While it is true that marketing doesn’t bring in money and success directly, it is one of the most important factors that can help your business thrive. Running a small business often means being strapped for cash most of the time, so TV commercials and billboards are probably either out of the question or bad investment ideas. On the other hand, you should know that old banner ads and Google reviews aren’t your only viable options. Here are 5 creative marketing strategies that will help you build a recognizable brand.
Table of Contents
1. It’s “why” not “what.”
As a widely-renowned entrepreneur, Simon Sinek said in one of the most famous TED talks, you should advertise your business starting from the “why”, not the “what.” Let me elaborate: you probably have a reason why you got into the business world, and if your answer is “money,” you need to either drop the idea or change your thinking.
Ridiculous as it may sound, being honest with your prospects is the right approach, and it all starts with being honest with yourself. Do you want your product to help people, improve the world, and get paid for it, or do you want to get rich and then maybe enjoy a couple of pats on the back over the quality of whatever it is that you’re pitching?
If your answer was obviously nobler, put it in your marketing strategy. Say, “We came up with this awesome product so that it can help people do what they want!” not “Our product is awesome.” Start with why!
2. Leverage Every Speaking Opportunity
Word-of-mouth advertising is one of the most effective marketing methods out there. Why? Because it is all-encompassing. For one, telling your family about your latest project and sharing it at a business dinner counts as word-of-mouth – people hear about it and spread the word, whether they are aware of it. Secondly, the more you speak about your product/service, the faster your audience will grow, so seizing every opportunity to mention your business is of the essence.
For example, starting a blog is a perfect (and most importantly, free) way to offer laymen a chance to understand what you’re doing. A webinar or podcast can help the audience feel like experts themselves. Speaking at an incubator or an expo actually puts you in the role of a teacher, which immediately inspires confidence. This is the best way to create buzz about your business.
3. Collaborate with Similar Businesses
Most large-scale businesses work through competition, usually way past the healthy levels. While a little bit of friendly rivalry is almost always welcome, reaching out and working side-by-side with your competitors can actually breathe success. An increasing number of small businesses are getting into this way of thinking, and the best part is – this is the strongest type of word-of-mouth advertising – if an expert in the field recommends another company within the niche to the customer, they will instill friendly relations and encourage that company to return the favor.
4. Innovate with Promotional Materials
If you think that promotional material is an outdated form of marketing, you are dead wrong! Think about it; there’s a reason why big companies still invest in giveaways and promo stuff. Think about giving away useful and quality items, such as personalized travel mugs that your clients might actually use. The list of ideas is endless: power banks, customized folding bags, gift cards, pens, and notebooks.
5. Harness the Power of Social Media
Social media is an excellent market tracking tool – looking into and reaching out to your competition and potential customers has never been easier. In fact, despite the fact that the vast majority of people think of Facebook Ads as a mere acquisition channel, it is actually one of the top tools for customer research.
How does this work? Well, since there is no limit to how often a Facebook advert can be segmented, it is possible to run an identical advert to as many as 500 different demographic and psychographic audience segments. Now, you can see which demographic has the highest conversion rate by using conversion tracking. Pretty amazing, huh?
6. Implement User-Generated Content
Encourage your customers to share their experiences with your product or service through user-generated content (UGC). Whether it’s reviews, testimonials, or creative social media posts, UGC can significantly enhance your credibility and attract new customers. It also fosters a sense of community and loyalty around your brand.
7. Leverage Storytelling in Your Marketing
Humans are naturally drawn to stories. Crafting a compelling narrative around your brand, its origins, the challenges it aims to solve, and the successes of your customers can captivate and engage your audience more effectively than traditional advertising. Use storytelling to make your brand memorable and relatable.
By incorporating these seven strategies into your marketing efforts, you can build a strong, recognizable brand that resonates with your audience. Remember, the essence of effective startup marketing lies in understanding and communicating your “why,” engaging with your community, and continually seeking innovative ways to connect with your audience. With creativity and perseverance, your startup can achieve remarkable visibility and success.
Conclusion
Marketing your startup requires creativity, authenticity, and strategic partnerships. By starting with your “why,” embracing every opportunity to share your story, collaborating with like-minded businesses, innovating with promotional materials, and leveraging the power of social media, you can significantly enhance your brand’s visibility and appeal.
Encourage user-generated content and harness storytelling to connect deeply with your audience. These seven strategies are not just about promoting your startup; they’re about building a lasting, recognizable brand that resonates with your customers and stands out in the market.
