(ARA) - It's a tough economy out there, and existing businesses are competing harder than ever to keep clients and win new ones. In addition, more and more people who have been touched by unemployment woes are taking the leap to create their own small businesses. Whether your business is newly minted or a few years old, it's now more important than ever that you have a strong, visible presence.

The key to establishing and growing your presence among the public and your customer base is good marketing and memorable business branding. Assuming that word will get out there through traditional methods just isn't safe these days, and you'll be rewarded for making the extra effort.

Start by writing out exactly what you want the public to perceive about your business. You might have it in mind, but writing it down and drafting it into a final message will help you refine what you want to say. Consult friends, family and business owners who you trust for their advice, once you think you've got your plan honed. Your marketing plan should include everything from a logo to when and where you want to advertise. It should also include your plans for Web presence and marketing materials that you can distribute, like personalized tote bags or key chains.

It pays to be extra vigilant in looking for new and different ways to get your business name out to the public in today's economic climate. Don't miss out on social networking opportunities, which can reach a national and even international audience faster than any previously available methods. At home, be on the lookout for local trade shows and events where your company fits in. For events and shows, have attention-grabbing vinyl banners with your business name and logo made through convenient online printing services like Vistaprint.

The Web is a treasure trove of ideas for marketing innovation and implementation. You can mine expert advice on marketing sites like smallbiz.vistaprint.com, connect with other business owners through specialized social networking, and create your most important marketing materials.

Other must-have items for an aggressive, results-oriented marketing plan include business cards, letterhead, note pads, envelopes and other paper goods. The good news is that even for businesses with modest budgets, these essentials are easier to afford than ever because of online printing services. Simply go online and place an order and an almost infinite variety of high-quality products can be shipped directly to you, whether you need paper products or items like personalized mugs.

Of course, even in the age of mile-a-millisecond technology, it pays to remember the basics of marketing. Get out and meet people whenever you can and look to the people you already know to create networking opportunities. And certainly, one of the essentials in presenting a successful image is and will always be customer service. When one of your customers has an extraordinarily good experience with your products or services, it's an invaluable bonus for you.

The classic marketing technique of word of mouth has expanded power these days, because customers go to the Web and tell people they know - and those they don't - about how great your business is. To learn more about how to get the word out about your business, go to www.vistaprint.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent