From day one my greatest marketing frustration has been whether or not I have the budget for whatever marketing project happens to present itself.

My greatest need is always getting my message out to my target market.

Cash flow is what it is and is difficult to overcome. Suggestions for overcoming lack of financing for marketing: Use grassroots word of mouth marketing, article marketing, Join Haro, become the known expert in your area on your particular topic, etc. If you get good at this, eventually you will discover that you have the 20% of income you require to spend on your marketing.

To get your message out to your target market begin by knowing WHO your target market is. Sometimes your market will tell you that who you think your market is, isn't, in which case you should rethink who you are targeting. Figure out where that market is and go to them. Offering expensive educational children's toys in a magazine that specializes in AARP or CARP members, may seem like a bad idea until you learn that those most likely to buy an expensive toy for a child are that child's grandparents.

Be sure that your message is concise and well-placed. Once you know who your target market is and why they are buying your product, you can target your message.

Finally, track your marketing efforts, if you can. Figure out how your actually customers are coming to you, (Ask them), and when you have a method that works, ramp it up and do more of it.

Thanks for posting the question.

Tina Brooks, VP Marketing
Brooks Pepperfire Foods, Inc.
Makers of Peppermaster Hot Sauces
http://www.peppermaster.com

Eat more peppers!