Small businesses in the United States, on average, now use more than seven marketing and advertising methods to promote themselves. That number has steadily been growing, according to Local Search Association (LSA) survey data. It also stands as a kind of indicator of the increasing complexity of digital marketing.

Driven by digital media outlets, the study also found that SMBs plan to boost digital spending. The top categories where local businesses plan to increase digital spending include websites, social media, mobile, display advertising and search marketing.