Time to give an old dog new tricks?

June 17, 2009; 09:53 AM

For many customers “new” means exciting. Yesterday’s product just isn’t as exciting. But just because your customers are changing all the time it doesn’t mean you necessarily have to start again. To help small business people move with the times, the free small business marketing resource Marketing Donut recently published guidelines to help small businesses refresh what they’re offering.

The experts at Marketing Donut recommend ten things small businesses should do to keep track of what their customers need and keep the market excited about what you’re selling. (the full article is available on Marketing Donut.)

•    Review and research
•    Pick up on trends
•    Adopt a new look
•    Build on what you have
•    Review your pricing
•    Team up with firms that complement your offer
•    Find new customers for your existing products or services
•    Be prepared
•    Consider your funding needs
•    Minimise the risks

Backed by Royal Mail and Google, Marketing Donut is a free resource that offers expert marketing advice to small businesses on all the main elements of sales and marketing. Since the site was launched earlier this year, it has generated a loyal following among small business owners and managers who like its no-nonsense approach to common business problems.

The Marketing Donut is at www.marketingdonut.co.uk