Offline Marketing for Everyone
As much as digital marketing has taken over, it cannot be said that it can fill in all the blanks of marketing. At times you need to switch off your PC and do some good old offline marketing and there are plenty of ideas especially for a startup company.
1. Get creative with your business cards
Investing in well-made business cards is one of the most effective ways to get your business out there. Set your brand apart by choosing a unique design that reflects your brand values and creativity. Always ensure that everyone who is anyone in your company has their own to give away, because you never know when they’ll need to share your business details with a prospective client.
2. Make the most out of your printed marketing material
Another way to get your brand message out to your target market is to give away printed marketing material. Flyer printing may seem like an old tactic, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t get results. Go the extra mile and innovate beyond the standard template. There are a lot of creative ways you can get your target market’s attention using flyers and pamphlets, so make sure yours are practical for reading, keeping, and saving.
Sourced from: http://articles.bplans.com/10-effective-offline-marketing-ideas-for-startups-in-2015/
The way you dress is how you will be addressed and the same can be said about how you package your products or services. Before customers buy something or require a service, they must feel that the product or service is appealing and therefore what they see on the outside is what they immediately assume that they will get on the inside.
Packaging is a key part of the marketing plan for any business that makes or sells products. A product’s package can be the selling point for many consumers by delivering a sense of quality while also reflecting the product’s brand image. It is critical in retail sales, where the right packaging design can attract the consumer’s eye and make the product stand out next to a rack of the competitor’s product.
Consumer Behavior
Color and design in packaging can have a noticeable effect on shopping behaviors, writes Consumer Reports.org. Color is often used in packaging to attract attention, but colors also must be taken in the context of the product’s marketing goals. For example, children’s cereal packaging has many bright colors that attract their eyes; health-focused cereals will have more whites and pastels to project a softer, more adult image. Brands with strong color patterns should incorporate them into the packaging design.
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Branded Packaging
Customers will associate a brand’s image with how its product is packaged. Technology products often come in sleek and unique packaging to reinforce the image of innovation that the company’s brand aims to project. Beverages may have unique bottle designs and the packaging for a food product could feature a design that makes it easier to eat. The brand image that the product’s packaging promotes should differentiate it from competitors, which can be difficult when the products are similar.
Sourced from: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/packaging-affect-consumers-70612.html
Another wonderful avenue of marketing your business is taking advantage of holidays and celebrating them together with your loyal customers. You can send them cards; have a holiday sale or even giveaways.
1. Start a gift card program
Many businesses can benefit from a gift card program during the holiday season and all year long. According to Giftcards.com, gift cards enable small businesses to compete with national chains, bring in new business and help small businesses form long-lasting relationships with customers. There are many types of gift card programs — using a gift card vendor, in-store only cards and prepaid cards — and all of them keep business coming through your doors long after the holidays are over.
2. Plan for seasonal giveaways
Consumers are bombarded with deals during the holiday season so it takes a very strategic effort to have your business rise to the top and get the attention it deserves. Consider giving away a big ticket item through a raffle or other randomized drawing. This serves two main purposes: You generate a buzz about your business and you can collect customer information via email opt-ins that bolster your future marketing activities.
Sourced from: http://www.carbonite.com/en/resources/carbonite-blog/five-ways-to-use-the-holiday-season-to-promote-your-business/