Marketing – Accion Opportunity Fund https://aofund.org Fri, 11 Jul 2025 21:23:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://aofund.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/favicon-150x150.png Marketing – Accion Opportunity Fund https://aofund.org 32 32 Strategic Marketing Strategies: Free Tools to Help You Grow https://aofund.org/resource/strategic-marketing-strategies/ Fri, 11 Jul 2025 21:22:38 +0000 https://aofund.org/?post_type=resource&p=12153

Strategic Marketing Strategies: Free Tools to Help You Grow

Attract more customers and increase revenue with smarter marketing strategies tailored to small businesses.

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Whether you’re building your first campaign or refining an existing marketing plan, AOF offers the step-by-step guidance, downloadable templates, and expert insights you need to build an effective and efficient business marketing strategy – make every dollar count.

Make Your Business Messaging Matter

Small business marketing doesn’t require a big budget—but it does require a smart strategy.
At Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF), we help entrepreneurs get clear on their audience, sharpen their message, and choose the right channels to grow.

Our free resources are designed for impact—not complexity—so you can build visibility, attract loyal customers, and track what’s working.

What You’ll Learn About Business Marketing Strategy:

Building a Small Business Marketing Plan

Best Marketing Channels for Small Business

Creating Marketing Content That Converts 

  • Write compelling offers and headlines
  • Use testimonials and visuals that build trust
  • Develop a simple content calendar

Small Business Branding on a Budget

  • Craft a consistent look, voice, and message
  • Build awareness without expensive agencies
  • Quick-start brand guide for small teams

Measuring Marketing Investment ROI

Real Success Story: How Smart Marketing Strategies Took Southern Okie from Kitchen to Sam’s Club

Gina Hollingsworth launched Southern Okie Gourmet Spreads from her kitchen, using smart marketing strategies like craft fairs and local events to build early buzz. After selling hundreds of jars at a holiday market, she formalized her business and steadily expanded her reach. Her standout packaging, compelling story, and persistent outreach caught the eye of a Sam’s Club rep, earning her a spot in their Road Show program. With support from AOF and SUSTA, Gina scaled her brand and grew sales by 150%, proving how effective marketing strategies and grassroots exposure can unlock major retail success.

Pro Tips from AOF Marketing Advisors

AOF Advisor Tip: Don’t try every channel—do fewer things better. Focus on where your customers already spend time.
AOF Advisor Tip: Good branding is about consistency, not perfection. Use the same fonts, colors, and tone everywhere.
AOF Advisor Tip: If you wouldn’t respond to your own ad, it’s time to rewrite it.

Common Small Business Marketing Mistakes to Avoid

Marketing to Everyone is Marketing to No One
Narrow your focus. The more specific your audience, the stronger your message.

Relying Only on Word-of-Mouth Marketing
It’s great when it happens—but you need systems to reach new customers reliably.

Ignoring Your Online Digital Marketing Presence
A free Google Business Profile or simple website can make a huge difference.

Skipping Marketing KPI-Tracking
 If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it. Set specific goals from the start.

FAQs About Small Business Marketing

How to spend on marketing a small business?
Start small—5–10% of revenue is typical. Focus on what works and reinvest smartly.

What’s the best marketing strategy for a new business?
Clarity and consistency. Know your customer, keep your message simple, and start with free channels.

Do I need social media to grow my business?
Not always. But it’s often the easiest place to start building brand awareness.

Can I market my business without a website?
Yes—but even a basic landing page increases credibility and conversions.

Where can I get help creating my business marketing plan?
Book a free call with a business advisor from AOF today.

Ready to Build a Marketing Plan for Small Business That Works?

Get the clarity, confidence, and tools you need to grow your business. AOF helps you craft a strategy that works for you—free.

Schedule a Strategy Session

Why Small Businesses Choose AOF To Help Build Strategic Marketing Plans and More

Real People, Real Marketing Advice for Small Business

Our advisors have helped thousands of businesses like yours define their brand and grow their reach. We don’t do fluff—we deliver action steps.

Free and Always Accessible Marketing Resources 

All our marketing resources are 100% free. No subscriptions, no upsells. Just expert-backed guidance you can trust.

Nonprofit Mission, Real-World Impact

Unlike paid agencies or one-size-fits-all software, we reinvest in entrepreneurs and their communities. Your growth is our mission.

The AOF Difference: Guiding Entrepreneurs Across the Nation Through Successful Business Growth

100% free access to expert-backed marketing strategies

4.5M+ entrepreneurs reached with free resources

35,000+ businesses coached nationwide

$1B+ deployed to help small businesses thrive

More Learning

]]> Initiatives for the Slow Season: Making the Most of Slow Sales Periods https://aofund.org/resource/initiatives-for-the-slow-season/ Wed, 04 Jun 2025 21:29:15 +0000 https://aofund.org/?post_type=resource&p=11539

Initiatives for the Slow Season: Making the Most of Slow Sales Periods

Slow seasons don’t have to mean stagnant growth.

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Join our insightful webinar, Initiatives for the Slow Season: Making the Most of Slow Sales Periods, where we provide creative strategies for boosting revenue, strengthening customer relationships, and using downtime productively to prepare for future opportunities. Learn how to turn slow sales periods into a time for
innovation and growth.

Meet the Experts:

Meet Our Speakers:

Sheneka Frieson: Get ready to be inspired by the amazing Sheneka Frieson, the successful
owner of Romares Apparel based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama! Sheneka’s journey to
entrepreneurship started in high school, and since then, she has become a shining example of
hard work and determination. With a Business Management degree from Huntington College
and years of experience as a former Ambassador of the Chamber of Commerce of West
Alabama, Sheneka launched Romares Apparel in 2017 and has since expanded her business to
offer plus-size clothing sizes, home decor, and merchandise from various colleges. Her passion
for meeting people who share fond memories of their alma mater is second to none. We are
thrilled to have her here today to share her expertise and inspire us to never give up on our
dreams.

Chad Patterson: Chad Patterson is a business executive and strategic visionary, with 15+ years
of experience in finance, sales, and marketing. Chad has successfully founded three ventures
and is passionate about helping small business owners and entrepreneurs scale their ventures
In this conversation, we’ll discuss creative strategies to manage the slow seasons in your
business by strengthening customer relationships, exploring creative sales growth strategies,
and navigating seasonal sales fluctuations.
Our experts will answer questions like:

  • What are some creative or unexpected strategies to bring in revenue during a slow
    season?
  • How can you strengthen customer relationships when they aren’t actively buying?
  • What are some tips for adapting your marketing strategy for slow seasons?
  • How can you incorporate productive strategies during the slow seasons for long term
    growth?
  • And so much more!

Relevant Resources:

More Learning

]]> Initiatives for the Slow Season: Making the Most of Slow Sales Periods nonadult Essentials of Marketing Analytics for Smarter Decisions https://aofund.org/resource/essentials-of-marketing-analytics/ Fri, 23 May 2025 17:59:00 +0000 https://aofund.org/?post_type=resource&p=11468

Essentials of Marketing Analytics for Smarter Decisions

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Analytics hold the key to smarter marketing decisions. Join our enlightening webinar in partnership with Global Atlantic Financial Group, Essentials of Marketing Analytics for Smarter Decisions, where we demystify marketing data, teaching you where to look, what to track, and how to use insights to refine your campaigns for better results. Discover practical techniques to leverage analytics effectively and make informed marketing choices that drive success.

Meet the Experts:


Loretta Chon (New York) joined KKR in 2022 and is the Head of Digital Marketing. Prior to joining KKR, Ms. Chon was head of digital for JP Morgan Private Bank and JP Morgan Asset Management Americas. Ms. Chon also worked at Prudential Global Investment Management driving marketing strategy and business development for investments across Asia, Europe and Latin America. Ms. Chon received a B.S. from Carnegie Mellon University. Analytics hold the key to smarter marketing decisions. Join our enlightening webinar in partnership with Global Atlantic Financial Group, Essentials of Marketing Analytics for Smarter Decisions, where we demystify marketing data, teaching you where to look, what to track, and how to use insights to refine your campaigns for better results. Discover practical techniques to leverage analytics effectively and make informed marketing choices that drive success.

Lanessa Hubbard is the owner of Certified Nails, a health-focused salon in Noblesville, Indiana, where she leverages her background in forensic science and chemistry to bring a scientific approach to nail care. She specializes in providing safe, hygienic services tailored to individuals with health concerns, including diabetes, immune conditions, and oncology patients, while also serving clients who desire wellness-oriented nail treatments. Passionate about raising industry standards, Lanessa combines technical expertise with compassionate care to transform traditional nail services into wellness experiences

Dr. Desha Elliott is a scholar, practitioner, and market manager at Accion Opportunity Fund with over a decade of experience in finance and operational strategy for small businesses, particularly those led by underrepresented entrepreneurs. She is the former owner of a digital and event marketing company, where she helped businesses refine their go-to-market strategies and secure corporate partnerships with nationally recognized brands. Dr. Elliott is the author of Hi, My Name Is: Marketing for Transitioning to Entrepreneurship and served as the program architect for a national agribusiness accelerator. Her digital marketing journey began with training from Google, ultimately leading her to support entertainment and nonprofit organizations in transforming their online presence—going live on Facebook before it became mainstream.  


In this conversation, we’ll dig into the real-world ways marketing analytics can help you make smarter decisions. Topics we’ll explore include:

  • How to figure out which marketing metrics actually matter for your business
  • What KPIs (key performance indicators) can tell you about your growth potential
  • Ways to use your data to tweak and improve campaigns over time
  • What your customer behavior is trying to tell you—and how to respond
  • How to bring all of this together into a practical, data-backed strategy that fits your goals

]]> Turning Data Into Action: Mastering Your Marketing Analytics nonadult AI Marketing Tools for Small Business https://aofund.org/resource/ai-marketing-tools-for-small-business/ Mon, 12 May 2025 15:40:28 +0000 https://aofund.org/?post_type=resource&p=11393

AI Marketing Tools for Small Business

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Artificial Intelligence (or AI) is changing the way we do everything, especially for small business
owners. This powerful technology can reshape the way small businesses are marketing. In this
webinar, AI Marketing Tools for Small Businesses: Techniques for Success, we will break down
the practical tools and strategies to get the most out of this technology. From exploring
different AI tools to using them to improve targeting and marketing to potential clients, we will
cover it all.


Watch the Webinar:

Jam Anderson

Jam Anderson is the force behind Jam AI, dedicated to making AI easy and accessible for everyone. With 20 years of success in traditional marketing, she quickly recognized the power of AI and jumped right in. Now, Jam helps business owners and leaders turn the complexity of AI into clarity and harness the tool without the hassle. Known for her ability to simplify even the most complicated concepts, she’s the expert you need to guide you through the AI landscape, so you can focus on what you love.

Keep in touch with Jam here: https://www.jamout.ai/

Check out Jam’s Free Webinar Resources here: https://www.jamout.ai/webinarfreebies

We’ll cover key steps to integrating AI for your small business marketing such as:

  • Learning how to integrate AI into your existing marketing strategy
  • Exploring AI tools and structuring them for your business needs
  • Understanding how to use AI to improve targeting and customer engagement
  • Crafting a customized Ideal Client Persona (ICP) with the support of AI
  • Using AI to optimize your campaigns

If you want to learn more about AI and how it can support your business. Check out our article: AI for Small Businesses: Growth and Efficiency.

]]> AI Marketing Tools for Small Business nonadult E-Commerce Digital Marketing https://aofund.org/interactive-learning/e-commerce-digital-marketing/ Tue, 08 Apr 2025 20:57:08 +0000 https://aofund.org/?post_type=interactive-learning&p=6704

E-Commerce Digital Marketing

FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab Course 5 – Review branding and marketing essentials for e-commerce, and consider the ideal customer journey for your target audience.

]]> E-Commerce Social Media Marketing https://aofund.org/interactive-learning/e-commerce-social-media-marketing/ Tue, 08 Apr 2025 20:55:05 +0000 https://aofund.org/?post_type=interactive-learning&p=6702

E-Commerce Social Media Marketing

FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab Course 6 – Review social media marketing techniques for your e-commerce business and identify the best social media channels for your audience.

]]> Finding Your Niche and Defining Your Brand https://aofund.org/interactive-learning/finding-your-niche-and-defining-your-brand/ Tue, 08 Apr 2025 20:50:00 +0000 https://aofund.org/?post_type=interactive-learning&p=6700

Finding Your Niche and Defining Your Brand

DoorDash Course 1 – Review niche and branding best practices and expert tips for your food business.

]]> Encontrar su nicho y definir su marca https://aofund.org/interactive-learning/encontrar-su-nicho-y-definir-su-marca/ Tue, 08 Apr 2025 20:41:36 +0000 https://aofund.org/?post_type=interactive-learning&p=6696

Encontrar su nicho y definir su marca

Revise las mejores prácticas de nicho y marca, y los consejos de expertos para su negocio de alimentos. Identifique sus clientes objetivo y los mejores canales para llegar a ellos.

]]> Creating the Right Menu https://aofund.org/interactive-learning/creating-the-right-menu/ Mon, 07 Apr 2025 21:02:55 +0000 https://aofund.org/?post_type=interactive-learning&p=6498

Creating the Right Menu

DoorDash Course 5 – Review tips for writing and creating menus for your business.

]]> Marketing Like a Pro https://aofund.org/interactive-learning/marketing-like-a-pro/ Mon, 07 Apr 2025 21:00:48 +0000 https://aofund.org/?post_type=interactive-learning&p=6494

Marketing Like a Pro

DoorDash Course 6 – Identify marketing needs for food businesses and discover key marketing tools.

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