Marketing

Rogue Ways Of Marketing Your Business

Arnab Dey

Marketing Jan 24, 2023

In the middle of a cost of living crisis, every single penny that you spend on promoting your business needs to see a good return on your investment.

Markets are contracting, and your share of that market will contract with it unless you put yourself out there and make more noise. Getting rid of marketing spending in order to save money is a false economy.

A better approach as times get tough is to be more clever about your marketing. Turn the volume up, adopt new and different strategies, and push your own boundaries. Seek out activities that require very little cost but could elevate you above the general hubbub and give you the added exposure that is going to bring customers to your door.

While every business is different, we’ve highlighted some of the ways you can take your marketing to a different level with a minimal budget and potentially good return. Ultimately what you decide to do will depend on your particular sector, but we hope that these ideas will get you thinking outside the box and encourage you to explore different marketing paths.

Here Are Six Prime Ways Of Marketing Your Business

1. Newsjacking

Newsjacking is the art of taking popular and trending news stories and linking them in some way to your service or product on social media. This could be anything from wishing members of the Royal family a happy birthday, to having an opinion on the latest contestants of Love Island, to making jokes about the latest political shenanigans.

Newsjacking can generate more press, increase brand awareness, and attract new eyeballs to your business.

2. Customize ALL packaging

This is particularly important for businesses with a physical business – whether you are selling luxury high-end products or basic ranges, your packaging is a constant vehicle for brand awareness.

Going through the entire life cycle of a product, from design to delivery, every stage has opportunities to customize with more brand identity. From the packaging on the shelves to the plastic pallets that are used in transportation.

3. Sponsor a local artist to create a mural on your wall

Does your business have a physical building? Could you maybe seek out a local artist who could paint you a mural on a large empty wall? You need to pay the artist (they do, after all, need to make a living!) But not only does it create a show-stopping public visual representation of your brand and company for all to see, but it can also produce its own press and publicity as something interesting and unusual.

4. Do a TikTok dance video with employees

You may want to get your younger employees involved in this – but there’s usually a song and dance trending on social media. Set aside a few minutes each day to practice, and then make it a big social event among your employees for the actual filming. It’s a great team-building exercise.

5. Engage on social media

Do you regularly post on social media? Even if you do, you need to do more than just post. You need to engage – as this is your opportunity to talk directly with potential customers.

Take some time out each day to go through and engage with the posts of people you want to be targeting. Not only will this increase your presence in front of them, but it will also help with your own algorithms and get your own posts trending on more timelines.

6. Source support from your biggest suppliers

The better you do, the better your suppliers do – partner up with your suppliers on different marketing activities and seek both financial and practical help and support from the.

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Arnab Dey

Arnab is a professional blogger, having an enormous interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, He carries out sharing sentient blogs.

Network Marketing: What Is It? Is It The Right Option For You?

Network Marketing is a type of business model that constitutes a group of people forming a network to earn from sales commissions, as well as through new joinings to the network. This system creates a flexible approach to the business, where a new member (as a salesperson) also becomes a business owner. The system has been in existence for many decades and has evolved multiple times since. In this article, you will learn the essential details about network marketing (also known as multi-level marketing). You will also learn how network marketing works, as well as the types of network marketing options with the help of which businesses operate. Finally, we will also look at some of the major advantages and disadvantages of network marketing for businesses. Hence, to learn more, read on through to the end of the article. What Is Network Marketing? According to Investopedia, “Network marketing is a business model that depends on person-to-person sales by independent representatives, often working from home. A network marketing business may require you to build a network of business partners or salespeople to assist with lead generation and closing sales. There are many reputable network marketing operations, but some have been denounced as pyramid schemes.” The network marketing businesses that run through pyramid schemes focus more on the recruitment of salespeople. This is because new salespeople are required to pay upfront for expensive starter kits. For these payments, the people up the order in the pyramid get commissions. Most companies that you will come across run through pyramid schemes. Hence, if you are looking to join a network marketing company, make sure that it is not a scam. Most companies with pyramid schemes have been banned due to running scams. Therefore, research is essential before you are looking to join a network marketing business. Some of the most famous network marketing companies are Amway, Avon Products, Tupperware, Herbalife Nutrition, etc. Read More: Market Segmentation: Definition, Types, Benefits, And More How Does Network Marketing Work? - Types Of Network Marketing Every network marketing business focuses on sales as the most important factor. In such a business, a core sales team specializing in sales starts selling products and brings in new salespeople. Here, each of the salespersons in the core team brings in new salespersons, thus creating a new tier. Each of the salespersons in the new tier creates another tier in the same way. This is how the team takes the shape of a pyramid as the tiers increase. With more tiers, the team gets more salespeople, who add to more sales of the business. The salespeople earn commission based on the number of items they sell. however, there is an interesting catch in this business model. With each sale, the people up the order get commissions based on their rank. However, this feature is different in many companies. Types Of Network Marketing The following are the major types of network marketing options: 1. Single-Tier Here, the salespersons in the team earn based on direct commission. Getting another tier of people is not compulsory. Here, affiliate marketing strategies come into play. 2. Two-Tier In this case, apart from earning direct sales commissions, salespersons also earn through commissions for new recruits. 3. Multi-Tier Marketing It consists of more than two tiers of people. Both direct sales commissions and indirect recruitment commissions are available in this case. Network Marketing - Scam Or Legit? Many network marketing businesses had their rise during the COVID-19 lockdowns. As people were locked in their homes, they were looking to make more money. Since the internet was a huge relief for many, and social media users grew, many people started online counterpart to advertise their products and brands. This led to many such businesses getting bigger. However, there were many scams as well. According to Wall Street Mojo, “By recognizing the potential for such gig works, many businesses exploited the people looking for jobs by making them pay upfront for training materials. Their objective is to earn money from people in the name of a business. Thus, the pyramid schemes focus not on customers but on workers who become the bait.” What Are The Advantages Of Network Marketing? Here are some of the major advantages of network marketing that you will benefit from: It helps to bring together people who are sales enthusiasts. For many people, it offers a secondary source of income by acting as an affiliate. They only pay those who contribute to sales, which is a gain for the business. The company does not need to think about recruitment or providing additional benefits to employees. In most cases, the business supplies quality products. What Are The Disadvantages Of Network Marketing? According to Entrepreneur.com, “Things can get sticky when a network marketing network compensates participants primarily for recruiting others rather than for selling the company's products or services. A network marketing system in which most of the revenue comes from recruitment may be considered an illegal pyramid scheme.” The following are a few disadvantages of network marketing, which you must be aware of: It is difficult to predict the production targets for the business. Manufacturers have a limited role in facilitating the distribution of the products. Too much focus on creating a pyramid of salespersons and earning through commission leads the business to trouble. New distributors have to spend a lot at the start. Many businesses are found to be scams. Read More: Micromarketing – What Is It? How Does It Work? Pros And Cons Wrapping Up Hope this article was helpful for you to get a better idea of what network marketing is and how it works. You might have already understood that it is mostly suits those people who have high energy and top-end sales skills. If you are confident about building a profitable business with a modest investment, network marketing can be a good option for you. You can choose a single-tier, two-tier, or multi-tier approach based on what you are comfortable with. However, research well before you join a network marketing company. Do you think this can really help in achieving financial independence? Share your thoughts on the matter in the comments section below. Read Also: Marketing Mix – What Are The 4 Ps Of Marketing? Market Orientation – What Is It, And How Does It Work? Market Cannibalization – Definition, How Does It Work, Example, And More

The Power Of Brand Storytelling In Marketing

In an ever-increasingly competitive global marketplace, consumers find themselves bombarded from all angles with messages from companies vying for business. The power of brand storytelling cannot be underestimated — it’s a potent tool that, when used properly, can cut through the daily noise of other companies’ marketing, and connect in a more personal and lasting way with an audience. In a world driven by digital experiences, the art of storytelling is more important than ever, as it allows brands to humanize their identity, foster emotional connections, and build unwavering customer loyalty — the last of which is at a premium when it comes to repeat business. Digital experiences are dominant in the world of marketing and storytelling, but there is room for more traditional marketing techniques alongside that. Let’s take a closer look. Beyond Products And Services ‘Experience’ and ‘journey’ have become watchwords in modern marketing. In a marketplace saturated with similar products and services, brands are discovering that consumers are not merely purchasing a product; they are investing in an experience. Through storytelling, brands can make consumers feel that they are making not only a purchase but a lifestyle choice. A great example is Apple, whose brand narrative revolves around innovation, creativity, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. By telling stories that go beyond the features of their products and instead focus on how these products fit into the lives of their users, Apple has created a brand identity that extends beyond technology – it's about inspiration and lifestyle. It has also always appealed to the end user rather than focusing on business computing solutions. Fostering Emotional Connections Brand storytelling can evoke a sense of emotion in consumers — effective storytelling involves the customer in the spirit and mission of the brand. Take Nike's "Just Do It" campaign, for instance. The brand isn't sportswear; it sells the spirit of determination, the will to overcome obstacles, and the joy of achieving one's goals. Consumers are buying into empowerment and athleticism. Branding Techniques It’s no secret that digital channels are far and away the most popular in today’s marketplace — after all, everyone is glued to their phones half the time. Powerful visual imagery can indeed be communicated effectively via video campaigns and social media messages. But there is also space for more traditional methods — printed materials can also effectively build brand awareness and storytelling. Print also has a longer lifespan than digital content, which is often scrolled past. A tangible object you can read can often communicate your brand message more effectively. No matter what your product or service is, combining digital and traditional methods will increase your level of communication with your customers. Differentiation And Trust In a competitive market, where products and services often appear interchangeable, brand storytelling becomes a powerful tool for differentiation. When consumers are faced with a myriad of choices, they are more likely to gravitate towards brands with narratives that align with their values and beliefs. We live in an era where authenticity is highly valued, and brand storytelling serves as a vehicle for building trust. Consumers are more likely to engage with brands they perceive as genuine and authentic. Storytelling provides an avenue for brands to showcase their values, origins, and the people behind the scenes, creating a transparent and relatable image. The Everlasting Impact On Customer Loyalty While storytelling can be a powerful tool for attracting new customers, its real strength lies in its ability to cultivate customer loyalty, and this is the key to a successful relationship between company and client. Repeat business is at a premium, and when consumers connect with a brand's story, they are more likely to become repeat customers and brand advocates. This loyalty extends beyond the product; it becomes a loyalty to the brand's narrative, values, and the emotions associated with it. Starbucks is a good example of this. By consistently telling this story through its marketing and portraying itself as a home-away-from-home, Starbucks has not only built a loyal customer base but has also become synonymous with the experience of a comforting and welcoming environment. What Is The Importance Of Brand Storytelling, And How Do You Tell One? The brand story has its own importance. It helps the customer comprehend your position and identity in the business world. At the same time, brand stories help understand the reason behind your existence. It will help an individual become your loyal customer. So, let's get going with the discussion so that you form a transparent idea. However, let's try to understand how to write down a brand story. Highlight The Conflict Within Your Story The readers come across hundreds and thousands of data and content. Hence, you have to create a level of interest and charm to connect with the audience. One of the first steps to create a brand story is to highlight the conflict within the story. If you evoke the crisis, only then can you make a storyline that arrests the attention of the audience. You Have To Create The Status Quo Another important aspect that is related to brand storytelling is the status quo. Consumers are faced with overwhelming amounts of messages from brands every single day. Getting your message across can often rely on effective storytelling and taking your customers on a journey with your products and services. Remember, a conflict helps force the protagonists to look for solutions. If there is no crisis in life, then life will be completely bland. In sum, the structure of your brand must first have the status quo, then the conflict, and finally, the resolution of the conflict. Brand Storytelling Story Telling Is Central To Content Marketing Employing brand storytelling is very potent. The humans react to the narrative in a complex way. If you successfully work on your storytelling, then it makes retention quite easy. You have to create the foundation of the story that is very much emotional. Again, good storytelling helps create authenticity. It is found in a study that around 90 percent of buyers believe in authentic stories. So, if you successfully create brand authenticity, then there is a high chance that you will quit strong marketing storytelling. Read Also: How To Improve Energy Efficiency In Your Data Centre Money Tap Loan App: Information, Eligibility Criteria, Interest Rates, Review & More Virtual Data Rooms: What They Are And Their Critical Importance For Businesses

Micromarketing – What Is It? How Does It Work? Pros And Cons

Micromarketing is a marketing strategy that businesses adopt to target new audiences by collecting data about the consumption habits of the target audience. Hence, while promoting their products and services, it gets easier for businesses to design and implement their marketing strategies to work for niche audiences. It is one of the most effective strategies businesses use to market their brand. In this article, you will get a general idea of Micromarketing and how it works for business. Apart from that, we will also discuss the various levels of micromarketing that businesses go through to market their products and services. Finally, we will also look at some of the major advantages and disadvantages of micromarketing. Hence, to learn more about this marketing strategy, read on through to the end of the article. What Is Micromarketing? According to Investopedia, “Micromarketing is an approach to advertising that tends to target a specific group of people in a niche market. With micromarketing, products or services are marketed directly to a targeted group of customers. To make use of micromarketing techniques, a company has to narrowly define an audience by a particular characteristic, such as gender, job title, age, or geography, and then create campaigns geared toward that specific group.” However, on the other hand, micromarketing is also one of the most expensive marketing techniques to implement. This is because there are various issues related to the procurement of data and customization, as well as a lack of an economy of scale. Despite its limitations, micromarketing seems to be a very cost-effective option if it is implemented correctly. This is due to the reason that there is a big return on investment, as compared to the efforts that the company puts into marketing. Apart from that, micromarketing also enables the business to build a personal relationship with the customers. It is really easy to learn about the needs and demands of the customers with the help of micro-marketing. One of the major reasons for this is that businesses gather data related to consumption types, location, and other demographic factors. Hence, in the long run, the company gets a loyal customer base as time passes. Read More: Market Segmentation: Definition, Types, Benefits, And More How Does Micromarketing Work? With the help of micromarketing, companies select a narrow population of their target audience based on the latter’s unique needs and demands. They do this to market their products and services to maximum effect so that there is a better return on investment. According to Wall Street Mojo, “Due to customization and a lack of economies of scale, it may be more expensive than other marketing strategies. However, for firms working in a cutthroat market, marketing is essential. Companies utilize marketing to grow their customer base, sales, brand recognition, and profits.” However, whether the company will have long-term viability or not depends on the level of its marketing efforts. No matter how many sales the company makes, it is still essential for the company to determine its target market in detail. Otherwise, it will be difficult to launch a successful marketing effort. With the help of social media, micromarketing reached new heights. This is because it is easier to procure data from social media analytics. Based on the interaction of the consumers, as well as their likes and dislikes, companies segregate audiences into various categories. Micromarketing: An Example Red Bull is a company that used micromarketing as a strategy to target their audience. They targeted the youth who loved to participate in extreme sports. Hence, they considered building a marketing strategy around that. According to the Corporate Finance Institute, “The energy drink manufacturer started sponsoring extreme sports events, such as cliff diving in Hawaii and skateboarding in San Francisco. It created excitement among the youth, who were attracted to the energy drink. Other extreme sporting events that Red Bull sponsors are rock climbing, windsurfing, and Formula One racing.” What Are The Major Levels Of Micromarketing? The following are the levels of micromarketing that companies use: 1. Customer Segments: Here, companies choose a market and break it down into segments using different data and marketing methods. 2. Customer Niches: The companies then find target customers who have similar preferences for products and the ones that act as a group. 3. Local Areas: Here, companies identify local areas, and this factor helps companies specify the type of marketing to use and get an idea of the segment that uses the product. 4. Individuals: Here, companies get data on the habits of consumers. They, therefore, collect information at the individual level to understand the marketing segment. The Major Advantages And Disadvantages Of Micromarketing The following are the major advantages and disadvantages of micromarketing for businesses: Advantages Of Micromarketing Here are some of the major advantages of micromarketing a business benefits from: It is really a cost-effective marketing tool Businesses of all types and sizes can use this marketing strategy A company is able to know every detail related to consumer habits and customizes its products and services accordingly It is easier for the target audience to provide feedback A better Customer loyalty Disadvantages Of Micromarketing Here are a few disadvantages of micromarketing that businesses must be aware of: Research consumes a lot of time. The company gets stereotyped as one product. Failure of implementation leads to a lot of risk. A smaller customer base might saturate later. Acquisition of new customers can happen at a higher cost than usual. There is a higher chance of missing the target audience. Read More: Marketing Mix – What Are The 4 Ps Of Marketing? Wrapping Up The goal of micromarketing is to create a highly targeted and niche audience based on various factors like profession, age, gender, location, etc. This is done to make sure that brands can convey their message through advertisements fast. This type of marketing strategy also allows businesses to have a loyal customer base, which helps the business to grow better. A company’s ultimate target with micromarketing is to target a group of customers and enable them to take action to buy the offerings of the company. Do you have anything to add regarding the role of micromarketing in business? Share your ideas and opinions with us in the comments section below. Read Also: What Is Social Entrepreneurship? – Steps To Become A Successful Social Entrepreneur Business Entrepreneurship – What Should You Know Before You Start A Business? What Are The Different Types Of Entrepreneurship? – Take A Look

The Power Of SEO: Elevating Your Online Presence

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a digital marketing strategy focusing on enhancing a website's visibility in search engine results. It involves optimizing website design, content, and coding, use of relevant keywords, building high-quality backlinks, and ensuring mobile-friendliness. This increases organic (non-paid) traffic from search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo, thus boosting brand awareness, credibility, and customer engagement. Hiring an SEO analyst for a website is critical in today's digital age. They optimize your website to achieve higher search engine rankings, increasing your site's visibility. More visibility leads to more traffic, potentially translating into higher sales or wider audience reach. Moreover, an SEO analyst understands the latest trends and algorithms, keeping your site relevant. Thus, an SEO analyst plays a crucial role in the online success and growth of your business. Understanding SEO SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, works by enhancing various elements of a website so it appears higher in search engine results. It involves the incorporation of relevant keywords and phrases in a website's content, such that search engine 'crawlers' can identify them. This, along with other factors like UX/UI design and backlinks, helps improve website ranking and visibility, thereby generating more organic traffic. SEO is a critical aspect of digital marketing strategy. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) offers several benefits to your website. It improves your site's visibility and rankings on search engines, thereby increasing organic traffic. With SEO, you can target specific demographics and convert visitors into customers by enhancing the user experience through relevant content. It also builds your brand credibility, as search engines are trusted by users. Plus, it's a cost-effective strategy for long-term business growth. The Significant Role of an SEO Analyst An SEO Analyst is responsible for improving a company's online presence by optimizing its websites for search engines. Their duties encompass researching and implementing keyword strategies, improving website ranking and traffic, analyzing performance through SEO tools, and generating reports to illustrate progress. They also work on website design to ensure it is user-friendly and often cooperate with content creators to incorporate SEO best practices. The overall aim is to increase visibility and conversions. An experienced SEO Analyst can profoundly impact a business website. Their expertise can optimize a website's visibility, increase its ranking on search engine result pages, boost organic traffic, and improve conversion rates. The analyst's ability to perform comprehensive keyword research, analyze competitors, and understand algorithm changes is vital to maximize the site's potential. Essentially, the expertise of an SEO Analyst can elevate a business's online presence and increase revenue. The impact of SEO on website visibility SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, plays a significant role in enhancing website traffic. It involves optimizing a website and its content with relevant keywords, enhancing the site’s visibility in search results. SEO not only helps in attracting more visitors but also attracts quality traffic with higher conversion potential. The more SEO-friendly a website is, the higher it ranks on search engines like Google, leading to increased visibility and consequently higher website traffic. Website ranking on search results is crucial for digital visibility and business growth. It directly affects the amount of traffic your website receives. A higher rank increases the chance of internet users finding and engaging with your business. It's also a sign of credibility and relevance to both search engines and users, contributing to user trust and brand reputation. Therefore, optimizing your website for search engine ranking is an essential part of online marketing strategies. Choosing the right SEO Analyst When hiring an SEO Analyst, consider their analytical skills, understanding of SEO trends, and proficiency in SEO tools. Experience in keyword research, content optimization, link building, and SEO audits is vital. They should understand your business niche and have a proven track record of improving website rankings. It’s also crucial that they possess excellent communication skills to effectively articulate strategies and suggest improvements. A certified SEO Analyst with technical expertise can drive your business's online visibility. When examining an individual's portfolio or previous work, look for consistent quality, creativity, and versatility. Ensure that their style aligns with your project or company's aesthetic. Their portfolio should showcase a range of skills and be updated with their most recent work. It's also essential to assess practical elements like their ability to meet deadlines and their responsiveness to feedback. If possible, look for testimonials or seek out reviews of their past performance. The process of SEO analysis A typical SEO audit involves an examination of a website's on-page and off-page performance to determine its rank-ability on search engines. This process includes analysis of website speed, mobile-friendliness, URL structure, meta descriptions, keyword relevancy, and backlinks. The audit aims to identify issues that could be hindering the site's organic search performance and provides recommendations for necessary improvements to enhance SEO effectiveness. Continuous SEO monitoring and updating are vital for maintaining and enhancing the online visibility of a website. It helps keep your site relevant in ever-changing digital landscapes by adapting to updated algorithms, user behavior, and market trends. Continuous SEO activities not only ensure a higher ranking in search engine results, but also improve user experience, leading to increased traffic, conversion rates, and return on investment. Without consistent SEO monitoring and updates, even the best-planned strategies can become ineffective. The potential ROI on hiring an SEO Analyst An SEO analyst can significantly increase your revenue by improving your website's visibility on search engines. They devise strategies to amplify your content's reach, ensuring it appears in relevant keyword-related searches. This increases your chance of attracting and converting prospective clients, driving more high-quality organic traffic to your site. With their expertise in user experience, conversion optimization, and web analytics, an SEO analyst assists in creating an engaging and user-friendly website that heightens customer retention and boosts sales. Hiring an SEO analyst may seem expensive initially; however, the potential benefits often outweigh the costs. An SEO analyst can boost your website's ranking on search engines, increasing visibility and bringing more organic traffic. Higher traffic usually translates to more leads and sales, subsequently improving your business's revenue. Thus, though the upfront costs for hiring an SEO analyst can be high, the potential return on investment can make it a financially valuable decision. Read Also: How To Optimize Your SEO Strategy For Startups The Benefits Of Hiring An SEO Company In Los Angeles Apptivo CRM Review: The Most Versatile All-In-One CRM Tool

Rogue Ways Of Marketing Your Business