You might be a business well-experienced with making marketing plans and spreading your brand online, but the discipline covers such a wide range of mediums and methods that it’s very possible that your plans aren’t as all-encompassing as you may have thought. Here, we’re going to look at some of the often-overlooked marketing methods that can bring real value and penetration in spaces that you might not be active.
The Power Of The Press
A lot of growing businesses make the mistake of believing that public relations is just for big companies, but that’s not the case. In fact, a well-placed story in a newspaper, a press release in industry blogs, and niche podcast appearances can be just the right thing to elevate the platform of those businesses still growing. They can lend your brand credibility and reach audiences far beyond your existing network. Unlike paid ads, PR feels organic and trustworthy.
Don’t Let Digital Dominate The Conversation
As much as digital ads and social media may dominate, traditional marketing tools still work, especially for local businesses. That said, when you do invest in digital channels, it’s important to choose the right platforms for your audience. Facebook Advertising remains one of the most effective ways to reach specific demographics with precision targeting, allowing you to complement your traditional efforts with data-driven campaigns. The key is finding the right balance between online and offline tactics.
Investing in quality flyers can help you be much more direct in targeting specific areas, and they are a lot more likely to reach audience segments that don’t spend as much time online, such as older customers. When your marketing is more tangible and can be placed in the audience’s hands, it also imparts a sense of trust and legitimacy that’s often missing online.
Make An Impact At Events
From hosting pop-ups to exhibiting at a trade show, events give you the opportunity to personally connect with your audience like no other. Not only does this give you the chance to convert and create leads amongst your most likely repeat customers, but it can also get you in touch with the press and bloggers, building your brand recognition.
Collaborations Expand Your Reach
Working with local businesses, complementary brands, charities, or even influencers can help you open your brand up to new audiences in a way that feels totally authentic. From co-branded products ot joint events and giveaways, you can combine your reach and resources with another to greatly amplify your messaging. Collaborations are also great for generating buzz and PR. Don’t treat every other brand as a competitor; think of them as potential partners, as well.
Customer-Generated Content Could Be The Goldmine You Have Yet To Tap
One of the most exciting and interesting recent trends in online marketing has been content-generated content, or UGC, which turns your happiest customers into brand ambassadors with the right tools. UGC campaigns can spawn a host of photos, testimonials, social media shoutouts, and the like that you’re able to share, creating the positive social proof that your brand needs to stand out amongst its competitors. However, it’s important not only to foster UGC but to collect it and repurpose it for long-term value, too.
You don’t necessarily have to include every single example of underrated marketing methodology mentioned above, but they should help you find at least one gap you can plug, helping you reach those who still aren’t on board yet.
