Implementing effective marketing activities is essential for the growth of any organization. Even small businesses implement certain marketing measures. According to the Access Markets International (AMI) Partners, Inc, the US small businesses having less than 100 employees would expand the total marketing spending in 2012. It is expected to grow 4% rebounding from the recessionary lows. An increased number of firms are expected to invest in advertising and promotional activities.

The number of small businesses actively investing in any marketing activities was very less in 2010. With boost in confidence in the economy, many small business firms returned to advertising and promotional tactics. They are involved in experimenting with new channels like online digital media.

AMI conducted a 2010-2011 US small business marketing activity and spending study which included the in-depth analysis of the marketing-mix used by small businesses of the US. It included the trends around social media marketing and e-commerce activity. It revealed that a considerable 35% growth is expected in social media marketing. However, the other marketing categories are also found to be slowly rebounding from recession. It is found that the majority of small business spend on marketing through print media. However, there is a shift in the market from traditional advertising to online and social media. In stead of printed directories, small businesses have been buying listings in online directories. The Internet-based marketing channel of the small businesses had the least impact by the economic recession. However, it is necessary for the Internet advertisers to provide careful attention to capture a greater proportion of US small business online spending.