Thinking outside the email inbox is a must in modern marketing. Your customers and prospects are inundated with emails. If they are anything like me, they often overlook or delete them.
If you want to reach your audience and make an impact, consider these alternative approaches:
Direct Mail:
Direct mail is a tangible and personalized way to engage with your audience. It can make a strong impression and is less likely to be ignored compared to emails. Target-target-target. If your mail piece and message stand out in the mail box, you can make a tremendous impact.
Social Media:
Leverage social media platforms to connect with your audience. You need to create engaging content, run targeted ads, and actively engage with your followers. Social media can be a powerful channel for building brand awareness and fostering a community.
Content Marketing:
Develop high-quality content such as blog posts, videos, podcasts, or infographics that provide value to your target audience. You will want to share this content on your website and social media channels to attract and engage potential customers.
SMS Marketing:
Use text messages for marketing purposes. Send personalized offers, promotions, or important updates directly to your customers’ mobile devices. Make sure you stay in compliance with relevant regulations (e.g., TCPA in the United States) and obtain consent where necessary.
Messenger Apps:
Explore messaging apps or chatbots on your website to provide customer support and information for your customers and prospects in real time. Some people simply like to communicate by chat. engage with users in real-time. There are lots of apps out there you can use (I use the one from HubSpot)
Video Marketing:
Create engaging and informative videos to showcase your products or services. Videos can be shared on platforms like YouTube, social media, or embedded in your website. Did you know that YouTube is the second largest search engine?
Podcasting:
Start a podcast to share your expertise, interview industry influencers, and connect with your target audience in a more personal and conversational way. In this case, you are moving outside the traditional email inbox to a more “aural” approach.
Webinars and Live Events:
Host webinars, virtual workshops, or live events to educate your audience, answer their questions, and interact with them in real-time. If you’re participating in live events, make sure you are prepared with branded collateral. Live events are very in right now.
Influencer Marketing:
Collaborate with influencers or thought leaders in your industry to reach a broader and more engaged audience. Influencers can help build trust and credibility for your brand.
Community Building:
Create online communities or forums where your customers can interact with each other and with your brand. This fosters a sense of belonging and can lead to customer advocacy.
Partnerships and Collaborations:
Partner with complementary businesses or organizations to co-promote products or services. Cross-promotions can expand your reach and introduce your brand to new audiences.
Customer Advocacy:
Encourage your satisfied customers to become advocates for your brand. Word-of-mouth referrals and testimonials can be powerful tools for acquiring new customers. Make sure your customer reviews are on your direct mail and your website.
Outdoor Advertising:
Consider billboards, transit advertising, or other out-of-home advertising options to reach a local or regional audience.
Print Publications:
Advertise in industry-specific magazines, newspapers, or newsletters that your target audience reads.
Guerrilla Marketing:
Use unconventional and creative marketing tactics to surprise and engage your audience. Guerrilla marketing campaigns often generate buzz and media coverage.
Experiential Marketing:
Create memorable in-person experiences or immersive online experiences that allow customers to interact with your brand in a unique way. Think surprises of the best kind.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR):
Explore AR and VR technologies to create interactive and immersive marketing experiences. These technologies can be particularly effective in industries like real estate, retail, and entertainment.
Custom Apps:
Develop a mobile app that provides value to your customers, whether through convenience, entertainment, or information.
Remember that the key to successful marketing is understanding your target audience. This way you can tailor your approach to their preferences and behaviors. Make sure you continually analyze your responses so you can tweak your strategies, stay ahead of the competition – and achieve the best results.