Now considering that this is a marketing company, it may come off that I am simply being self serving here. But the truth is that ask any marketing expert and they will tell you the same thing. This is usually the first thing that business put on the budget chopping block first. Even in a down economy, your businesses marketing budget should remain the same if not increase! This isn’t to say marketing can’t or shouldn’t be reduced. I know that sometimes cutting costs is unavoidable. But in doing so, businesses need to spend their limited budgets more intelligently. New web-based technology has become free and  widely available to help operate with reduced budgets while at the same time developing  effective marketing tactics. With the downturn of the economy, your marketing could actually be your lifeline and keep your business thriving. While everyone else is cutting their marketing budget, your exposure will shoot through the roof.