Google, Website and an email marketing strategy are the most important for small businesses.

However businesses should use every channel available to get their message out there.  Most already use signage, classified and display ads, as well as newspaper articles, PR events etc.  However small businesses must also look to include mobile marketing in the mix as well, especially those with walk-in customers like restaurants, bars, small retail.

Mobile and especially text messaging can be utilised in numerous ways for small businesses. Most have seen those ads on TV, magazines or road signs where they ask you to text a word to a specific 3 or 4-digit number. Setting these up for any business is quick and remarkably inexpensive.

Just as a response channel to existing advertising in print, TV, Radio or online, the use of these business keywords in most markets provides many more leads than sending people to your website and up to 5 times more than asking them to call your 0800 phone number!

The chart right was from a campaign the mad butcher did early last year where mobile keyword was included alongside the website address and 0800 phone number. All were stunned by the results, which indicated how open people are to use this channel instead of going online or phoning a free number.

Small businesses overseas have found mobile sets themselves apart, often providing another superb source of leads and engagement with clients. Best of all, it’s incredibly affordable too, with base keyword services available at under $100 per month.