Quarter of small businesses plan to advertise more next year

A new survey has revealed that a quarter of small businesses are planning to boost their advertising spend next year.

The figures, from the Ad-ology Small Business Marketing Outlook survey, found that 60 per cent of small businesses planned to keep their advertising spend static, while over 80 per cent forecast higher or similar sales levels for 2009 when compared with this year.

A quarter were fearful about how the global economic crisis would impact their business.

C Lee Smith, president and chief executive officer of Ad-ology Research, said: "Small business owners rely on advertising sales reps for guidance and are clearly looking for consultative partners in the advertising process."

The survey found that over 50 per cent of those surveyed plan to increase their spending on email marketing, while many companies may also choose to use html email newsletters.

According to emarketer.com, the growth of UK online advertising spending is forecast to drop under ten per cent next year.