In taking Jeffrey's response, yes there is competition with the online arena. However, there really is not as much competition as one may believe. Keep in mind, most business owners whom have researched ways of advertising or marketing online usually end up in the clouded mess that many small marketers or so called marketing companies have created. There are many whom claim to have the greatest since sliced bread and make bogus promises to their clients. When in all actuality they have no clue that no two businesses are alike with each requiring a different strategy.

Many believe that in hiring a firm will realize conversions to their websites or campaigns and business will thrive. In hiring a firm, one must realize that the firm in most cases will be looking only to promote their own business and not in having their clients best interest. Where most business owners could benefit is in the education to what is available and how to implement. Through due diligence, the business owner looking to promote his business knows his audience better than a company that they may hire. Research is the key to knowing your potential client and the habits they have in the online arena. Market research within a specific niche is very easily attained and is very accurate providing the source is creditable (ie. Google, Yahoo, Bing, FaceBook, ect). Armed with this research, the one seeking the analytics will know exactly where and how to promote. Now, there is a little bit more involvement with building a strategy from that point but I believe you may grasp the picture I'm attempting to create.

Plainly stated, business owners given the right education on what is available to promote the products or services they offer will save time, money and heart ache.

With a very small budget and an education of basic fundamentals of online marketing strategies, a business owner (local or global) could promote his business properly with great success.

I would love to hear some more insight on this subject, so continue with responding to this post. And I will be more than happy to answer any questions one may have regarding marketing online or offline.