The online digital landscape provides the resources necessary for small business owners to advertise their brands and reach a broader audience. Social media, in particular, has helped by allowing businesses to promote themselves.  Social networking sites like Facebook and Instagram help owners form relationships with clients. However, as seen on the news from time to time, posting on social media can have its consequences.  Small business owners should proceed with caution when marketing to consumers.

At Thornton Law Firm, we help small business owners across the Triangle with the legal side of running a successful enterprise. In addition to drafting and filing the legal documents necessary to protect and set up your business, we do everything we can to get your business up and running. To help you avoid major legal repercussions in the future, here are some do’s and don’ts of small business marketing.

5 Do’s every small business must have in their marketing:

  • Do obtain a trademark, service mark, copyright, and trade dress protections.
  • Do make yourself knowledgeable of state and national laws and regulations regarding consumer privacy, intellectual property, and data protection.
  • Do implement an internal social media policy among employees.
  • Do put terms and disclaimers on coupons, certificates, promotions.
  • Do plan ahead and develop a marketing budget.

5 Don’ts every small business marketer should be wary of:

  • Don’t use licensed or copyrighted photos that belong to someone else.
  • Don’t fail to disclose affiliate blogging or influencer marketing campaigns.
  • Don’t use fake testimonials or endorsements.
  • Don’t make guarantees or claims in advertisements or marketing that can’t be supported with facts and evidence.
  • Don’t spam customers with emails or texts.

Implementing a smart small business marketing campaign can go a long way. As long as small business owners focus on being straightforward and truthful with their customers, they reduce the risk of liability and will earn the respect of their audience. To learn more about how you can avoid legal repercussions while marketing your small business, contact us at Thornton Law Firm today.