Friday, May 30, 2014

10 Old School Marketing Tactics That Work in 2014

Mankind has taken a huge step forward in this digital age. A lot has changed from what you know a decade ago. However, some things (that still matter) remain the same. Marketing strategies are a perfect example. In many ways, the strategies are so advanced than ever imagined by people. Thanks to innovation and advances in science and technologies. But, if you will look closer, the most effective marketing techniques haven’t evolved much in centuries.

The methods below are 10 old school marketing tactics that work in 2014. These methods may not have the same appeal as the word “mobile,” “smartphone,” “Internet,” etc. But, they will never be out of style. There’s no 100% guarantee that these methods can significantly boost your sales but, absolutely, there’s nothing to lose if you include them to your marketing agenda.

1. Promotional Gifts

Promotional gifts or giveaways are an excellent example of a marketing tactic that has actually existed since men learned the concept of trading. There are many benefits of utilizing promotional products. One of them is that you can reach a mass of customers with a small price tag. Remember that a simple promotional item is a smart move to gain customer loyalty.
Also, your giveaways are a simple tool that can increase brand recognition for your business and it can serve as your alternative business card. Promotional item makes your brand easily remembered. For example, if you are a bar owner, giving away bottle openers with your bar’s logo is a perfect choice because the item represents your bar and your logo is imprinted on it so customers will easily recall what kind of service you offer.

2. Coupons or Mailers

By spending time to send coupons or mailers to certain locations, service and product companies can locate their best potential clients. Based on psychographic and demographic information, a company can develop a mailing list containing its market niche. For example, a company offering garage door maintenance can focus on neighborhoods that are about five to ten years old which is the standard life of a garage door.
Mailers and coupons also serve as a physical reminder about a product or service. If it captures the interest of a customer, he or she can take an action anytime.

3. Lead Buying or Mailing Lists

Though mailing lists have somewhat updated into what is called email marketing campaigns today, buying qualified leads and direct mailing lists are still reliable marketing approaches. First of all, a company can buy a mailing list that comprises its target audience. Some list providers can also make available a customized mailing list that best matches its marketing campaign.

4. Slogans, Jingles and Pitches

The power to attract and to remember is still effective with slogans, pitches and jingles. Using catchy and memorable phrases and songs can help your product or service stick in the minds of your audience. Experts believe that music can enhance a person’s memory for advertising slogans, thus it also enhances brand recall.

5. Sign Spinning

It is low cost yet an effective marketing technique that can capture the attention of a passerby. Sign spinners on commercial areas can help in brand recognition. You can direct your customers to go to your store through these spinners. Many researches have confirmed the effectiveness of this approach. A dancing mannequin can grab the attention of many people and recognize your brand, thus it leads to increasing traffic into your business so you can have more chances to increase sales.

6. Headlines

Putting up headlines that get read is a challenge, but it can significantly improve your revenues. In fact, it is considered as the most important part of a print ad. Ads perform much better if you can convince your audience to read the entire ad through an interesting headline.

7. Branding or Image Advertising

Image advertising is one’s attempt to build a favorable or positive mental image of a product or company in mind of customers. Advertising a product or service by associating it to a specific lifestyle or value can increase awareness of consumers, can influence the buying behavior of a consumer and convert the customer’s awareness into familiarity.

8. Promotion During Events

Traditionally, promoting products during an event usually happens in a narrow booth. You would put your company’s logo on a sign and wait for someone who is willing to know more about your service or product. At present, this is still effective, especially if you will revolutionize your presence at an event. For example, attendees of the event may need a comfortable area where they can talk and charge their devices. You can set up your space into a relaxing space while you can actively promote your product.

9. Sending Updates to Mailing List

There’s nothing wrong with spamming updates to your mailing list. It is a low cost and overzealous approach used by marketers. Whether you are sending direct mails or electronic ones, sending updates to your list is an effective brand recall. Of course, sending regular updates can lead your audience to believe that you are a real expert with your product or service.

10. Lend a Helping Hand to Your Audience

Do not underestimate the power of providing help or assistance to your target market. You should spend ample time replying to their comments and answer their questions. Some customers might send you direct mails. Some can send emails or post questions to your website or reach you via social media. Never consider it a waste of your time to be concerned to their needs. It will also show how good you are about your product's benefits so you will also gain their trust.

These are ten of the old school marketing techniques that are still useful this year 2014. Aside from these tactics, if you want to become successful in advertising and marketing your business, you should refrain from focusing on ways how to make fast money. Instead, you should concentrate on the long-term payoff of building your brand’s reputation.

Traditional marketing strategies are always part of today’s world, despite the evolution in technology and people’s enthusiasm with social media. Physical presence and personal outreach are still a must to gain clients. Of course, a clean and respected reputation of your company that can only be achieved through high quality products and services can further improve your business. For 2014, you can have a better business by simply following these strategies.

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