Think Outside the Traditional
Since small businesses do not have indefinite funds, it is beneficial to employ smarter efforts rather than finding harder ways to work. This is when guerilla marketing comes to the rescue! Guerrilla marketing is basically a fancy word for nontraditional and cost-effective marketing. This is done through full use of information, understanding, time, energy, and most importantly a creative imagination.
The successful guerrilla marketer must use all of their contacts to network, discover creative publicity stories, outlets and angles, as well as, produce ideas that will gain attention and create a buzz. For example, Sonic Drive-In employed a guerrilla marketing effort when they gave away magnetic cups that stick to your car, so that it appears you forgot to get your cup before driving away. This inexpensive idea generated a vast buzz which in turn boosted the restaurant’s recognition. Finding creative ways to implement guerrilla marketing into your small business doesn’t have to be daunting task; here are a few different examples of how to turn your marketing efforts into simplicity with guerrilla marketing.
If your business primarily focuses on marketing within a 50 to 100 mile radius, then it’s time to stop investing in marketing that reaches outside your local audience, such as global search engines. Instead, try to confine your search engine listings and online advertising dollars within your local area. In addition, implementing blogs into your web site may do your business wonders. According to Sifry’s Alerts on the State of the Blogosphere, there are 100 times more blogs than there were three years ago. Blogging is a cost-effective way to generate a buzz and gain consumer support. Integrating a blog into your website will allow you to converse with your target audience, and provide them the opportunity to respond in the form of feedback– creating another venue which allows you to reach future prospects.
Another successful guerrilla marketing effort is direct marketing. Consumers today want to know what’s in it for them, such as: a discount, coupons, perks or any other type of incentive. Start with a simple postcard campaign to 1,000 different prospects, or send out monthly newsletters with coupons, both are ways to generate more interest and raise greater awareness of your products and services. This Guerrilla marketing will both stimulate new business, and turn repeat business into lucrative lifelong customers.
What’s more, guerrilla marketing can be as simple as giving away a free $10 lunch to a local restaurant, for buying from you now. This effort may be just the motivation the prospect needs to order from you at that very moment. Also, advertising with flyers is another cost-effective effort. You can use them to cover targeted areas, give them to walk-in customers, or mail them to a targeted list. You can also gain attention by writing special-interest articles on pertinent issues. Sending articles like this to the news community will position your business as a resource for information, as well as reputable place to do business. To find out how Endeavour can help with your next campaign, visit us online or just call 615-907-5332.
Kaila Packett
Endeavour Marketing & Media, LLC.
Endeavour Marketing and Media, LLC is a full-service marketing and advertising agency in Murfreesboro, TN. Endeavour provides its clients with strategic marketing plans, interactive media, media planning, television and video production, graphic design and web design.
