In a world of social media ads and YouTube commercials, it’s easy to assume that traditional marketing is dead. That’s not actually the case, though.
Research shows that 56 percent of consumers find traditional marketing (specifically print marketing) to be the most trustworthy kind.
Are you considering incorporating more traditional marketing techniques into your business’s strategy? If so, keep reading. Listed below are 7 great options that have all stood the test of time.
1. Billboards
Billboards have been around and frequently used as a marketing tool for decades. They’re still going strong today, too, making them one of the most effective traditional marketing techniques for your business to utilize.
A few well-designed and well-placed billboards could make a big difference when it comes to catching people’s attention and encouraging them to contact you when they need products or services like those your business offers.
Not sure what a well-designed billboard looks like? In general, the most effective billboards feature more images and less text. They’re attention-grabbing and leave people wanting to know more.
2. Direct Mail
Direct mail has made an impressive comeback over the last few years, especially as consumers are becoming more and more inundated with online ads and promotions.
Most people don’t receive as much mail as they used to. Because of this, when they see a piece of direct mail with a great design or intriguing message, they’re more inclined to pay attention to it and keep the company that sent it in the back of their minds.
One of the best ways to make direct mail appealing and encourage people to follow through with the call to action is to personalize it in some way. Addressing it to a specific person or referencing a purchase made in the past, for example, can both make a big difference.
3. Flyers and Brochures
In addition to direct mail, flyers and brochures are still effective marketing tools.
Similar to direct mail, these marketing methods aren’t used as often as they once were. Because of their relative rarity, when someone receives an eye-catching flyer or brochure with high-quality images and well-written text, they’re more likely to flip through it and see what the company is all about.
4. Phone Calls
Although so many people report dreading answering the phone or making phone calls, they’re still an important and impactful tool when it comes to generating leads and promoting businesses.
Both outbound and inbound telemarketing are useful when compared to other marketing communication channels, such as emails, chat, and social media messaging. If your team can bring themselves to pick up the phone and reach out to potential customers directly, they may see a lot more success.
5. Print Advertisements
Print media isn’t as popular as it once was, but that doesn’t mean print advertisements have gone out of style. Print advertisements in magazines and newspapers are great options to appeal to older, more traditional audiences.
Keep in mind, too, that many print publications also publish their articles online. Some of them make their ads visible on both platforms as well. working with these types of publications allows you twice as many opportunities to be spotted by potential customers.
6. Speaking Engagements
Speaking engagements are a great way to get in front of members of your target audience and make them aware of your brand. They foster face-to-face connection and make it easier for people to feel connected to your company, your values, and your message.
Speaking engagements are also useful because they give you a chance to show your credibility and establish your business and your team as experts in the field. This further increases the likelihood that people will want to work with you because they’ll know your business is a trustworthy one.
7. Networking
Finally, don’t underestimate the value of networking.
It doesn’t matter it’s at an event after you’ve delivered a speech or in the waiting room at the doctor’s office. There are tons of opportunities to connect with potential customers or clients and get them interested in what your business has to offer.
Make sure you have some business cards handy so you can leave people with your name and number whenever the opportunity arises. Check out some raised thermal ink examples or another type of high-quality printing that separates your business card from other people’s. Then, don’t hesitate to hand it out after you’ve struck up a conversation with someone.
Can Digital and Traditional Marketing Work Together?
Some marketers assume they have to choose between digital marketing and traditional marketing. It doesn’t have to be an either-or situation, though. In reality, some of the best and most effective marketing plans include a mix of both types.
By combining both digital and traditional approaches, you’re able to make sure all your bases are covered, so to speak. You have tools in your toolbelt to help you address younger and older audiences on a variety of platforms.
There are lots of ways that digital and traditional marketing can work in tandem.
For example, a business could create a print ad for a local newspaper or magazine but invite people in the call-to-action to visit the company’s website or follow them on social media. Another example is a social media ad that invites followers to contact your business via phone to schedule a consultation.
Try These Traditional Marketing Techniques Today Digital marketing may be taking the world by storm right now. However, there’s still a place for traditional marketing techniques like those listed above. They can even work alongside digital marketing methods to create a more well-rounded strategy.
