Posts Tagged ‘grassroots marketing’
Sometimes the Simplest Marketing Ideas are Simply the Best
Wednesday, February 6th, 2008
What exactly is grassroots marketing?
The name gets tossed around a lot but not many people really know what it is or how you do it. That’s because grassroots marketing encompasses a variety of promotional ideas. However, they all have one thing in common - getting involved (really involved) with potential customers. Here are some grassroots marketing techniques that have been successful for both startups and established businesses:
Free samples - Many business owners think, "If I could just get people to try our products I know they’d be hooked!" If you feel the same way, then think about ways of getting your products in your customers’ hands. Trade shows, festivals, events and in-store promotions are all great ways to interact with your customers and let them sample your offerings. Even big companies employ this idea: Did you know that every time a new Coldstone Creamery store opens, the entire first day is devoted to giving away free samples? If done right, free samples are a great way to get your community excited about your business.
Mascots - Having a mascot outside your new store can really help to grab people’s attention and bring in customers. For example, let’s say you own a company called "Liberty Tax Service" and you’re located on a high-traffic street. Why not have a couple employees dress up as Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty and happily wave from outside your storefront? Enthusiastic and friendly mascots can bring smiles to drivers’ and passersby’s faces - and that just might be enough to turn them into customers.
Create a unique (and inviting) atmosphere - One way to draw in customers (and keep them coming back) is to offer them an "experience" as they browse through your store. What about singing and dancing ice cream scoopers? Or offering tea and biscuits to your herbal shop customers? Be creative and you’ll find that the payoff is new customers, repeat customers and buzz-worthy word of mouth!
Talk to potential customers - While cold calling or in-person visits may not be a good idea for some businesses, for others the results can be astounding. If you are an insurance adjuster, visiting damaged homes and businesses after a hurricane can be a terrific way of getting new business. If you own a cleaning business, you might find that cold calling home or business owners and offering them a special deal may result in new business. This type of grassroots marketing has been used for centuries - because it works!
One of the biggest parts of grassroots marketing is being creative and tailoring ideas to fit your particular business. With this form of promotion, business owners are in complete control of the campaign and should carefully plan out every stage. In order to create some buzz about a new business, you should remember that marketing repetition is very important. You need to keep your business’ name in the minds of your potential customers. Keep thinking of new ways to get the word out - day after day, week after week. Soon you’ll notice that your front door is swinging open a lot more often!
Tags: advice, Carrie Hinkel, grassroots marketing, Marketing, marketing ideas, Marketing Your Business, promotions, tips
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