We are now in the second decade of the 21st century and launching a small business presents new challenges and new opportunities. The economy is still in rough shape but there are fresh tools and venues at your disposal. So unpack the boxes you’ve hidden away at StorageMart, move into a small office, hire some business partners, and get cracking! No one becomes an entrepreneur overnight; you’ve got to work hard and experiment with many different business models. Start by making sure you’ve thoroughly tested the following methods for promoting your small business:

Blogging—In addition to a website, your small business should also have a blog. On that blog you should post updates about your products and services, as well as anything and everything related to conveying the story and mission statement of your business. Use search engine optimization, marketing, and link building campaigns to make your blog rise higher in page rank and on search engines. Small businesses with active, optimized blogs are much more likely to find core, loyal customers and investors.

Podcasts—Podcasts are becoming extremely popular as they are a good alternative to video content and are easily distributed through Internet radio sites and RSS feeds. Having a podcast for your small business is a great way to position yourself in niche communities and it’s essentially a free form of advertising. Podcasts also reach different markets of consumers that you might not normally be connected to.

Social media—Using social media is a must for your small business. Twitter, Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, Foursquare, and Pinteres are just a few of the most popular and the list goes on and on and will undoubtedly grow in the 2012. While each social media platform has their advantages and disadvantages, the common thread is the ability to aggressively network with thousands of people and get them talking about your business through clever marketing, discounts, and viral content. Social media is the advertising venue of the 21st century, so not having an online presence with it in mind is tantamount to building your business underground.

The bold new century is upon us and entrepreneurs, small business owners, self-employed professionals, and freelancers all need to be sure they’re utilizing the tools that our patron saints of technology have bestowed upon us. Blogging, podcasts, and social media offer incredible varieties of options and opportunities for people to fight back against the sluggish economy.