Small Business Marketing Expert Reveals Free Online Resource Essential to Informed Business Decision

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) July 3, 2008 -- Having access to accurate social and economic information is essential to the success of any entrepreneur. But this information—which can play a key role in small business marketing—can be incredibly painstaking and laborious to compile. Fortunately, the US government amasses all this information on a regular basis, and makes its findings publicly available through the website of the US Census.

Small Business Marketing and the US Census: Economic Trends, Market Research and More is a new article by market research expert Michele DeKinder-Smith, founder of Jane out of the Box, a website dedicated to women entrepreneurs. Part 8 of a 9-part series entitled "Jane's DIY Marketing Secrets," this article reveals how small business owners can use the detailed information gathered through the US Census to make informed decisions regarding market size, target markets and effective marketing plans. It is now available for download at www.janeoutofthebox.com

Most people know that the US Census regularly surveys both households and businesses for information regarding their size, income and ethnicity. But until now, it seemed only professional market researchers and major corporations were the ones who realized just how valuable this information could be in terms of business and marketing.

Utilizing the readily accessible reports available free at www.census.gov, small business owners can use the same strategies as the pros for putting Census information to work in marketing decisions, sizing target markets and more. Michele DeKinder-Smith has specifically adapted professional market research techniques to serve the needs of independent entrepreneurs in accessing information through the US Census.

Readers will discover:
• The 2 major categories of US Census data used for small business marketing, along with basic tips for strategic data mining
• How to use Census info to help determine market size
• The role of Census data in choosing effective marketing plans
• How to use industry trends and economic indicators to survey individual business growth with regard to the competition

Too often, small business owners believe that market research is only for those major players who can afford it. But those who make decisions simply based on "gut instinct" rather than sound information regarding their target market, their industry and their region run the risk of lost market share and missed opportunities.

US Census data are equally accessible to the DIY market researcher as it is to those with a background in the field. This article offers clear, step-by-step instructions for small business owners seeking to "look before they leap" and make better, more informed business decisions.

Michele DeKinder-Smith is the founder of Jane Out of the Box, an online resource dedicated to the woman’s entrepreneur community. Discover information, networking and marketing opportunities for women small business owners by joining Jane Out of the Box for free at www.janeoutofthebox.com

marketing plans     Small Business Marketing     successful women     women entrepreneur