Whether your business has been rocked by the economic downturn or you’re among the lucky few who have seen their businesses grow during the past couple of years, everyone wants to save marketing dollars.

There are some tactics you can employ to protect your 2011 dollars, but act quickly. By the time Dec. 31 rolls around, odds are the opportunities will be lost.

Media contracts: Many mass media outlets (print, radio and television) will honor their 2010 prices through 2011 if you sign a contract while still in this calendar year.

Review the “always done it” list: Every business has a list of things it always buys, always subscribes to and always does. Often, circumstances change, but the buying behaviors never get altered.

Examine your credit card statements and automatic withdrawals from your business checking account. Odds are there are at least two to five recurring purchases of things that you don’t really use or value anymore.

Prune your mailing lists: If you use traditional mail to reach out to prospects, you’re probably mailing to some people who won’t ever buy from you. When you prepare the envelope for your next mailing, request address corrections. The post office will return the piece with a corrected address rather than forwarding it on.

You’ll find that some people couldn’t possibly buy anything from you, based on where they’re now living.

You’ll be surprised at how quickly these little savings add up. Rather than continue to waste the money, why not re-allocate it to marketing tactics you know are performing well?

Drew McLellan is Top Dog at McLellan Marketing Group and blogs at www.drewsmarketingminute.com. He can be reached at Drew@MclellanMarketing.com. © 2010 Drew McLellan