Is Mr. Bob Bly late to the party or are businesses honestly still seeking an answer to the following question?

During a recession, when money is tight, should companies ramp up their marketing activities and spending… keep them steady… cut back… or stop altogether?

In his blog post today, he does pose a great question regarding the motives of consultancies and ad agencies and why they want businesses to spend during a recession. However, the question noted above has an answer. I’ve said it once before and now I’ll say it again—rather than focusing specifically on marketing spend, businesses should be reevaluating their marketing strategy. If you haven’t already, take a minute to read my post titled, “Smarter Marketing During a Recession.” It will explain my answer.

Now, if my answer does not satisfy you and you just NEED to know whether you should decrease, maintain or ramp up marketing spend in 2009, why don’t we let the intentions and actions of U.S. marketers answer the question for you.

A recent survey conducted by BtoB Magazine, “2008 Marketing Priorities and Plans,” found that approximately 75% of marketers plan on maintaining or increasing marketing spend in 2009.

Additionally, the 2008 Ad-ology “Small Business Marketing Outlook,” revealed similar results.  According to it, over half of small business advertisers surveyed will maintain or increase marketing spend on direct mail in 2009.

For more insight regarding how marketers are planning to redirect marketing budgets in 2009, download this whitepaper: “Understanding Direct Mail Impact & ROI.” Follow the hyperlink and get it gratis!

Happy reading and let me know what your business is planning on doing with marketing in 2009.