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Tired of reading the same old marketing tips for your startup? When I started out as an entrepreneur, I knew how to create things, but their marketing was very different. Every corner of the internet seemed to be repeating the same advice—paid advertising, email campaigns, blog posts, and SEO.
It felt like a market glut and I started to wonder if any marketing strategies could make a difference until I implemented these nine lesser-known yet powerful marketing strategies that will breathe new life into your startup and help you stand out from the crowd. .
1. Guerrilla Marketing
Guerrilla marketing is an innovative and non-traditional approach to promoting your brand that allows you to create a unique impression without traditional marketing methods. It’s a very broad term, but this strategy essentially focuses on high-impact, low-cost tactics that grab the attention of your target audience in unexpected ways. For example, hosting a typography event where volunteers say your brand name and take photos with their consent..
Here are some examples of famous guerrilla marketing campaigns:
- Airbnb Van Gogh’s Bedroom Campaign: Airbnb has turned a replica of Van Gogh’s bedroom into an Airbnb rental. The company advertised the experience on social media and it went viral, resulting in a significant increase in brand awareness.
- Burger Kings Whopper Detour Campaign: Burger King offered shoppers a Whopper for just one cent if they ordered it in close proximity to a McDonald’s restaurant. The campaign generated a buzz on social media, with more downloads of the company’s mobile app.
- Coca Cola Share a Coke Campaign: Coca-Cola has replaced its logo on bottles with popular names, encouraging customers to share Coke with friends or family members. The campaign was a huge success, generating millions of social media mentions and a significant increase in sales.
- Metro trains The Dumb Ways to Die: Metro Trains campaign created a catchy song and video featuring cartoon characters behaving dangerously near trains to improve railway safety. The video went viral and resulted in a significant drop in train-related accidents.
- Old Spice The Man Your Man Can Smell Campaign: Old Spice created a series of humorous commercials in which a shirtless man demonstrates the benefits of Old Spice. The ad went viral and led to a significant increase in sales.
Related: 7 Guerrilla Marketing Tactics That Will Grow Your Business When Money Gets Tough
2. Promotional items
It may sound trite at first, but get creative with your promotional items. Instead of printing t-shirts to sell on your website, think outside the box. For example, on Dose of discovery, we print beer coasters with intriguing facts about alcohol and distribute them for free to bars across Europe. Pretty creative, right?
3. Internet directories
Listing your startup in online directories can help you attract new customers and improve search engine rankings. Look for directories that cater to a relevant audience, such as Wellfound (previously called AngelList Talent), Product search And CrunchBase.
Related: Struggling in local search? Here’s what your local SEO strategy needs to compete in 2022.
4. Answering questions on the forums
Cuora, Reddit And stack exchange are all popular Q&A platforms where people can ask and answer questions on a wide range of topics. Find questions about the problem you are solving and give a really valuable answer that will also move your startup forward.
5. Use your personal brand
Nearly 20% of leads for my startup come from my personal social media accounts and my online articles. To achieve the same effect, work to establish yourself as an industry expert, grow your audience, and publish articles in various publications.
It can even be as simple as posting updates to your personal Facebook account – after all, Facebook moms are the most dedicated supporters you’ll ever meet!
6. Public speaking
Public speaking is a powerful way to develop your personal brand and promote your startup. By sharing your knowledge and experience, you can build trust and attract new customers, especially if you stand out.
Consider exploring the following speaking opportunities:
- Podcasts
- TEDx negotiations in your area
- Guest lectures at colleges and universities
- Webinars and conferences
- Networking events and meetings
Related: The Complete 20-Step Guide to Top-Level Public Speaking
7. Street marketing
Go out in public and talk to everyone who will listen. You can even organize public competitions in which people answer questions related to your work and then record their experience and use it as promotional materials, subject to the consent of the participants. Hit two targets with one shot!
8. Hashtag Marketing
Hashtag marketing is a powerful strategy that harnesses the power of social media to drive organic engagement and build brand awareness. A well-designed and memorable hashtag can inspire people to use it, effectively turning them into advertisers for your business.
For example, Coca-Cola’s #ShareACoke campaign brilliantly harnessed the power of hashtag marketing, creating a sense of connection and encouraging users to share their experience.
9. Marketing subsidiaries
A marketing subsidiary is, in fact, a separate company with its own goals, which, through its activities, complements the marketing efforts of the parent company. While it takes more effort and is focused on the long term, a marketing subsidiary can be a great asset to revitalize your startup’s marketing operations.
For example, if you are running a fintech startup, launching a newsletter or publication that offers valuable information about trading and investing can attract an engaged audience with a genuine interest in your field. This audience can then be used to generate revenue and drive new customers to your startup, ultimately benefiting your core business goals.
Ready to leave your competitors in the dust?
By diving into the world of marketing strategies that really work, you have the potential to take your brand to the next level. It’s time to make a lasting impact and be the pioneer your startup deserves. The future of your brand success starts now.