Now that Daylight Savings time has come and gone, it’s time to welcome the cool crisp weather of the fall. As the weather changes, so does our wardrobe. A fresh, new look gives you a sense of confidence that allows you to take on the change with your head held high. However, your wardrobe shouldn’t be the only thing you revamp this fall. Your company’s marketing is something that needs to be updated and revitalized as well. Strategies that you may have implemented earlier this year may not be bringing in the results that you crave. With the holidays approaching, you may need to ramp up your efforts. Or, maybe you want to make a plan for the New Year. Whatever your motivation, there are many types of marketing and it’s important to choose what is going to work best for your business and industry. Here are some of the different marketing strategies you can use to reach your customers, promote your business, and increase your sales.
- Internet Marketing: Also known as online marketing encompasses a variety of marketing strategies. They vary anywhere from video advertisements to SEO (search engine optimization) to email marketing and social media. The most common social media marketing networks include Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest and now Instagram. Overall, the most important thing to remember for internet marketing is having an up-to-date user-friendly website. A word of caution about these platforms: know where your customers are before you spend time promoting your business online!
- Outbound Marketing: Can also be known as traditional marketing is the process by which a marketer pushes their messages out in an effort to engage a new customer/consumer. Outbound marketing introduces a product or service to someone who may not necessarily be looking for that product/service. Some techniques used for outbound marketing include cold calling, newsletters, advertisements, email blasts to lists and trade shows. It can be difficult to determine your Return on Investment (ROI) for outbound marketing.
- Inbound Marketing: The opposite of outbound marketing, inbound marketing focuses on attracting potential customers to your business through targeted messaging via online marketing channels. The significant thing to remember here is that a potential client starts their search with a need or want and they go out to find products and/or services to meet their need using the internet. Inbound marketing attracts visitors through search engines (which is why SEO is so important), blogging and social media.
- Promotional Marketing: Is a marketing strategy that motivates consumers to make a decision and purchase their product/service. Holding contests to win prizes, offering coupons/discounts and providing samples are all examples of promotional marketing. Promotional marketing can be used both online and offline.
It is important to remember your brand in all of the different marketing strategies. New and existing clients should be able to recognize your company no matter what strategy of marketing you use. Your message needs to be consistent across all marketing channels. Having a knowledgeable marketing professional to help create and implement your marketing strategies can be integral to meeting your overall goals.
Stephanie Shaffery and Flair Marketing Group provides her clients with smart, yet cost effective marketing programs that are customized to reflect your brand, attract new customers, and retain existing clients. Contact me today for help with creating a customized marketing plan for your business this fall and through the new year!