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Introducing your business to the world is one of the hardest things for upcoming business people. It can be costly and sometimes, you have no idea how to go about it.
However, running a business gives you a lot of creative freedom to be experimental in your advertising. If you’re looking to get the word out about your business in fresh, new ways, check out these 12 tips on creative marketing that will help you get started.
1. Customer Referral Programs
This is one of the best marketing methods for small businesses. Research shows that 92% of customers view a recommendation from their friends and relatives as authentic than any other advertisement.
You can use this fact to your advantage. For example, you can offer your existing customers a discount or any other free service for every new client they refer to your business.
The freebies will also help you maintain your existing customers.
2. Ask for Feedback from Your Customers
Prepare a customer survey and email it to your customers. It will help keep your brand in their mind. You can also do it in front of your shop if you don’t have an email list yet.
Surveys make customers feel valued by letting them know their opinion matters. You might even learn a few ways to improve your products and services to attract more customers in the process.
3. One-on-One Marketing
The aim of 1:1 marketing is boosting personalized interaction with clients. You can do this by sending customized gifts using video mailers during their birthdays or sending them a handwritten postcard.
This method may be time-consuming but it’s free. As your business grows, consider using customer relationship management (CRM) tools to automate the process.
This creative marketing method accelerates customer loyalty and can significantly impact your return on investment (ROI).
4. Collaborate With Popular Brands
Find another established business in your industry and contact them for a joint campaign. Make sure they are not your competitors but that your customer base is similar.
You can do something like hold an online give away or have a real event for a few days. This will give both brands access to potential leads.
5. Hold an Online Contest
People love to win and receive gifts. Find small gifts that will encourage your customers to take a few minutes to engage.
A contest helps you to connect with your potential customers, spread the word about your business, and, most importantly, collect their data for future purposes.
6. Hold a Class or Event
A class or special event helps attract customers of your industry to your business. This gives you a chance to advertise while giving a valid reason. It also can help you build authority.
Post flyers on your community bulletin boards at coffee shops, libraries, and other establishments where your target audience is likely to hang out to make sure they see them.
This marketing method is great as you get to offer value to your potential customers.
7. Have a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program
Many customers are looking beyond great product and services while choosing who do business with. They want a business that shares the same beliefs with them. This is why having a CSR program is a brilliant idea.
Volunteering in a charity organization will increase your brand’s visibility and allow you to give back to society.
8. Take a Stand on a Controversial Subject in Your Industry
Business and politics are somewhat related. Speaking out and choosing a stand on an important matter to your customers will grab their attention.
Is it about anti-smoking? Commit to not selling cigarettes and issue a press release. If you’re supporting good environment care practices, make changes in your business to ensure its eco-friendly and write about it.
While choosing a stand may cost you some customers, it will strength between you and your loyal customers. Using your voice may attract other people who share the same stance to shop with you.
Be careful of not being blatantly or purposefully hurtful or offensive.
9. Create a Blog
Answering what your potential customers are asking is one way to get close to them and convert them to buyers. Writing how-to articles, tips-articles, and ultimate guides is a creative marketing method that does this.
This helps your customers see you’re a trustworthy source of information. The quality of your material also gives you a chance to showcase your expertise in your industry.
10. Build Your Social Media Presence
This is another great creative marketing idea. Find what platform your potential customers source their information and build a community. After creating a community, answer their concerns in a non-promotional way.
This is a chance to learn what the interests of your potential clients are and how to improve your products to meet their needs.
11. Post YouTube Videos
Youtube is another great search engine with the potential of getting you buyers. Create videos explaining what your company is all about, as well as answering questions your potential customers may have.
If you don’t have the resources to invest in YouTube yet, a smartphone recording is still effective. However, if you want to use this as your main marketing method, learn more about YouTube SEO.
12. Create a Loyalty Program
Many small businesses are constantly in the chase of new customers and they forget about their existing customers. While growing your customer base is crucial so is nurturing the relationship with old customers.
A loyalty program can encourage customers to keep buying from you. It may be as simple as an extra point’s card, which increases every time they shop with you.
If you choose this creative marketing method, make sure the points are easy to redeem.
Interested in Learning More Creative Marketing Tips?
If you’re not getting any sales in your business yet, it doesn’t mean what you’re offering doesn’t have potential in the market. The problem could be you’re not giving your marketing department enough attention.
Keep in mind that your customers will only buy from you if they know you exist. Applying one or more of these creative marketing methods could be just the thing you need to grow your company.
If you’re still feeling lost about marketing your products, visit our blog and learn more about marketing.