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In the financial year of 2018, media giant Comcast Corp spent $6.12 billion on advertising. But Comcast Corp isn't the only company to spend megabuck promoting their products or service. In fact, the next big spender will blow your mind.
In 2020, Amazon spent a whopping $22 billion in advertising—an increase from the $18.9 billion spent in the previous year. While Comcast Corp and Amazon's marketing budget may seem overwhelming or unbelievable, they all point to one fact: marketing is of the essence!
Indeed, marketing is the lifeblood of every business. And while you may not have the financial war chest to splurge millions of dollars on expensive marketing campaigns, like Amazon and Comcast, there are some effective traditional marketing techniques that can help boost your marketing game.
What is Traditional Marketing?
If you are a bit conversant with marketing, you’ll understand that there are two major ways businesses promote their products: digitally and traditionally. Unlikedigital marketing, which involves using online mediums to promote a business, traditional marketing involves the use of mediums or materials featured offline. Though do be aware that are some exceptions such as digital signage – an example of which can be foundhere– which is a blend of the two mediums that can physically advertise both online and offline as required.
Businesses via marketing experts may use traditional marketing to promote their products or services to their target audience in physical locations. They usually station these marketing materials, ranging from billboards, event marketing, broadcasting, etc., in areas where their target audience is likely to see, hear or interact with them.
Benefits of Traditional Marketing
In a world dominated by digital marketing, do you think there is a place for traditional marketing?
Of course, there is!
Like digital marketing, traditional marketing boasts several benefits. With this type of marketing, you can reach audiences who spend time away from their mobile devices. Plus, if done well, you can reach larger audiences with the help of billboards. If one of your business aims is to reach a large number of local audiences, traditional marketing is your best bet.
Traditional Marketing Techniques
If you’d like to promote your business using traditional marketing techniques, you’ll need to understand the methods that are effective and those that can work for your business. Here are some implementable marketing methods for your business.
1. Handouts
Many of us have received one or more handouts at one point. A handout is a printed document, similar to a flyer or brochure, which serves as a promotion tool for a business. You can share the flyers on train stations, walkways, and other busy areas. Alternatively, you can create a large version and display it in a frequently visited area, informing individuals about a new product launch, an event, etc.
A brochure, like handouts, is another traditional marketing tool your business can leverage. This informative paper document can offer your target audience or potential readers information regarding your company or explain the features of a product. Like a handout, you can distribute this marketing material at events or other public places.
2. Billboards
Billboard is one of the oldest and greatest marketing tools ever to exist. They are often found in areas like highways so that they can be viewed by a good number of drivers and pedestrians. Billboards are generally used to showcase adverts and company graphics. They feature images that are creative and big enough to capture drivers' and pedestrians' attention.
Did you want to launch a new product or service? Or do you have an upcoming promotional event? Get them up onbillboards and promote them.
With these billboards—which should come with captivating designs—you can itch your brand's name in the minds of your audience. In addition, thanks to their size and location, billboards can reach a larger audience, something that can be beneficial to your marketing goal.
3. Broadcasting
Forget about the introduction of smartphones, tablets, and fancy laptops; many statistics indicate that people still watch TV. By making captivating commercials with the help of an engaging narrator voice, you can promote your business to a large TV audience. In addition to TVs, a popular advertising medium, you can leverage radio broadcasts to promote your business. Hearing or watching your commercials can pique the interest of listeners and viewers, which may encourage them to research your company or contact you to learn more.
4. Referral
Did you know that 92% of customers trust referrals from people they know? By politely asking your customers to recommend your brand to family, friends, and colleagues, you are tapping into the power of referral marketing and increasing your chances of acquiring more customers.
Referral marketing may seem less like other marketing techniques. However, if leveraged effectively, it can help you retain and attract more clients as individuals trust the opinions of people they know. Here are a few tips on how to ask for a referral:
- Ask directly
- Focus on your best clients
- Offer value
- Recognize and thank your referral source
- Make it personal
- Don’t force it
- Offer incentives
- Don’t always be direct
- Follow up and stay in touch
5. Print ads
Print isn't going extinct. In fact, it's only involving. According to statistics, 70% of Americans prefer to read printed mail, and 67% still prefer prints over digital. So if you are thinking print ads will do nothing for your business, think again!
With the help of print ads like newspapers and magazines, you can reach more potential customers. Likewise, you can feature signage with captivating graphics and engaging text at various locations to hook your audience and encourage them to contact you to learn more about your business.
6. Event Marketing
Event marketing is another awesome way to promote your business. With this marketing technique, you can create and distribute handouts or brochures at industry events, such as seminars, conventions, or conferences.
To spice things up, you can create booths, and captivating banner stands to encourage attendees to visit your booth and inquire about your business. Consider installing similar booths at local events, such as fairs or festivals, to attract local audiences. Likewise, you can partake in sponsorships, like sporting events to boost your brand recognition and awareness.
Conclusion
Traditional marketing methods aren’t extinct, they are still available, and if utilized effectively, they can help promote your business. Focus on traditional marketing techniques that appeal to your target audience. Billboard should be a priority, as it can reach a larger audience.
