In order for your brand to get the maximum exposure it needs and deserves, coming up with a myriad of ways to advertise it is imperative.
For instance, do you do much in the way of outdoor advertising? If not, you’re missing out on a great means to tell the public about your brand.
The same can be said for social media initiatives.
Too many business owners fail to take advantage of all social media can offer them. Most notably, social media is, in essence, free.
Still another way to get your brand seen and heard is through your customers.
Those customers who can’t get enough of what you have to offer will oftentimes help promote your business through their word-of-mouth efforts. Such efforts can pay huge dividends for you, this as family members and friends of these customers get to know more about you, ultimately wanting to spend money with you too.
As you can see, there are plenty of opportunities (and others) for you to get your brand noticed.
With that in mind, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work?
Be Smart and Aggressive in Promoting Your Brand
So that you can cover all your bases when it comes to effectively promoting your brand, swing for the fences with these tips:
- Outdoor advertising – Even with millions and millions of people on computers and mobile devices at any given time of the day, don’t turn a blind eye to the impact outdoor advertising can have on your brand. When you use outdoor advertising to promote your brand, you have myriad of options in play. For starters, you can turn to billboards, something that is sure to catch countless eyes in and around town. If you do opt for billboard advertising, keep them simple and sweet, avoiding a look that has too much for the passing eyes to catch in just a few seconds. Your ads can also adorn places such as buses and bus depots; taxi cabs tops and sides, subway and train stations, and even ride sharing vehicles. Most importantly, have your brand’s message where consumers won’t have a hard time viewing it. One mistake to avoid is placing your advertisement where it gets lost in the shuffle. If you’ve ever seen a street corner during (and even after) political elections, you know all too well how too many messages can be missed or even tuned out by passersby. Always consider placement when looking at where your outdoor advertising will receive the most positive attention.
- Web advertising – Even as the popularity of mobile devices continues to soar, many brands still want their banner ads and other advertising vehicles seen on the web when consumers sit down to laptop or desktop computers. You may even opt for pop-up ads, though keep in mind that some consumers literally detest these forms of advertisements, oftentimes leading them to click the close button as quickly as possible. Lastly, make sure any ads you have on the Internet are properly formatted, along with giving consumers a reason to learn more about your product or service. If they choose not to click on your website and learn more about you, you’ve just wasted time and money.
Socializing the Brand Experience
- Social media – You can’t get much more free advertising than social media. By spreading your brand’s message on various social sites (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram etc.), you become a part of the social conversation. Be sure above anything else to engage consumers when they leave you with comments and/or questions about your products and/or services. Too many business owners drop the ball when it comes to carrying on a social conversation, thereby leading to missed opportunities to potentially land new sales.
- Customer advertisements – Finally, encourage your customers to be part-time brand ambassadors. In doing so, they can spread the word about all your brand has to offer. If incentives are needed, giving them some discounts, the chance to buy products or services before they go on sale to the general public etc. are two good starting points. Remember, without your customers, you would not be in business in the first place. Letting them talk glowingly about your brand is as good a recommendation as you can receive.
As you look this year and beyond to get your brand seen and heard more, how will you go about it?
About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.
