Small business owners optimistic about 2012, study says

According to a recently released study by online appointment scheduling website Schedulicity, small business owners are "overwhelmingly optimistic" about how their companies will perform in 2012.

More than nine in 10 (91 percent) expect business to outpace 2011 levels, and two-thirds expect a more viable economic environment. More than half predict revenue growth, with 39 percent estimating a 10 to 25 percent increase and approximately one-quarter anticipating a rise of between 25 and 50 percent.

"While 2011 was clearly still a rebuilding year for many small businesses, 2012 is poised to be a time of development," said Schedulicity CEO Jerry Nettuno. "Prosperity is right around the corner. Small businesses owners are signaling to us ... that the economic recovery is progressing."

With regard to business promotions, respondents appeared to understand the importance of implementing cost-effective business marketing efforts. They ranked social media, SEO and email as equally necessary components, ahead of more traditional initiatives such as direct mail.

Despite technological advances, old-school business advertising still has a place in a marketing campaign. Giving out personalized pens and distributing print flyers can help reinforce the impact of online marketing campaigns.