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Creative Marketing Ideas for Organizations
by Jill Richards
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Overview
Marketing allows you to get your product in front of the public, builds awareness of your business and motivates people to buy what you sell. And whether you are awash in cash or struggling to pay the bills, creative marketing ideas can cost as much as your budget allows. In the current down economic times, however, many people are turning to low-cost marketing strategies to build their brand and create a desire for their product.
Technology such as flip cams allow for innovative marketing.
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Viral Marketing
Twitter and Facebook offer low-cost ways to keep your product on the minds of consumers. You can start a Facebook page and invite clients to become fans. They, in turn, can invite their social networks and friends and become your advocates. Twitter offers the opportunity for you to reach an audience with short tweets. As you become more well known, others will likely join your network. Be careful that the tweets are not seen as totally self-promoting. Remember, the customer must find something of value in your communications, and a hard-sell approach turns off many people. Instead, offer tips and helpful hints.
For example, if you own a craft store, consider tweeting about new techniques or simple project ideas and mention that you have the supplies in stock. Your aim is to create buzz that encourages customers to mention your organization to their friends so that you can increase your marketing reach.
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Website
Your organization should also have a website. It is one of the best marketing opportunities because you control your organization's message and presentation. The website can be as complex or as simple as your imagination and budget dictate. Whatever your choice, make sure your products or services are clearly outlined on your site. Include a call to action to motivate visitors to buy your product or support your mission.
Email your customers or clients regularly. Again, there must be value to the consumer in your message, so do not approach this as a pure sales piece. Provide tips or solutions or invite their participation to solve an issue in your community. Consider doing a regular e-newsletter, where you can educate or inform your target audience about your product or service.
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Flipping and Blogging
Have an event or some other special thing you'd like to share? Buy an inexpensive Flip video camera that allows you to capture the moment and upload it to your website or to a video-sharing site such as YouTube.
Blogging is more time consuming, so consider whether you have the hours to devote to this, as blogs are most often followed when they are updated regularly---daily if possible.
If your organization doesn't have regular news or events that interest your public, blogging may not be for you, but if you have items or products you know you can regularly highlight, it is another creative way to market.
For example, if your organization is a pet shelter, feature a pet of the week and blog to encourage pet ownership. Or if you operate a restaurant, blog regularly about seasonal dishes or offer culinary tips. The goal is to pique the reader's interest and encourage a following. Ultimately, this will translate into creating new consumers. And if your blog is interesting and entertaining, friends will recommend it to others and help you increase your audience.
