Looking forward to 2009, more than a quarter of recently surveyed small business owners plan to spend more on advertising, and another 60% plan to spend about the same as in 2008.

The Ad-ology Small Business Marketing Outlook survey found that small business owners are cautiously optimistic going into 2009. While 25% stated they are fearful about the current economic situation and 58% are concerned, 83% expect 2009 sales to be up or about the same as 2008.

When broken down by media type, over half of small business advertisers plan to spend the same or more on the following: Online advertising (69%), Yellow Pages (54%), newspapers (51%), and direct mail (51%).

"Small business owners rely on advertising sales reps for guidance and are clearly looking for consultative partners in the advertising process," said C. Lee Smith, president and CEO of Ad-ology Research. "They are more likely to purchase advertising from those that understand their business," Smith said.

Other key findings from the survey:

- "Knows my company/line of business" is the top attribute small business owners look for in a media advertising sales rep. "Delivers what they promise" is the second most desirable attribute.

- 52% of small business owners surveyed agree with the statement "you can gain market share by marketing while your competitors are cutting back."

- 74% believe their company "must be one of the first 2-3 that come to a customer’s mind" when they need what the small business owner is selling.

- More than half of respondents plan to spend the same or more time and money on their Web sites and email marketing in 2009.

- The majority of small businesses are not using other emerging media: 77% do not use online video, 83% do not podcast, and 82% do not use mobile advertising.