Marketing Idea #87: Demonstrations Work

Marketing Ideas Demonstrations Work

Many a cheap diaper has been bought because of commercials showing it can hold the contents of an entire water balloon. Whether at trade shows or in your TV ads or videos, demonstrations prove your products work. This is why those late-night infomercials are so successful. Even brochures can illustrate a step-by-step … Read more

Marketing Ideas #32-37: Navigating Networking Events

Marketing Ideas Who to Look for at Networking Events

You’ve arrived at the latest networking event. You have your name tag. You have your drink. You’re looking sharp. Now what? If you arrived at the event with someone else, you shouldn’t be standing around talking to that person all night. You’re there to make new connections. #32: Don’t be afraid to … Read more

Target Marketing: Speak Directly to Your Target Audience

Marketing Ideas Careers Ad

The other day, I stumbled across an ad that caught my attention. The ad was for Careers 2.0, a site dedicated to programmers and the programming industry. What I found remarkable about this ad was the laser-fine focus it possessed. This ad was so specific about its target audience, there could be … Read more

Marketing Idea #41: Brew the Best

Marketing Ideas Tea Time

Always offer fresh, high-quality coffee or tea. Make sure it’s good. It’s this kind of touch that shows you care about your customers. You might also want to offer bottled water for those who don’t care for coffee or tea. There is nothing worse than a company that cares so little about … Read more

Marketing Idea #52: Join an Art Hop

Marketing Ideas Art Hop

Participate in a local gallery hop, where local artists bring their wares to display at a collection of stores and businesses. Maps of participating businesses are provided, and the event is advertised throughout the community. Businesses may serve appetizers and beverages to visitors on the tour, and artists may be present to … Read more

Marketing Idea #56: Conduct a Seminar

Marketing Ideas Hold a Seminar

Offer an adult education class or seminar. This may be something you conduct through a local school or university, or it could be offered through a local business association or group. Your intent is to bring value to the attendees and the program hosts and to become known. Variation: Spread the wealth. … Read more

Marketing Idea #49: Community Day

Marketing Ideas Community Day

Hold a Community Day. Offer your goods or services to your local community at a free or reduced cost. Work with other local businesses and the media to promote your event. This is a great way to give back to the community and bring in new customers who have not visited your … Read more

Marketing Idea #70: Make the Media Your Partner

Marketing Ideas Editorial Reviews

Consider approaching your local media stations (radio, television, newspaper) to discuss the possibility of a partnership to raise community awareness on your issue or industry. With the right spin, you will be able to broaden the awareness in your local market while also sponsoring community discussion at city council meetings, festivals, and … Read more

Marketing Idea #69: Rush-Hour Interviews

Marketing Ideas Rush Hour Interviews

Offer to be available for comment or interviews on your effort. Television or radio news programs are always interested in talking with local experts who can speak to the issues faced by the community, especially during rush-hour radio broadcasts or early morning/late evening TV programming. The broader your topic, the more appealing … Read more

Dispelling 7 Common SEO Myths

SEO Case Study: Content is NOT King

(Excerpt from Ideas Online, as seen in the Marketing Ideas Academy, Module 4, Online Marketing.) Let us begin by dispelling a few myths about the art and science of search engine optimization (SEO). Myth #1: If you purchase a new domain with maximum information per square inch, you’ll rank higher in the … Read more

Marketing Idea #103: Selling to Salons

Marketing Ideas Selling to Salons

Are you in the business of helping small business owners market themselves? A good place to start could be hair salons and spas. They tend to be a little more “cutting edge” (heh.. pun intended..) and may see the vision you paint more clearly. Before introducing yourself through a form letter, cold … Read more

Marketing Idea #80: Send Cards

Marketing Ideas Send Cards

Send greeting cards to mark social events, such as holidays, wedding anniversaries, or birthdays. This adds a personal touch that will be remembered. Tip 1: Too busy to fill out all the cards? Hire it out. These services are available. Tip 2: You know those custom cards you had printed out? If … Read more