An effective marketing strategy based on reliable research data will help to boost your sales and profitability, thus enabling your business to grow.  This section looks at some of the main points to consider, how the Internet can aid your marketing activities and where you can get training, help and advice.

A good way to market yourself and your business informally is by networking at events run by local Business Support agencies - see the Events Diary for details of forthcoming networking activities.

If your main market is other businesses, you can obtain a free listing in the Bristol Business Directory, a printed copy of which is sent out free of charge to all the 7,000 companies listed.

To learn more about marketing, you can access some relevant Learndirect course details here or from their main website .

A marketing guide for small businesses has been produced by the Chartered Institute of Marketing and Royal Mail.  The guide covers how to make the most of cost-effective marketing techniques such as PR and direct mail.

The Direct Mail Information Service (DMIS) has published a comprehensive guide to direct mail, available to download free of charge.

Also note that Business West can provide a range of marketing and business advice.  Click here for a variety of business guides and checklists relating to different marketing techniques.