# The Beginner’s Guide to Small Business Marketing: Challenges and Solutions
Marketing is undoubtedly one of the most crucial aspects of running a small business, but it can also be one of the most challenging. From determining the most effective strategies to managing your budget, there are numerous factors to consider when it comes to marketing your business. If you’ve ever found yourself feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of small business marketing, you’re not alone.
According to a recent survey conducted by LeadPages and Infusionsoft, small business marketing is more challenging than ever before. The survey, which gathered opinions from over 1,000 small business owners across the United States, sheds light on the many obstacles faced by entrepreneurs when it comes to marketing their businesses in 2016.
## The Challenges of Small Business Marketing
The survey revealed a number of interesting findings regarding the challenges faced by small business owners when it comes to marketing, including:
### 1. Limited Resources
Nearly 47 percent of small business owners handle marketing on their own, which can be a significant burden for those who already have numerous responsibilities. With limited resources and time, it can be challenging for small businesses to prioritize and execute effective marketing campaigns.
### 2. Digital Marketing
Although digital marketing has become increasingly important in recent years, nearly one in five small business owners don’t plan on using it in 2016. Digital marketing includes techniques such as websites, social media, digital advertising, and email marketing, which are popular among larger businesses but can be more difficult for small businesses to manage.
### 3. Measuring Results
Small business owners are also challenged with measuring the results of their marketing campaigns. Almost half aren’t sure if their efforts are effective, and 13.9 percent know for sure that they aren’t. This can make it difficult to determine where to allocate marketing resources and to improve future campaigns.
### 4. Unsophisticated Digital Marketing Stacks
The survey also found that most small businesses are still using a fairly unsophisticated digital marketing stack. Forty-one percent use only one or two software applications, and another 26 percent use three or four. This can limit the effectiveness of marketing efforts and make it more difficult to measure results.
## The Benefits of Small Business Marketing
Despite these challenges, small business owners recognize the potential benefits of effective marketing strategies. About half plan on using digital marketing in 2016 to drive sales and brand awareness, and about one in three will focus on goals such as collecting leads and retaining customers.
With the right resources and strategies, small businesses can overcome these challenges and reap the benefits of effective marketing. Here are a few tips for small business owners looking to improve their marketing efforts:
### 1. Prioritize Your Efforts
With limited resources, it’s important to prioritize your marketing efforts. Determine which strategies are most effective for your business and focus on those. For example, if social media is driving the most traffic to your website, prioritize social media marketing over other tactics.
### 2. Embrace Digital Marketing
Although digital marketing can be challenging for small businesses, it’s also essential for success in today’s market. Consider investing in tools and resources that make it easier to manage your digital marketing efforts, such as customer relationship management (CRM) tools or marketing automation software.
### 3. Measure Your Results
Measuring the results of your marketing campaigns is essential for determining what’s working and what’s not. Make use of analytics tools to track your website traffic, social media engagement, and other metrics. This will help you make data-driven decisions about where to allocate your marketing resources.
### 4. Seek Professional Assistance
If you’re struggling with marketing your small business, consider seeking the assistance of a professional agency. There are many agencies that specialize in working with small businesses to develop effective marketing strategies and execute them successfully.
## Conclusion
Small business marketing is undoubtedly a challenge, but it’s also essential for success in today’s competitive market. By prioritizing your efforts, embracing digital marketing, measuring your results, and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can overcome the obstacles of small business marketing and achieve your goals.
