Lately I’ve been thinking a lot on small businesses, partly because so many have been contacting me over the past month about copywriting…and deciding they don’t want to spend the money on a professional copywriter after all. :-)

And I get that, that’s why I spent 2 ½ years writing over 100 small business marketing tips! I have a soft spot in my heart for the small business. After all, I own one!

But I was thinking this morning that maybe small businesses have an advantage over big businesses, despite their lack of funds--or at least willingness to part with those funds—to invest in compelling copywriting. And then I read Seth Godin’s blog on conceal vs. reveal and that tied right into what I was already thinking.

So if the small business marketer has as smaller budget than the big business counterpart, why would the small business have an easier time marketing? Because the small business can afford to be honest, real, authentic, different even. As Seth says in “Purple Cow,” it’s being different that’s safe, and being the same that’s dangerous (paraphrased). Small businesses can be bolder, they can have a voice and personality and character difficult for a bigger company to pull off.

The challenge remains however: being willing to invest money in marketing from the start. The small business owner or marketer that will be noticed in the crowded marketplace is the one that makes sure they are making a great first impression with their marketing. And that comes from investing in an image and a message that are appropriate. We’re not talking a $100,000 outlay of cash here. A few thousand dollars would get a small business a great marketing startup package.

So, small business marketers, I think you might have the marketing advantage. Make sure you use it.