I was thinking about how marketing seems to be getting so complicated these days. So I decided to draw up a list of marketing tactics that can reignite a stagnant marketing plan.
- Set up a survey/poll on your web site. If you don’t have a web site (and why not??) then send it via email. Offer a prize/incentive to people who respond. Ask questions of your customers or prospects that extract useful information to be used in your next marketing strategy or campaign.
- Make a special offer to your top 5 or 10 customers. It could be as simple as making them aware of a special price you have, or an incentive to make their next purchase sooner rather than later.
- Select a person to use your product/service for a short period (say one week or month) and ask them to write a blog diary of their thoughts and experiences. Promote this to your target audience on your web site, advertising, social media, etc. and encourage others to comment on the diary. Analyse the comments to look for useful material to use in future marketing plans.
- Run a sale with a difference; use a reverse auction (ideal for retailers). If you’re unfamiliar with reverse auctions read an explanation on the NineMSN site. There are established web sites such as Limbo and Low Bids that you can use to run the auction so it does not require you to invest in new technology.
- Arrange a spectacular event or buy group discounted tickets to a show, invite your best (and maybe some of your worst) customers. Also include your staff if possible; use the event as a performance incentive.
- Give your e-newsletter a complete makeover, with a new design and more customised content. If you don’t have an e-newsletter then start one (a good first step is to start collecting customer emails in a database that you can send bulk emails from).
- Create an online treasure hunt for your customers (only if they’re adept at online interaction). Use social media tools to place clues and publish outcomes on your web site or blog.
- For businesses that rely on last minute/impulse buying decisions, try using mobile phone messaging to entice
your customers to make a purchase. Text them an offer and say they have been chosen to receive a special deal with their next purchase (e.g. a gift or discount). - Sponsor a local community event. provide a prize, give a speech, talk to the local paper. provide special offers in conjunction with the event. All with aim of getting publicity in your local area.
- Set up a blog. If you’re not comfortable writing this, hire a professional to plan and execute this properly so you get maximum benefits of this tactic.
Of course there are many hundreds of ways to market your products or services. Most business owners intuitively know what works best for them. I’d love to hear your suggestions, especially additional ideas to make this a more valuable resource.
I hope this list sparks some new ideas for your business. You’ll note that I have included a wide range of activities that do not all fit neatly under the ‘marketing’ umbrella. Remember that everything you do to create a sale opportunity is marketing – so get out there and make a sale!! Be sure to let me know if you do action an idea or two, and tell me how it goes.
