Ahoy, business captains and marketing mates! Ever felt like you’re channel surfing through an endless sea of marketing options, trying to catch the perfect wave for your business? You’re not alone. Choosing the right marketing channels can be as tricky as picking the perfect Netflix show on a Friday night. But fear not, for we are here to navigate these waters together, with a sprinkle of humor, wisdom, and real-world examples.
1. “To be or not to be… on Social Media?” – The Shakespearean Dilemma
For businesses like fashion brands or food trucks, social media is like a stage and your brand is the star. Shakespeare might have said, “All the world’s a stage,” but in our case, all the world’s on Instagram and Facebook. If your niche is visually appealing or you’ve got a story to tell (looking at you, artisan coffee roasters and boutique clothing lines), then platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok are your Globe Theatre.
2. “A Penny for Your Thoughts” – The Power of Paid Advertising
Remember when your grandma used to say, “You have to spend money to make money”? She might not have been talking about Google Ads or Facebook marketing, but she was onto something. For sectors like legal services or specialized software, organic reach might not cut it. Paid advertising can be your golden ticket, ensuring your message reaches the right audience. Just remember, like any good investment, it requires savvy planning and a clear understanding of your ROI.
3. “Once Upon a Time” – Storytelling Through Content Marketing
Every business has a story, and some are just waiting to be told. If you’re in a sector like travel or non-profit, content marketing can be your best friend. It’s like gathering folks around a campfire and sharing tales of adventure and inspiration. Blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels can be powerful tools to engage an audience looking for more than just a sales pitch.
4. “Emails: The Unsung Hero” – Personalised and Direct
In the age of flashy digital marketing, emails stand like the steadfast oak in the forest of marketing channels. For sectors such as B2B services, e-commerce, or education, email marketing is the unsung hero. It’s personal, direct, and as Bill Gates might say, “at the speed of thought.” Segment your audience, personalize your messages, and watch as your open rates and engagement climb higher than a squirrel on said oak tree.
5. “Networking: Not Just for Spy Movies” – The Power of Partnerships
Remember those cool spy movies where the hero teams up with another agent to save the world? Well, in the business world, that’s called networking and partnerships. For niches like tech startups or local artisans, forming partnerships can open doors to new markets and customers. Attend industry events, join business groups, and don’t be shy to slide a business card across the table, James Bond style.
Choosing the right marketing channels is a mix of art, science, and a little bit of magic. It’s about understanding where your audience hangs out, what messages resonate with them, and how to deliver those messages effectively. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Like a good captain, you need to adjust your sails based on the wind. So, go forth, choose wisely, and ride those marketing waves to success!
Chris Barnard has spent over 15 years delivering exceptional revenue growth for ambitious businesses in the UK, Europe and North America through his marketing technology business, FeedbackFans.com and as an independent business consultant.
By his mid-20’s he was running digital departments for FTSE100 companies in London, eventually leading to a very successful period in digital customer acquisiton for a well-known brand in his early 30’s generating nine-figure revenues with seven-figure budgets. He now puts his experience, knowledge and ideas into good use, supporting challenger brands and forward thinking businesses to outperform in their sectors, whilst disrupting and improving the marketing, technology and development sectors that FeedbackFans.com inhabits.
Feedback Fans provides a unique next-generation managed technology and marketing platform that delivers outstanding and out-sized results for businesses in sectors such as finance, retail, leisure, and professional services.
With our unparalleled expertise in creating cutting-edge solutions and environments, we empower our clients and users to thrive and outperform in the digital age.
Chris Barnard is Managing Director of FeedbackFans.com and producer of the Bear Business Vodcast