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Advertising is everywhere, and sometimes it doesn’t even look like advertising! Traditional methods such as billboards, TV and radio commercials, and direct mail and email campaigns are all still reliable for getting the word out and convincing people to buy your stuff or hire you for your services. Sometimes, however, you need to take a different approach. This is especially true in the entertainment industry. Here are five uncommon advertising techniques for small business owners to employ to attract and retain customers.
Guerrilla Marketing
Create buzz with unexpected, innovative guerilla campaigns that go viral. Think flash mobs, creative graffiti (with permission!), or pop-up experiences. These campaigns create memorable moments that people will talk about and share on social media, providing organic growth for your business, product, or service. For example, organize a flash mob in a busy park, spending a few minutes playing a trendy song backed by dancers and people holding up signs with your website or hashtag. At sporting and similar events, get people to wear shirts with your messaging, and encourage them to try to get on camera as much as possible. Get in, make a positive impression, then get out and leave people talking.
Advertising in Unusual Spaces
Public transportation ads, sidewalk ads, and similar street-level ads serve their purpose, but you can mix things up by advertising where people least expect it. For instance, putting up banner ads at construction sites is an uncommon, high-profile, and inexpensive way to get the word out. Likewise, vehicle wraps are striking, and the vehicles can cover a lot of ground.
In addition, bathroom stalls have an instant captive audience, manhole covers are numerous and suddenly noticeable when covered with ads, and many online video games offer advertising spaces during gameplay. Think outside the typical places and spaces for ad placement.
Interactive Content
Online and in-person quizzes, polls, and interactive videos engage people more deeply than static content. Capture their attention while gaining helpful information on their preferences and behavior. You can deliver interactive content by email, through social media, and at events and shows. Offer a piece of desirable merchandise in exchange for their thoughts and participation.
Cause-Related Marketing
What do you truly believe in, and can it tie in with your promotion? Partnering with a charitable organization or a cause that aligns with your values is never a bad thing for your small business. Cause-related marketing helps the community while showing you care. Aligning a promotion with a local charity or nonprofit raises money and awareness for both of you at one go. Establishing goodwill goes a long way toward building a brand.
Experiential Marketing
Create happy and memorable experiences for customers that they will associate with your brand. Make sure they’re engaging and align with your values and products. Pop-up stores are great for creating buzz and bringing in new customers without investing heavily in rent, overhead, supplies, and staff. Offer free samples and merchandise while collecting contact information for later communications.
Standing out in today’s competitive market requires creativity and a willingness to try new things. By implementing these five uncommon advertising techniques for small businesses, you can get attention, engage customers, and build a loyal following!