how can marketing/advertising help out a small business?

[Swaggy]

and where can i scope out some case studies of this?

[Mohammad]

I didn't actually get what you mean by "how", if you want to know about its importance you should know that marketing can boost not only in the business but in each and every single item that you can think of, and of course its good for you to read this:

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/importanc...s-589.html

[Victoria]

Marketing and advertising can really help out small businesses by creating brand awareness. Sometimes it can be hard to compete with larger corporations, so it's especially important to put aside some money for marketing/advertising. It will get your name out there in the markets that you are trying to reach and hopefully bring in sales. Here a few good case studies to look into: http://www.2ndfloormarketing.com/Jackson...portfolio/

[Kabagnot]

One important aspect of helping out a small business is that it offers potential customers an opportunity to experience the brand through sampling. http://www.mbacasestudy.net/

Direct-selling companies have experienced success through home parties hosted by their sales representatives. Create an event tailored to your target market that allows you to meet with a group of potential customers at one time to demonstrate your product and promote your company.

Point-of-Purchase Displays
Partner with local businesses in your area that your target market frequents. Work with the owners of these establishments to see if you can create a point-of-purchase display in their stores that features your products. A mutually beneficially deal, such as giving the store owner a percentage of your profits or promoting their products or services to your existing customer base, could encourage them to work with you to promote your product line. Your point-of-purchase display should include your products, as well as business cards and a marketing brochure, so customers can contact you for reorders or if they have questions about your products.

Giveaways
Social networking sites can help you promote to potential clients. Host a product giveaway and promote it on your blog or on such social networks as Facebook and Twitter. To qualify for entry, customers must write reviews about your products, name their favorite item or detail their worst product experiences. Select a grand-prize winner, a first-place winner, and a runner-up. The grand prize can be a basket filled with your products; the other winners can pick a product they want to try. Have winners document their experiences with your products and post their insights to your blog, website and other social networks.

Either visit customers at home or invite them to your location. If they visit your location, have refreshments available. Give participants product samples to take home and encourage them to share their samples with friends and family. Distributing samples can help promote your business to potential clients.