Marketing gurus often tout complex programs with dozens of strategies, but effective promotion doesn’t require overwhelming complexity. One business owner even claimed to use 100 different methods! The truth is, not every approach is viable for every business. Some are too expensive, others simply ineffective. The key is experimentation: test various strategies, identify those that deliver results, and focus on them until they cease to be productive.
Here’s a list of 66 promotional methods to consider:
1. Direct to Consumers
2. Party Plan Sales
3. Rack Jobbing
4. Wholesaling
5. Mail Order
6. Resident Buyers
7. Fairs and Expositions
8. Chain Stores
9. Discount Stores
10. Leased Departments
11. Supermarkets
12. Free Publicity
13. Salespeople
14. Franchising
15. Co-op Advertising
16. U.S. Government Contracts
17. Direct Mail Marketing
18. Co-op Mailing
19. Trade Shows
20. Advertising Specialties
21. PX (Post Exchange) Sales
22. Premiums and Incentives
23. Classified Ads (Newspapers)
24. Classified Ads (Magazines)
25. Online Classifieds
26. Specialty Publication Ads
27. Articles
28. Ezine Advertising
29. Email Marketing
30. Email Signature Marketing
31. Radio Advertising
32. Television Advertising
33. Paid Seminars
34. Billboard Advertising
35. Flyers
36. Brochures
37. Free Seminars
38. Telephone Marketing
39. Referrals
40. E-books
41. Free Search Engine Optimization
42. Paid Search Engine Marketing
43. Postcard Marketing
44. Yellow Pages Advertising
45. Cross-Selling Partnerships
46. Joint Ventures
47. Telemarketing
48. Take-Out Box Advertising
49. Posters
50. Mall Booths
51. Sign Holders
52. Window Displays
53. Exterior Signage
54. Online Directory Articles
55. Free Downloadable Content with Ads
56. Free Audio Recordings
57. Free Video Content
58. Free CDs
59. Free Reports
60. Free Samples
61. Special Events
62. Contests and Sweepstakes
63. Newspaper Columns
64. Editorial Content
65. Free Phone Messages