Finding new and imaginative ways to market your business is not always easy. We all want to do something a little bit different, something that makes your company stand out from the rest, and something that will make you memorable.
But coming up with creative and effective ways to market yourself can be challenging. We all know about the merits of advertising on the TV and radio or ensuring that your website is compatible with search engine optimisation, but sometimes some more out of the box marketing can be needed – and prove to be highly effective.
There is an infinite number of creative marketing ideas, and here are some to get you started…
Branded Corporate Gifts
Whether you are looking to send out a Christmas gift to your clients or are looking for something for people to remember you by at a trade show, branded gifts are a great way to market your business. Instead of giving away pens, keyrings, or mugs, why not come up with something more imaginative?
You can choose to have a box of melt-in-the-mouth branded macaroons, for example, give away a cute branded plant pot, or how about keeping your customers safe on public transport with a branded face mask? Sending out branded corporate gifts that enhance your own business’s branding and ethics is a great way to remind people about who you are.
Branded corporate gifts can make your clients feel closer to you as well as serving as a reminder to them that you are there.
Imaginative Social Media
We all know that social media is essential for the digital marketing of your business, however, there are plenty of imaginative ways that you can use it to boost your online presence, enhance engagement with your potential customers and reinforce your company’s brand.
One great way to get people to engage with you on social media is through running competitions, photo contests, and caption competitions. Try to come up with an idea that people will want to engage with on its own merit for the most success – and don’t forget to be shameless with your hashtags!
Urban Marketing
The concept of advertising your business in the street is not a new one, however, there are plenty of more creative ways that you can visually market your business, in an urban environment.
If you have business premises that allow it (and the local authorities also allow it!) you could consider painting a mural on the side of the building as this is free advertising space.
You could think about commissioning a chalk drawing on the street near where your business is based or think about some other form of urban marketing that you could use to draw attention to your business in an ingenious way. It is important to remember, however, that if you are planning on any sort of art in the street, you check what your local authority permit before you start.
On-Brand Sponsorship
Sponsorship is another tool that can be effective as a marketing method. Again, you don’t need to do this in a conventional manner if you don’t want to. Trying to find something to sponsor that matches your company’s ethics is a great way to reach your potential customers as well as reinforce your business’s branding.
You could consider sponsorship in several different areas:
- City bike hire – for eco-conscious businesses or those that are looking to promote good health and fitness
- Events such as live performances – if your business is involved in music or hospitality, for example
- Event apps – especially if your business is going to be present at the event
- Recycled table centre-pieces at a food event
If you are a business that prides itself on being local, try to sponsor something unique to your area.
Start a Podcast
Podcasts have risen in popularity over the past few years and are a great way to get directly into the ear of your customer base. Starting a regular podcast, you can show people that you are an authority in your specific field and begin to build stronger ties with your potential customers.
Releasing regular podcasts doesn’t require too much equipment and can be done in a cost-effective manner. You can use it to boost your online presence, reach new customers across the world, and use it to engage with customers and people in your industry.
Finding out of the box and effective ways to market your business isn’t always easy. There is, however, an infinite number of possibilities, and being inspired and letting your creative juices flow could just pay off, helping you to lift your business to the success that it deserves.
Sources
Miss Macaroon, Business Gifts and Events, https://missmacaroon.co.uk/
Linkedin, Why Corporate Gift Giving is Important to your Business https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-corporate-gift-giving-important-your-business-irene-devos/
Wix.com, What are Hashtags and How to Use Them in Social Media https://www.wix.com/blog/2018/02/what-are-hashtags-and-how-to-use-them-in-social-media/
Salespromotions.org, 9 Great Urban Marketing Tactics https://salespromotions.org/9-great-urban-marketing-tactics/
Thepodcasthost.com, How to Start a Podcast: Every Single Step for 2020 https://www.thepodcasthost.com/planning/how-to-start-a-podcast/
