As a small business owner, you know the importance of effective marketing strategies. You want to reach as many potential customers as possible and stand out from the competition—not an easy feat in today’s crowded marketplace! Fortunately, there are some unconventional marketing strategies that can be used to gain attention and convert leads into loyal customers. From content-based advertising to creating interactive experiences; these strategies give your small business a competitive edge and make it easier for potential customers to find the products or services you provide. In this blog post, we will discuss five of these unconventional AND innovative approaches so that you can grow your business faster than ever before. So buckle up and get ready to discover how using non-traditional forms of marketing could take your small business success story even further!
Hosting events is a great way to get people in the door and create buzz around your business. Events can take many forms, such as pop-up shops, networking events, workshops, seminars, or even community service projects. They can be as simple as a product launch party or as elaborate as a charity fundraiser. By hosting events, you not only get people in the door, but you also create an opportunity to showcase the uniqueness of your business and give attendees a memorable experience that they will associate with your brand.
To get started, consider your target audience and what type of event would be most appealing to them. For instance, if you're a beauty brand, hosting a makeup tutorial event could be a great way to engage with your audience and showcase your products. Or if you're a food business, hosting a tasting event or cooking class could give attendees a firsthand experience of your brand's culinary offerings.
Collaborating with other businesses can be a great way to reach new customers. By partnering with another business, you can reach a new audience that may not have heard of your business before. For example, if you own a coffee shop, you could partner with a local bakery to offer a special deal where customers get a free pastry with their coffee purchase. This not only incentivizes customers to come to your shop, but it also introduces them to the bakery and vice versa. Or if you're a gym owner, you could partner with a healthy meal delivery service to offer a discount to their customers on your gym membership, and vice versa.
When looking for businesses to collaborate with, it's important to consider businesses that complement your brand and have a similar target audience. It's also important to choose businesses that share your values and mission.
3. Offer free samples
Everyone loves free stuff, and offering free samples can be a great way to get people to try your products or services. By giving away free samples, you not only get people in the door, but you also create an opportunity to showcase your products. If someone likes what they try, they may be more likely to come back and make a purchase.
One of the benefits of offering free samples is that it can help you generate leads and drive sales. By giving potential customers a taste of your product, you can increase their interest and encourage them to make a purchase. Additionally, offering free samples can help you stand out from your competitors and establish yourself as a trusted brand in your industry.
Word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful forms of marketing, and creating a referral program can be a great way to incentivize your current customers to spread the word about your business. For example, you could offer a discount to customers who refer a friend to your business. This not only encourages your current customers to refer new customers, but it also rewards them for doing so.
Referral marketing is a powerful strategy for small businesses to acquire new customers and increase brand awareness. By incentivizing existing customers to refer their friends and family, small businesses can tap into new audiences and establish themselves as a part of their community.
Social media influencers have become a popular way for businesses to reach new customers. By partnering with an influencer, you can reach a new audience that may not have heard of your business before. The key is to find an influencer who aligns with your brand and can authentically promote your products or services.
One of the benefits of influencer marketing is that it can be cost-effective for small businesses. While larger brands may pay top dollar for influencers with millions of followers, small businesses can work with micro-influencers who have a smaller but engaged following and who are often more affordable.
To sum up, small business owners don’t have to be limited by traditional marketing means. When used strategically and creatively, unconventional marketing methods can make a big difference for small businesses. From hosting events and giving out samples, to collaborating with other businesses and even using social media influencers—the possibilities for building a loyal customer base are endless. In the end, it boils down to trial and error: executing strategies that work for your particular business. So get out there, try something different, and see what sticks! After all, life’s too short to not take risks in the pursuit of success. Who says you can’t grow your brand while having a little bit of fun doing it? You never know what doors will open once you start taking chances. So give it a shot—dare to do something different! And remember that the key is to be creative and find strategies that work for your business.
Advice and research for Canadian small businesses from our expert team
