It’s hard being an entrepreneur. It really is (we know). Entrepreneurs are the underdog, the little guy. Yet, somehow they still have aspirations to change the world… and maybe make a ton of money along the way!

Have a product or service that makes it easier for entrepreneurs to succeed?

Then check out our list of the 26 best websites for advertising to entrepreneurs. (It’s also a great list to reference if you’re a budding entrepreneur!)

For example, this “best of” list features technology news and opinion websites including TechCrunch and Silicon Alley Insider, startup websites and blogs that help entrepreneurs, well… startup, such as Inc., Startup Nation, and PowerHomeBiz.com, and also those that offer a sense of community like (our friends at) Young Entrepreneur and Ladies Who Launch.

Hey, want to meet real, live entrepreneurs? Then consider sponsoring a startup networking event coming soon to a city near you. TECH cocktail and Startup Weekend are good ones (and are on our list too!)

The complete list of the Best Websites for Advertising to Entrepreneurs can be found on our Leadtail blog – Best Online Advertising Stuff.

In any case, let’s keep supporting our favorite entrepreneurs since: “Some people dream of great accomplishments, while others stay awake and do them” – Anonymous

Did you know that fewer than half of all small businesses advertise online? That’s what Nielsen Online reports. Surprising, huh? Well, maybe not… if you’re a small business owner who finds Internet advertising confusing, complex, and cluttered (we sure do!)

But the fact is that most consumers now search the Web for local products and services like yours. And if your competitors aren’t already on the Internet they will be soon. So like it or not… it’s time to jump online.

Seriously, how else are you going to become comfortable with Internet marketing if you don’t begin doing it? (Tough love, I know.)

Here’s the good news: There are lots of services now available to help you market your business online. From making it easy and affordable to build a website; to getting a listing with the Internet Yellow Pages; to helping you manage search advertising with Google.

Not sure where to start? Read on…

1.  What if you don’t even have a website?

Our recent post: Does Your Business Need a Website? lays it out for you… including the must-have pages that every local website needs. And here’s our list of the Best Free and Affordable Website Builders. You’ll be seriously amazed at how easy it is to build a great looking website. Best of all… no technical degree required!

2.  Want to have your business found on the Internet?

Listing with the Internet Yellow Pages and other online directories is really important. Here’s our list of the Best Local Directories for Your Online Advertising. With these directories, it’s mostly free to create a listing for your business… and if you’re willing to pay ($25 to $50 monthly) you can also add photos, special offers, user reviews, and more!

3.   What if you’d like to find more prospects online?

Using a service to help you with search engine marketing may be the way to go. Check out Yodle and ReachLocal to see if they meet your needs. Both specialize in helping small business owners advertise on Google and other search engines to find prospects looking for local products and services.

4.  Still trying to get a handle on this online advertising stuff?

We understand. As a matter of fact, we’ve written a few blog posts on this very topic:

Why Advertise Online? Here are 7 Important Reasons

Getting Started with Local Online Advertising?

Your Local Online Advertising Options

And remember… when you’re ready we’re here to help too!

In case you’re wondering… you’re not alone. I know you’re trying to figure out how to use social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to grow your business. Or maybe you just want to understand what social media marketing is… and if it can help you generate leads and sales. Rest assured. Lots of other small business marketers are wondering too… just like you!

According to the “Third Annual FedEx Office Signs of the Times Small Business Survey” from FedEx Office and Ketchum, almost two in five small-business owners reported they would be growing their businesses with social media sites. That was up from less than one-quarter who planned to up their game with social in 2009 and made social media the only tactic to increase in importance since last year.

So where to start?

Here are a few blog posts on why marketers and business owners are buzzing about social media… and how to get started:

http://www.doshdosh.com/the-importance-of-social-media-marketing/

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/getting-started/

http://www.inc.com/ss/get-started-social-media#0

Oh, and I almost forgot. If Twitter is on your mind (it should be) then read our recent post: Time to Get Started On Twitter.

Remember, you’re not alone… since we’re here to help too!