If you haven’t heard of it by now, guerilla marketing represents a term used to explain cheap, unusual but highly effective marketing strategies and tactics. It relies more on creativity, time and imagination than it does on a marketing budget. It’s perfect for small businesses that try to get noticed and want to build up an engaging and special brand. If you’re an owner of a small business or plan to become one, but your budget is tight, learn about guerilla marketing. We have a few suggestions for you to use.
Explore fresh, innovative tools to replace the old, rusty ones
If you give yourself a marketing task to solve, don’t take the obvious and promising solution but search for fresh, innovative solutions instead. Ask yourself, is there another way you can make this work and do it better? Probably yes but you have to explore your options. Explore fresh, innovative tools to replace the old, rusty ones.
Make your marketing strategy all about customers, not yourself
Instead of focusing on highlighting your business, your authority and purpose, redirect the marketing strategy to your customers. Empower your community. Make it all about your customers and clients, instead of about your business, authority and final goal. Don’t just focus on profit, milestones and selling products.
Focus on the people who need your products or services. Educate and inspire people by sharing your success story or make posts that will provide a better understanding of your goal. Deliver true value to your customer base and you will gain loyal customers.
Keep an online presence and use social media to build a reputation
Never underestimate the power of social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Google Plus, Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn. They can help you build your reputation from scratch, if you’re smart and committed enough. They can also help you target your audience online and deliver your product only to the people who will actually buy it.
Maintain an online presence and remain active on these social media platforms. It’s a great way to introduce your business and purpose by using cheap ads in a preferred city or a state. Having a fan base online can be crucial for your progress because you know that we’re a part of a digital era and almost everything revolves around social media.
Provide social proof
If you’re wondering what social proof is, let me explain it simply. If you ever shopped online, you probably look for reviews from previous customers and clients in order to check the quality of a product or service. This means searching for validation. So, you have to provide it for your business and show new customers that previous customers had a pleasant experience with your service or product. Ask for satisfied customers to leave feedback in the comment section or a review to help you provide social proof. As you may notice, social media platforms are kind of crucial for your business success.
Boost loyalty and don’t be afraid to express your originality
It’s more expensive to win a new customer than to engage an existing one. Meaning, you have to use all the tools at your disposal to keep your customers coming back. You can try a strategy involving your old customers. Create an offer they cannot refuse such as referring a new customer and get a discount or a gift with their next purchase. Boost loyalty by providing great customer service. And never underestimate the value of it.
Now, you probably have figured out by now that guerilla marketing represents creative marketing strategies. And the best way to promote your goal if you’re on a budget is to create something that will go viral. Not everything you create will become the next internet sensation, but with dedication and creative imagination, you can create fun and engaging content that will be original and bring new customers or clients to your base.
Leave business cards everywhere you go
Visited the library? Why not leave your business card in every book that’s somehow related to your business? It’s an excellent way to gain exposure and highlight your business. Put business cards in every magazine at your dentist’s or doctor’s office while you’re in the waiting room. You can also practice this cheap marketing strategy someplace you visit often like your favorite cafe bar or restaurant. If the staff has respect for you, they will allow you to leave your business card on a few tables.
Give free stuff away everywhere you go
Okay, if you play Santa before you start making a real profit, you will probably end up broke. However, you can give people free company-branded promotional products in crowded places like barbershops you usually visit. This is one of the most popular marketing strategies for businesses who want to be noticed. In turn, people you give free stuff too will probably mention you to their other clients as this crazy person who’s giving away free stuff.
Turn into a walking commercial
Have you ever noticed someone wearing a shirt with a logo and a website on it?
It’s one of the best ways to advertise your business for free. Turn yourself into a walking commercial and grab attention as you go. Print t-shirts, cups and other wearable stuff with your logo and website on it. You can also create an advertisement in public.
For example, if you’re a dentist, you can print your name, title and number. But, don’t do it the usual boring way but print it as a mouth full of teeth. And each time someone grabs your number, they leave the mouth with a void, so it looks funny and captivating. You get the idea, right? So, what are you waiting for?
