Advertising is a tool for growth — one reason that companies typically devote 3% to 15% of their revenues to it. Yet to accomplish your advertising goals, you need the right ad agency. When to engage ad professionals and how to use them.

Few companies closely analyze the results of marketing campaigns yet a tremendous amount of money goes into marketing. Learn how to evaluate some of these numbers.

Many businesses develop brochures to help promote their wares. These brochures can be an excellent way to market your products and services — if they're done well. Not all brochures are done well, however. These mistakes can be embarrassing — worse, they can be costly. Following are 10 blunders that you should avoid when developing a brochure to promote your products or services. The "do's and don'ts" of designing and writing copy for brochures, condensed in this article for easy use.

Tammy Rosen, a certified pet dog trainer and founder of Fur-Get Me Not, a pet-sitting and pet-training service that offers products for pets in the Washington, DC area, exemplifies an entrepreneur whose business thrives despite today's economy. The author interviews Rosen for her insights on how Fur-Get Me Not keeps customers well-informed with company news, events and stories.

You could pay Gwyneth Paltrow or Angelina Jolie millions of dollars to represent your company. But if you don't have the budget of Estee Lauder or St. John, some creativity and a four-legged friend could take your business far. After all, who doesn't immediately recognize Tony the Tiger, the Geico gecko or the Serta sheep? Marketing with a mascot is a cost-effective way to help consumers remember your brand.

Cross-promotions allow us to combine an effective message with free distribution. In a sense, it is a new advertising medium with no monthly bills. There's no newspaper space to buy or postage to pay. Cross-promotions combine an effective message with free distribution. In a sense, it is a new advertising medium with no monthly bills.

... an extensive article laying out the basics of putting together a marketing plan, knowing the options for advertising, cost comparisons, and writing ad copy. Numerous frequently-asked questions round out this useful article.

Giving back to the community and engaging one-on-one with charitable operatives, the press, and other local constituencies enables small businesses to increase exposure at little cost, says the founder of a national moving franchiser.

This guide for small business from the FTC lays out the rules and laws that apply to advertisers and advertising. Full of examples and simple explanations, this resource will smooth the way to effective - and lawful - advertising campaigns.

Because generations were raised during different eras, they have particular sensibilities that shape their consumer behavior. So if you're waiting for a new group of customers to mimic the one before it, you're going to be disappointed. One generation's turn-on may be another's turn-off.