Digital marketing is one of the most cost-effective ways to reach potential customers and establish your brand, but it isn’t just about placing ads on social media or buying traffic on Google AdWords. While those options have their place, there are so many more creative digital marketing tactics that can help you boost your profit in unique ways, whether you’re looking to make some extra cash on the side or you’re ready to expand your business into something bigger. If you’re not sure where to start with your digital marketing plan, these 10 tactics will help get you started!
1) Websites
Websites are a great way to make your products available online and drive additional traffic to your brick-and-mortar business. Create an online storefront, or allow customers to purchase directly from a mobile device. It’s also important that you consider digital marketing when you are creating a website for your business. By doing so, you will be able reach thousands of potential customers through search engines like Google and Bing. This means that if people are searching for Carpet Repair in Seattle then they will see your website among all of their search results when they look up that term. Without digital marketing, those potential customers might never find your site or learn about what services you offer.
2) Corporate Banners
Banners aren’t what they used to be. Instead of thinking of them as banner ads, consider using corporate banners as a way to push special offers and discounts on your site or in your store. If you want users to engage with your corporate banner, turn it into an interactive experience that gives users a reason to interact. For example, if you run a clothing store, you could offer $20 off your customer’s next purchase when they click on your banner for an additional 10% off their purchase that day. Corporate banners can also act as entry points for user-generated content (UGC) from social media.
3) Posters
Choose from a variety of poster designs created by professional graphic designers at StartUp Design. They provide you with attractive and effective content for your trade show display booth. Looking for something specific? Contact our in-house design team, who will help make your business stand out. With four types of displays and over 100 custom poster templates, StartUp Design is guaranteed to meet your needs!
4) Radio / Newspaper Advertisements
While radio and newspaper ads are an easy way to get your name out there and in front of potential customers, they can be quite costly. Be sure you can afford these advertising methods before utilizing them as part of your digital marketing strategy. If you’re starting a new business or have a small budget, it might be best to consider other options first. (However, if you really want traditional advertising space, don’t forget that local newspapers are always looking for advertisers.)
5) Brochures
To get started with digital marketing, create a brochure. Include images of your products and explanations of what they can do for customers. Brochures are a low-cost way to reach potential customers and are also an easy way to explain digital marketing tactics. Start by making 1,000 copies and getting them in stores near your business or market area where you think most customers will be looking for your services. At businesses like FedEx Office or Staples you can pay between $5 and $15 per copy. Get creative about distributing your brochure; hand them out at events, leave them in libraries or hand them out on city streets near where people live or work. Be sure to include a business card so interested parties can contact you directly if they want more information about what you offer.
6) Discount Coupons
When you’re trying to make money online, it’s hard to know where to start. For most people, starting with a great business idea is more important than going out and finding an audience—especially if you don’t have an audience yet! One way of testing a good business idea is using telemarketing/SMSes. If people respond positively, then it’s probably worth pursuing further. If they don’t, then it’s not really worth your time and energy because there aren’t really enough people responding that would make it worthwhile to put more effort into it.
7) Brand Ambassadors
Digital marketing is a great way to market your business, but it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Consider hiring local students or recent graduates who are in need of cash—they likely have extra time on their hands and can provide excellent word-of-mouth referrals. These brand ambassadors will happily help you with everything from social media management and website creation, to PR outreach and event marketing. And when they learn more about your company and its products or services, they’ll be better equipped for future job interviews as well!
8) Direct Mail / Mails
Direct mail is a type of marketing that sends promotional pieces directly to consumers through regular postal services. For example, flyers or postcards could be sent door-to-door. It’s a great way for businesses or organizations to communicate with current and prospective customers. Although direct mail isn’t as popular as it once was, it still has its place in an overall marketing strategy. Contact your local Post Office if you need help finding information about rates and regulations. These days, direct mail is used more often by large companies than small businesses, but either way it can be useful for boosting brand awareness among potential customers and encouraging them to buy more from you in future sales efforts.
9) Telemarketing / SMS
Telemarketing and SMS messaging are both known as direct marketing channels. Telemarketing is basically a call center set up where customer support agents are responsible for selling products over phone calls. It is an intrusive way of selling products or services, but it has been proven as a highly effective method of acquiring new clients. Typically, telemarketing involves cold calling; telemarketers get in touch with people who are not customers of their company so that they can persuade them to become one. This is why companies often hire professionals for telemarketing; it’s imperative for such employees to convince potential clients that their product or service offers value for money.
10) Offline Distribution Channels
Research popular offline distribution channels in your industry and think about how you can apply them to your business. For example, if you’re selling beauty products, consider events like bridal shows, which might be a great place for small businesses looking to connect with local customers. You could also make use of catalogs or newspapers for advertising since beauty-related products are often featured in these mediums. Focus on using channels that can increase exposure and generate more customers offline—you want as many people to notice your brand as possible!