Creative Marketing for Holiday 2009: Fast-Acting Strategies You Can Use Now
With the holiday season coming around the corner now is crunch time for businesses looking to make serious last quarter profits and move inventory out the door before 2010. Considering the rocky economy, business owners are looking for creative ways to set themselves apart from their competition for some real value add. NetSearch Direct team members can spot an advertising opportunity a mile away, so when our clients come to us looking for inspiring new ideas we’re always happy to share. Here are a few of our top picks:
Top Pick 1: Reunited and it feels so good.
It makes sense to keep SEO and PPC campaigns running to attract new customers, but turning your focus inwards will allow you to the chance to reconnect with current and past customers and reignite the spark that brought you together in the first place. Special offers for loyal customers and discounts for those they refer are excellent marketing techniques that will capitalize on your existing database. With everyone looking for a deal you can take this opportunity to bring the deal to your customers first – don’t even give them the chance to go looking elsewhere. One warning: email marketing can be tricky and there are definite rules to follow; be sure your team is savvy.
Top Pick 2: Tweet, fan page, and friend request your way to the bank.
Every month we mention social media marketing not just because it’s a hot new trend, but because it’s a valuable marketing technique that offers minimal cost to setup and manage, and stands to reap huge rewards in the form of profits. Social media is also popular because it’s a trend that’s trending on…well, staying. Businesses are realizing the powerful benefits that social media marketing bring; in fact, recent studies show that 1 in 5 tweets are brand-focused, meaning that companies are behind those profiles operating well-thought out strategies to a very captive audience. Social media marketing allows business owners to quickly advertise private or special sales, offer discounts to those who follow them, and connect with existing and potential customers in an entirely different way. One warning: these tools are not to be taken lightly; however, serious brand management and PR opportunities exist here so navigate your business along social waters with a solid plan.
Top Pick 3: Get on the list.
The local business directory list, that is! Providing one extra space for your company information to be displayed, local directory listings present a huge opportunity for your business to put forth its best sales pitch. Displayed just above the organic listings, and beneath the PPC listings, you can position your business in front of your target customer’s eyes in three ways. Local directory listings are also able to be customized and optimized and make a perfect complement to any brand management, PR efforts, PPC and SEO campaigns. As with all of our products, NetSearch Direct manages each local directory individually and builds custom strategies for each client.
We know the economy has been rough this year, so we hope you find these top picks just what your marketing doctor ordered. And remember, just because we’re entering the final quarter for the year doesn’t mean that you can let up on your advertising for one second. Proof: Kellogg recently released profits showing a 17% increase in advertising spend which resulted in an already 2% quarterly profit increase which is already 7% higher than last year’s. Now is the final countdown to 2010 so leave a lasting impression with your customer and keep your brand fresh in their minds. For creative and innovative marketing strategies, talk to your NetSearch Direct account manager, or set up a consultation with our geniuses today!