50 Marketing Ideas for the New Year.

Small business owners wear many hats - they sell, they market, they manage customer service, and so much more. With the new year just beginning, it’s a great time to look at how you can build your brand, stand out from the competition and increase sales. Take a fresh look at your website, review your social media presence, update your marketing materials and even get an email marketing campaign going.

50 Marketing Ideas for your Small Business

1. Update or create a marketing plan for your business.

2. Refine your target audience and niche.

3. Expand your product and service offerings.

4. Update your business cards.

5. Create or update your brochure.

6. Create a digital version of your brochure for your website.

7. Explore a website redesign.

8. Get creative with promotional products and give them away at the next networking event you attend.

9. Write an elevator pitch.

10. Register for a local conference/seminar.

11. Introduce yourself to other local business owners.

12. Plan a local business workshop.

13. Join your local chamber of commerce.

14. Launch a multipiece direct mail campaign.

15. Send past customers free samples and other incentives to regain their business.

16. Use a sidewalk sign to promote your specials.

17. Get started with social media for business.

18. Create a Facebook page.

19. Advertise on Social Media.

20. List your business on Google Places.

21. Start a business blog.

22. Create a Groupon.

23. Start a Google Adwords pay-per-click campaign.

24. Upload a video to YouTube.

25. Check your online directory listings and get listed in desirable directories.

26. Set up Google Analytics on your website and blog.

27. Review and measure your Google Analytics statistics.

28. Create an email opt-in on your website or blog.

29. Offer a free download or free gift to make people willing to add their email address to your list.

30. Send regular emails to your list.

31. Start a free monthly email newsletter.

32. Start a contest.

33. Create a coupon.

34. Create a "frequent buyer" rewards program.

35. Start a client appreciation program.

36. Create a customer of the month program.

37. Give away a free sample.

38. Send out a customer satisfaction survey.

39. Ask for referrals.

40. Help promote or volunteer your time for a charity event.

41. Sponsor a local sports team.

42. Cross-promote your products and services with other local businesses.

43. Join a professional organization.

44. Plan your next holiday promotion.

45. Plan holiday gifts for your best customers.

46. Send birthday cards to your clients.

47. Approach a business associate about a collaboration.

48. Donate branded prizes for local fundraisers.

49. Create a business mascot to help promote your brand.

50. Contact a marketing specialist to help you grow your business.