The business world is constantly changing, but the acceleration of change has dramatically increased over the last three years. Everything from business models to staffing to workflow was shaken up – and marketing is no exception. Small business owners know that no matter how strong their product or service is, they won't cut through the noise in a crowded environment without solid marketing tactics. However, unlike larger businesses, small businesses have less margin for error regarding marketing. They typically have smaller budgets, one or two marketing people on their team (if that), and more to lose reputation-wise if a marketing move goes wrong. We're here to help our small business leaders think through tangible marketing ideas that will keep their businesses succeeding without extra hassles. Let's examine a few. More Channels, New Channels As we've reached 2023, there's been an increase in the number of channels customers can use to interact with companies. Harvard Business Review cites this increase as 61% of companies reporting increasing the number of channels they now use. B2C leads channel increases, but B2B isn't far behind.  A vital facet for business leaders to consider is that while there's the option to expand to new channels, which channels will be most fruitful and keep the brand image intact? For instance, your business could start a text campaign for customers and allow them to text back questions. You should consider whether you will have the staff time to answer these questions and if your customer base prefers texting over phone calls, emails, or your typical communication channels. Don't Discount Face-to-Face Opportunities Face-to-face (F2F) opportunities are still in demand, even in our digital world. Because the average consumer is exposed to so many advertisements daily, F2F experiences can become more memorable than all the digital clutter. Potential customers/clients may be more likely to remember a F2F conversation they had with someone than a series of ads they saw online. With in-person events in full swing, many small businesses are embracing trade shows, conventions, and other industry events. These channels are excellent for meeting potential clients and customers and networking with industry experts. While these events require time, money, and travel, they can pay off significantly with the connections made throughout the events. Another way to lean into F2F experiences is through customer appreciation events. These events could be anything from an informal happy hour or barbecue to a more formal open house function. When planning these events, consider inviting customers, suppliers, employees, community members, and anyone else interested. Don't discount the power of word-of-mouth – even if a prospect attends an event and doesn't end up working with your business; if they have a pleasant experience at the event and share that with their friends, you can still get traction from that interaction.