There are probably hundreds of marketing ideas that you can choose from. The effectiveness of each varies from many factors like your business’ industries, location, time, etc. But if you stumble upon this post as you seek ideas– I have compiled the best ones that would work in most kinds of businesses nowadays.
Social Media Marketing
Many people around the world spend most of their time on social media. If not most, they definitely check it at least thrice a day. That’s why businesses nowadays use social media platforms for their marketing plans and campaigns. And you should too. Just keep in mind that you don’t have to create an account for every social media. You only need to be where your target markets are. Once your business has a page or an account, you can start marketing by posting announcements, pictures, short blogs, videos, hosting giveaways, and even use social media’s ads features. Another option is to hire an influencer (a person who has a huge number of audience/followers on social media) and have him/her promote your business. Just make sure that the influencer matches your niche.
Advertising Marketing
Let me make things clear first– Advertising and Marketing are different. Advertising is a part of marketing, that’s why it is listed here as an idea. Generally, it means sending your message about your product or services to the market. Nowadays, businesses advertise using:
- Radio stations
- TV or Cable Stations
- Publications
- Billboards
- Stickers or magnets on vehicles
- Local Newspapers
- Social Media
- Ad space on a relevant website
- Ad video clips on apps, and Youtube videos
- Sidewalk, bus stops, etc.
Tip: Placing ads to any of those ideas could become a waste of time if you don’t study your target market. So, make sure to place ads that will most likely get noticed by your target market.
Internet Marketing
Aside from social media, there are other ideas for internet marketing to put your products and services in the market. Here are the top ones:
- SEO on your website and other online content.
- Google Ads or Facebook Ads pay-per-click campaign.
- Answer questions on Quora or forums that are relevant to your business niche, followed by an invitation to check your website.
- Create a Youtube Video tutorial that shows how to solve a certain problem that your products or services can.
- Try to learn more about Local Search Marketing– a form of SEO
Email Marketing
Email marketing hasn’t lost its touch when it comes to promoting businesses. In fact, even if social media becomes the primary means of communication, people who give out their email addresses to businesses are different. They are the ones who are really interested. They want to be updated as always. More importantly, they are the ones who mean business. So, aside from creating enticing emails and newsletters, you may want to give exclusive rewards or discounts to your email list.
Contest and Incentive Marketing
Here’s a fact, people love rewards, discounts, and freebies. Running a contest, discount program, loyalty rewards, freebie coupons, and appreciation programs are very effective in short-term marketing ideas.
Affiliate Marketing
This is another form of incentive marketing. You will invite people to promote your products and services in exchange of a commission in sales. This is an effective word-of-mouth style of marketing idea to use. Especially, if you only want to pay for a promotion per sales.
Media Giveaway Marketing
This is probably a branch of advertising marketing on TV or Radio, but this marketing idea can definitely raise your brand’s reputation in the market. To do so, you need to contact your local radio or TV station and advised them that you are willing to sponsor giveaways in exchange for free publicity.
Offline Marketing
There are many offline marketing ideas that you can use. But here are the ones that top my list:
- Attending trade shows and events as brand participants.
- Handing business cards, flyers, brochures, coupons, and other marketing materials.
- Media pitches and press releases.
- Posters and print ads.
Don’t rely too much on online marketing ideas. Having your brand seen on the physical world creates better reputation and you might even reach those non-target market consumers. Keep in mind that a sale is a sale. No matter who it came from.
Marketing ideas doesn’t stop with this list. As I’ve said there are probably hundreds. And maybe you can think of something that has never been done but also effective. Something new or by combining ideas together.
See Also: RUN A SUCCESSFUL MARKETING CAMPAIGN
