Marketing is the lifeblood of any successful business. So, the more time, energy, and money you invest in marketing tactics, the better your return. But, now that we’re living in the future (at least according to mid-century theorists), it’s high time to think outside the box.
Fortunately, with modern technology, it’s never been easier to figure out new and exciting ways to promote your brand. We’re going to look at five of them in particular. Here are five creative ways to market your business.
Video Marketing
Did you know that up to 72 percent of users prefer to learn about new products through a video? Did you also know that 84 percent of respondents said they bought a product specifically because of a video clip? We could drone on and on about the value of video marketing, but those two statistics illustrate the core premise:
Video marketing sells.
So, if you’re not investing in video content, now is the time to make it happen. Better yet, there are companies and firms out there that can handle all the details, planning, and logistics. You just have to develop some marketing goals, and they’ll handle the rest. If you want to have more control over your video content, here are some ideas to get started:
- Behind-the-Scenes – Give your customers a peek behind the curtain to learn more about your business and how it operates. BTS clips can also humanize your company by showing the people working there.
- Product Descriptions or How-To Videos – Even if your products are pretty straightforward, perhaps there are unique ways to make them work better. You can also encourage customers to show off how they use your products.
- Viral Videos – This option is the trickiest to pull off, but if you can do it, you’ll see a considerable surge in brand awareness. Unfortunately, there’s no template for making a video go viral, but usually, it’s the ones that have a great comedy bit or twist. For example, perhaps you can show a blooper reel of a regular video ad or make an ad with some cinematic qualities.
Print Marketing
Since digital marketing is the go-to option for so many businesses, it’s easy to think that print advertising is effectively dead. However, the truth is actually the opposite. Thanks to the glut of digital media, consumers are starting to appreciate the value of printed materials more. In fact, 82 percent of users trust print advertising more when making a purchase decision.
One interesting trend is that print media is attracting a younger audience too. Ninety-two percent of adults between 18 and 23 say it’s easier to read a print advertisement than a digital one, and up to 95 percent of adults under 25 read magazines regularly.
The benefit of print advertising is that it builds a connection with your audience directly. It’s so easy to delete an email or ignore a digital banner ad. However, the tactile sensation of holding a business card, magazine, or direct mailer is much more appealing. Plus, you can utilize mail delivery information to ensure that your ads get into the right hands.
Building and Vehicle Signage
Just as print marketing is becoming “in vogue” again, people also appreciate seeing physical signs. There’s an inherent amount of trust when visiting a business with a high-quality, professional sign on the building. Better yet, you can create mobile billboards using vehicle wraps with ads and promotions.
The other advantage of building signage is that you have multiple options available, such as:
- Handwritten Signs – Give your brand a timeless quality with a vintage-style handwritten sign.
- Banners – You can use banners for various purposes, including sales notifications, grand openings, and more.
- Mounted Signs – Add some gravitas to your business with a sturdy outdoor sign. This option is also great for getting noticed by drivers.
When going this route, it’s crucial to work with a high-quality local sign company. Not only can you work with them to get the best results, but you can develop a long-term relationship for when you need signs in the future.
Join Online Communities
These days, consumers want to buy from authentic companies that provide tons of value. Brand loyalty is much stronger today than in years past, but you have to work hard to develop that loyalty. One way to build a better online reputation is by joining various communities. You can find these places on sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, or niche sites related to your industry. For example, if you sell linens or craft supplies, you can join a community of craft-minded people.
One crucial factor to consider is that you don’t want to join these communities as your brand. Instead, it’s better to use a brand ambassador to participate from a personal account. The goal isn’t to hide their identity but to ensure that other community members don’t feel like they’re being sold to or that they’re part of a research project.
Over time, these communities can be an excellent place to test out new ideas and see what kinds of products your target customers prefer. From there, you can create a more authentic experience, which will encourage stronger loyalty. This tactic can take a while to bear fruit, but it’s worth the effort.
Curated Blog Content
Blogs are everywhere, and everyone is getting in on the action. When you look at the data, it’s easy to see why:
- Companies with blogs generate up to 67 percent more leads than those that don’t.
- Blogging businesses also get around 55 percent more web traffic.
- Seventy percent of consumers would prefer to learn about a company through a blog, not an ad.
These stats illustrate the value of adding a blog to your website. However, the process is a bit more complicated than just writing a few posts and calling it a day. Here are some strategies to make this marketing channel work:
- Be Consistent – Find a day (or two) per week and post regularly. If you don’t have new blog content, you can republish old articles to try and gain more traction from them.
- Use a Writing Service – Unless you have someone on your team who can write well, it’s better to outsource the content to a writing firm. You get better results, and the rates are pretty affordable.
- Be Informative – Give your audience a reason to return to your blog. Don’t just post articles about your company and products – deliver value-driven information about your industry, or help your customers solve a specific problem.
