Anything you can do to give your business a competitive edge is something you should aim to do if you possibly can, After all, businesses in just about every niche have a lot of competition today, often global, and if you want your business to be the one your audience chooses, you need to be visible and you need to be convincing.
That being the case, let’s take a look at some effective, but lesser utilised marketing techniques that you should try today if you want to really stand out and beat out the competition.
1. Mystery mail
In an age where everything is digital, receiving physical mail has a unique charm of its own, providing said mail is valuable and that it is not sent so often that it becomes little more than junk mail spam.
So, if your business has stopped sending out physical mailers in favor of emails you might want to think again, Sending out three or four physical letters each year, containing special offers, or maybe glossy catalogs that engage the reader, could be a great way to increase your engagement.
You can even elevate the experience by sending mystery packages containing unique branded merchandise, samples, or exclusive offers to a selected group of customers. The surprise and curiosity ignited by such unexpected mail can create a buzz and foster a deeper connection with your audience.
2. Private number plates
This might seem like a bit of an odd suggestion at first, but if you have a local business, it’s a genius idea when you think about it. Private plates are always there right on your car and they are obviously something different from the norm, so they will absolutely catch the eye of potential customers in the vicinity.
So, why not tailor your private plates to mirror your brand’s slogan or name, subtly creating brand awareness wherever the vehicle travels?
3. Art installations
Why not take our brand to the streets with artistic installations that resonate with your brand message. Collaborate with local artists to create immersive art pieces that engage passersby and encourage them to interact with your brand on a physical and emotional level and they will be much more drawn in and invested in your marketing, and more importantly, in your brand. It’s a beautiful blend of creativity and marketing that can capture the imagination of potential customers in a way that many online ads would simply not be able to do. Sure, it’s not the cheapest option, but when you think about how many people it could touch, it is definitely an avenue worth considering.
4. Silent disco promotions
Imagine hosting a silent disco where attendees are given wireless headphones and can groove to the music of their choice. How does this help you to market your business? During the event, you can subtly incorporate your brand by offering branded headphones, setting up branded photo booths, or even weaving in product promotions between the music tracks. If you’re looking for a hip, modern way to promote your business, this is a fun and immersive way to do so that will foster a sense of fun and engagement at every turn.
5. Augmented Reality (AR) experiences
If you want to bring your marketing effort right up to date, then you are going to want to harness the power of augmented reality by creating experiences that bring your products to life. Develop AR apps where customers can interact with your products virtually, perhaps even trying them before making a purchase, and not only will you create a real buzz around your business, but you will also give your customers a novel and interactive shopping experience which will make them more inclined to shop with you, if only to see what it is like to be able to try clothes on in virtual reality, for example.
6. Plant a tree campaign
Take a step towards corporate social responsibility by initiating a ‘Plant a Tree’ campaign that is sponsored by your business. For every product sold, pledge to plant a tree in the customer’s name. This is a shrewd move that not only showcases your brand’s commitment to the environment but also fosters a positive brand image, encouraging customers to make a purchase and make a difference at the same time, The environment is a very real concern to so many people right now, so giving them the chance to do good when they choose your business is always going to be a big hit.
7. Flash mob marketing
A lot of people think the flash mob is dead, but it can still be a very well-utilized marketing tool if you innovate and do it in a new and unique way, so it is definitely something you should still be considering in 2023 and beyond.
To take advantage of this particular technique, simply organise a flash mob where a group of people suddenly assemble in a public place to perform a coordinated dance or act which subtly promotes your brand. Look at some old flash mobs, and try to work out how you can do your promotion in a different way, but be sure to have fun with it because the more fun and engaging it is, the better a job it will do of marketing your stuff.
8. Scavenger hunt promotions
Create a buzz around your product launch or an event by organising a scavenger hunt for your target audience to embark on and it will not only be lots of fun, but it will also put your brand at front and centre.
Customers can hunt for clues scattered across different platforms, maybe even offline, leading them to win exclusive prizes or unveil new products – whatever is easier for you – and it will be the most fun they have had with a brand in a long time!
Try any of these lesser-utilised marketing techniques for your business and you will not be disappointed with the interest they generate or the sales they create.
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