Social media marketing is something that we hear so much about. We are constantly reminded of how social media is a crucial tool and how we should all be using it to promote our business. Back when Facebook launched, it might have been hard for many people to have been able to predict the marketing potential of the social network. But, advertising and marketing campaigns run through social media sites are becoming more and more sophisticated. In fact, there are marketing campaigns that are fully automated that will pinpoint the most precise details of a person’s life in order to directly target them with advertising messages.
While there can be no denying the fact that social media is very effective in its marketing aims, and it is very much here to stay, it is important that businesses do not lose sight of other marketing avenues. We all take time away from our screens and occasionally exist within the physical realm. Traditional marketing techniques are still applicable.
So, if you are a small business owner who has been focusing a lot of their attention on their online marketing, here are some more traditional ways of promoting your business.
Put Your Branding On Complimentary Items
In many lines of business, it is possible to give away a complimentary item to any customers who have bought a product from you or have used your services. This item can include your business branding, and it will be used as a reminder to that customer about your services.
A great example of this would be that if you ran any automotive business, a car dealership, valet or car wash, a garage, or a parts shop, you could make your own car air freshener with your branding on it.
Then, when anyone gets into your customer’s car as a passenger, they will see your branding!
On Buses And Trains
People are traveling more and more. Our jobs take us further from home than ever, and we spend a lot of time in cars. The roads have never been so busy. And, when you are on the roads, you are exposed to the potential to see lots of adverts.
Adverts on the sides of buses are great because you are barely conscious of having seen it. Creating a simple marketing message on the side of a bus will allow you to reach a very wide audience. Make sure that whatever you put on the bus can be grasped immediately. You may have a split second of a driver’s attention in which to convey a message.
There are also advertising spaces inside buses and trains. These are great for commuters to see. Busy commuter routes can see hundreds of thousands of people each day. Getting a strong visual marketing campaign on buses, trains, and other forms of public transport will help you reach a very wide audience.
Advertise In The Papers
The newspaper is still very much alive. Contrary to the constant stories about its demise. People still read printed media. And, newspapers are a great way of communicating with potential customers.
Knowing your target demographic is important. Some papers appeal to different social groups, so it is vital that you get this right. But, for many people, newspaper marketing is still very potent and relevant.
Don’t forget about magazines either. Especially the type that get left in salons and waiting rooms. Your advertisement may have a much longer ride in this type of media.
Think About Advertising On Billboards
All of those car drivers who are going about their daily business will be a great captive audience for billboards. And, with the right billboard technology, it is possible to use videos and other moving images that will really capture the attention of passing potential customers.
Engaging With Your Potential Customers
Talking to the people that you are targeting your marketing to may seem a little old fashioned and long-winded. It is, however, still a very good way of getting the results that you need. People like to buy from people. This is still a fact. And, for all of the effectiveness of modern digital marketing techniques, there are still certain demographics that respond well to face-to-face interactions.
Think about getting on the phone to any would-be customers. Or, knock on them or meet them on the street as they are passing by. If you use the right approach when you are doing this, and don’t use hard-selling language, you will succeed.
