When the subject of marketing comes up in conversation with colleagues, there is an ongoing issue in which all traditional marketing techniques are now regarded as ineffective. On the contrary, traditional marketing techniques still maintain high levels of usefulness for SMBs of all types when employed correctly. Here are some proven traditional marketing techniques you can still use no matter what type of business you have.
Billboard Ads
Billboard advertising used to be among the most dominant forms of marketing for large businesses, and landing on a billboard in a large city was a sure way to get you noticed. That notion has not changed. However, fewer and fewer large corporations utilize this form of advertising. In many cities, billboard ads are now less expensive than they used to be, making it possible to procure a billboard even if you are not a huge corporation. Additionally, LED screen billboards enable multiple ads to be produced on a single billboard, further down the price as it can be split between many different businesses. Billboard ads have evolved over the past 5 years, but they are still a viable resource for SMB marketing.
Local Television and Radio Ad Campaigns
Local advertising can be a little tricky, but when you have an SMB, you must invest in localized marketing options. Television ads run on local stations are among the best way to bring your brand into the mind’s eye of everyone in your community. Additionally, radio ads can reach even more people. It is currently estimated that radio ads potentially reach up to 92% of all commuters during the day, so a local radio ad for your SMB is certainly a way to reach out to your local community.
Loyalty Programs
One of the best traditional marketing options for SMBs is in the form of loyalty programs. Investing in your current and loyal customers will keep them coming back for more. Loyalty programs are great because they do not have to be overly ambitious. Any small gift for achievement is an applicable loyalty option. For instance, you can provide a percentage off or a free item once a customer reaches 10 purchases with your business. It will cost you very little, but a loyalty program can pay you back in droves.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Believe it or not, sponsorship opportunities are not just for big names. Although sponsoring a huge organization might not be within your wheelhouse, local sponsorship opportunities can be found everywhere for SMBs. Among the best places to find sponsorship opportunities is your local rec center. Recreational centers promote children’s sports, and they do so in a way that makes the best sense for both local businesses and the community.
Generally, in this sponsorship opportunity, the business purchases uniforms for a team with their logo or name prominently displayed. This promotes the business in two ways, it gets the name out there as a business in the community, but it also tells people that the business cares about the community's future. The uniforms do require an initial investment, but the payback can be tremendous for an up-and-coming SMB. Sometimes sports arenas will also allow you to place an ad on the field or somewhere on the property to enhance your traditional marketing reach further. Always be on the lookout for sponsorship opportunities for your SMB.
Business Cards
No matter how far we have come in our digital age, business cards will always be a part of the SMB traditional marketing strategy. Business cards are given out at corporate events, and even local venues offer endless opportunities to meet and network with consumers and other business owners. Often meetings in which business cards are exchanged can prompt a partnership with a local business you may not have even imagined. Partnering with a local, regional, or even an international business can help your SMB take off. Although independent of one another, businesses need each other to survive in the business world, so never neglect the opportunity to network with a business you might share a common goal with.
Gadgets and Gifts
One traditional marketing tactic that will never go out of style is promoting your business by placing your logo on various things. People love gifts and gadgets given away by companies at events. Pens, pencils, and calendars are a start and can be useful to practically every customer, but consider reaching outside the realm of the norm and try putting your name on odd toys and gadgets that may or may not have anything to do with your SMB. Local and regional opportunities to hand these gifts out can help promote your SMB in the most positive light.
Traditional marketing may seem like an old hat, but many of these marketing tactics maintain relevance today. Best of all, these are the tactics most people are familiar with, so when out and about in the community, try them out and see how far traditional marketing options can take you.
