4 Traditional Marketing Methods Your Business Needs
The modern era has undeniably removed the need for many "old-fashioned" or analog activities and materials. This can be seen in many areas, including business marketing. The rise of the digital way has revolutionized how businesses reach people, allowing for a more targeted, cost-effective approach to marketing techniques for better results. And honestly, this is only a good thing.
However, does this mean you need to discount all traditional marketing methods and embrace a fully modern and digital approach to marketing your business? Absolutely not. In fact, that is the last thing you should be doing. These days, companies can reap a myriad of benefits from marrying the old with the new and utilizing virtual techniques and approaches for maximum impact.
Interested? This post will explore some of the more old-school marketing techniques and materials that your business can benefit from in 2024 and beyond.
Banners
An eye-catching banner can be extremely beneficial in marketing. Whether you're setting up a stall at a trade fair, advertising in a local area, or simply wanting to draw attention to something in a store, a banner can be a powerful tool that you can use repeatedly as long as you care for it correctly. This longevity provides a sense of security in your marketing efforts.
From banners that can be hung over doors to retractable banner printing for banners that can be moved and put away as required, the versatility of banners empowers you to use them in various settings. For instance, a banner for a therapist can be erected in a doctor's office, guiding those in need of mental health support to your services. This adaptability gives you the power to reach your audience wherever they are.
Direct Mail
Direct mail isn't dead and buried just yet. In fact, it can be more effective than email. One study found that direct mail has a response rate of 3.7% compared to the 1% delivered by email (source: Impact Group Marketing). This reassures you that direct mail can still be a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal.
The key to effective direct mail is to know your customers and send out communications that are relevant to them, their needs, and their connection to your business. General mailers might not achieve that 3.7% response rate, but segmenting ordnance like you owls for email, making it personal, and delivering direct, relevant information can secure the results you need from your direct mail outreach.
Flyers
We've all had unsolicited flyers posted through the door or handed to us on the streets we don't necessarily want. However, contrary to popular belief, flyers can still be effective marketing tools. Take Domino's in the UK. Each year, they deliver over £10 million in flyers. That sizable investment would be something they do if it didn't work for them.
The key to effective flyer distribution is strategy. Only distribute them when it can benefit the customer. Do you have a promotion or special time-limited offer going on? Get it on a leaflet and hand it out. Want to run a coupon promotion? Giving out flyers can be a great way to do this and ensure people retain your flyer and use them. It's not simply a case of printing a flyer for no reason. Use them strategically and they can be invaluable.
Promotional Merch
Lastly, promotional merch is still a good investment. However, like all of the above, you need to be intentional about it. You should not just print anything and everything with your logo on and throw it to an uninterested audience.
You can start with things like a printed bag for customers in your store, adapt branded uniforms for employees, sell clothing with your logo on it, or give out branded beanies for useful items that people want. All you have to do is look at big brands like
Nike or Adidas and countless others to see how well their branded merch/clothing lines sell and promote the brands.
If you're a B2B business, braiding items those in your industry use is a good idea. Sell fitness equipment? Branded water bottles, protein shakers, or towels can be a great idea. If you're dealing with corporate businesses, then USB sticks, pens, pads, sticky notes, laptop bags, etc., might be a better decision for you. Know your audience, select your branded merch wisely, and let them work for you.
Traditional marketing methods shouldn't be brushed aside in favor of more targeted digital outreach options. Instead, they need to form part of your effective marketing strategy and be cleverly utilized alongside other options to yield the best results.
