions, customer service, and public relations.
 
Marketing is essential to the success of any new business.
 
You may have ground-breaking products or innovative services but if people don’t know your business exists, you’ll never make enough sales.
 
Marketing puts your products or services in front of potential customers.
 
Done well, it raises awareness of your brand, gives people a reason to buy, and results in sales.
 
Done badly, it can become a bottomless money pit.
 
Learn more about marketing on a budget with our handy guide.

Why market your business?

1. Promotes your company

Effective marketing helps establish your brand, putting your products and services in front of customers who are willing to buy.

2. Boosts sales

Once your brand is visible, marketing can help increase sales to existing customers and increase new customer numbers.

3. Retain customers

Marketing helps create a base of loyal customers.

With repeat business often cheaper than winning brand-new customers, it’s essential to retain and engage existing customers.

4. Compete and grow

Good marketing can help you compete with larger, more established brands, allowing your small business to grow and expand.

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Reference to any organisation, business and event on this page does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation from the British Business Bank or the UK Government. Whilst we make reasonable efforts to keep the information on this page up to date, we do not guarantee or warrant (implied or otherwise) that it is current, accurate or complete. The information is intended for general information purposes only and does not take into account your personal situation, nor does it constitute legal, financial, tax or other professional advice. You should always consider whether the information is applicable to your particular circumstances and, where appropriate, seek professional or specialist advice or support.

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