Marketing isn’t always easy. How do you stand out above the noisy crowd of digital ads? Few people are using these 21 tried-and-true old-school marketing techniques.
“If you really want success… you can get a head start by looking at what everybody else is doing and do the opposite.” – Earl Nightingale
Older methods didn’t quit working when digital became popular. However, popularity doesn’t equal results. An Econsultancy survey shows 78% of businesses aren’t satisfied with their digital marketing strategy.
Why not try some of these older tactics or combine them with your digital approach? True, some older methods are not as effective today. What still works well?
1. Signage
Signs don’t just tell people your location. Think of vehicle wraps, event planning, billboards, and brand activations. Signs last for years, so choose a good sign maker for your brand and budget.
2. Sign Spinners
We’ve all seen someone in costume, spinning and flipping a sign when you stop at a red light. Thousands of views a day is well worth a small investment.
3. Promotional Items
People recognize a Trader Joe’s shopping bag as well as that ballpoint pen from the dental office. Let your customers keep a little sign or logo with your name and phone number on it.
4. Flyers
If your business is local, flyers are a low-cost way to make lots of people aware of you. Handing them out in person is great because you can tell people about your company while they can see you face to face.
5. Canvassing Neighborhoods
Door hangers, catchy lawn signs, and free swag with your logo can all bring buyers to you. Give some thought to what will appeal to your audience.
6. Direct Mail
Everyone still uses their mailbox. Many are looking for coupons and introductory rates. Discounts may reduce your profit margin, but what is a new customer worth? Don’t overlook the value you get from repeat business and referrals.
7. Free Standing Inserts (FSI)
Patrick Nycz of Newpoint Marketing claims that putting this kind of ad in a Sunday newspaper still gets the same redemption results it did 20 years ago.
8. Postcard Retargeting
This is a great new way to mix digital with a traditional method. Retarget everyone who visited your website with a postcard. This means you can send them a very relevant, engaging message that’s trackable. How to track your direct mail marketing?
9. Relationship Building
Rather than a digital banner or email, why not pick up the phone or meet someone in person? Real business is founded on building longstanding relationships and showing personal interest.
10. Eating Lunch Together
Watching people eat in a virtual meeting just isn’t the same. Once it’s safe again, many businesses are looking forward to taking potential clients and partners to lunch again.
11. Audience Face Time
There are many ways to get in front of people: collaborate with other businesses, be part of an event, or create something newsworthy and then contact a local news team.
12. Trade Shows
Business people still rely on these to keep their knowledge and methods sharp. Learn who else is in your industry. Build relationships and be a part of the show: learn to speak and use video to get your message across.
13. Word of Mouth
Make each customer happy. Work to get others to endorse you. An online or social media influencer with even a few thousand followers can boost your brand. Yet it’s still old-fashioned word-of-mouth advertising. A Nielsen study shows 92% of people trust someone else to recommend you – even when they don’t know the person who praises you.
14. Cold Calling
This works, but it works better to warm up your calls. Research your prospects to make each contact more effective. Leaving voicemails and texts can be far more productive than blasting out emails that nobody reads.
15. Blogger and Journalist Outreach
Focus on giving value before you expect anything in return. Bloggers and journalists get paid to make good content. Give them a fact or an exclusive, valuable article. You can also share what they produce. They will also likely share your words when you quote them as an expert.
16. Copywriting
People still read. Benefit-driven headlines and words still wield power. Think of an ad you remember that clearly conveyed the benefit. Strive to do the same with your words.
17. Radio Advertising
While more people now listen to podcasts and web-based streaming audio, radio is still alive and kicking. Some industries restricted from other advertising channels are finding radio ads to be a profitable method.
18. Print Advertising
It’s not dead, it is evolving. People read magazines and newspapers on their digital devices now. Certain audiences still want paper media. Advertising there can give you real opportunities.
19. Giveaways
Exclusive bundles, limited-edition merchandise, and introductory offers still work. Contests work well too. New digital tools make it easy: give people more entries when they share the news about your contest.
20. Music Jingles
Creating a short audio clip so people remember you. Sounds carry emotional power.
21. Humor
Don’t worry about competing with super bowl ads. Brainstorm something even mildly funny and share it. Entertain while you educate. People will open their wallets because you made them laugh.
CONCLUSION
These time-honored tactics might be less popular because they require real effort. Don’t be tempted by the myth of easy riches while you sit behind your keyboard. Successful people know that getting to the top requires discipline, consistency, and a push to achieve.
Traditional methods are making a comeback. Stand out above those who just bombard others with digital messages.
These old-school marketing techniques give you a reliable way to generate revenue and still fit within a reasonable budget. We enjoy helping people find marketing solutions that fit them. How can we help you today?
