Nearly 75% of marketing budgets for 2009 will either increase or remain the same as 2008. Only 25.4% of surveyed companies report a decrease in their marketing line items for the coming year.  Of the 211 companies surveyed, a surprising 31.1% intend to boost their marketing spend.

Topping the list of online tactics they plan to use were broadcast email (68.3%) and website development (66.3%).  50% plan to increase search engine optimization, 46.6% with online video and social media increases.  Social media increased from 26% to 46.6% from 2008 to 2009 plans.

The survey results showed a vast contrast from those increasing to those decreasing.  Over 45% of those increasing their budgets plan to do so over 15%.  Likewise, over 45% of those decreasing their budgets plan to lower them over 15%.

And almost 60% of those lowering their marketing budgets did so in response to the economic crisis.

Customer acquisition is the top marketing goal (62.2%), with customer retention (20.6%), and brand awareness (12.4%).

* Disclaimer:  Main-1-Media has reviewed the source content for this article (BtoB, Chicago, Ill: Dec. 8, 2008, Vol. 93 No. 18) and the findings do not reflect or represent the findings of the source.  For more information on the source please visit them online at www.btobonline.com.