24 Simple Marketing Strategies for New Businesses

Starting a new business? You need customers! Here are 24 easy-to-implement marketing ideas to help your startup grow:

1. Start a Referral Program

• What it is: Encourage your current customers to bring in new ones.
• How to do it: Use a tool like Ambassador to set up your program.
• Example: Offer existing customers a 10% discount for each new customer they refer.

2. Work with Influencers

• What it is: Partner with people who have a large social media following.
• How to do it: Find influencers in your niche on Instagram or TikTok.
• Example: If you're selling fitness products, reach out to popular fitness YouTubers to review your product.

3. Create a Product Challenge

• What it is: Encourage customers to use your product in a fun way.
• How to do it: Set up a hashtag and ask users to share their experiences.
• Example: If you sell art supplies, create a "30-day drawing challenge" using your products.

4. Offer Exclusive Beta Access

• What it is: Let a select group try your product before it's widely available.
• How to do it: Create a waiting list on your website.
• Example: "Sign up now for exclusive early access to our new app!"

5. Attend Trade Shows

• What it is: Set up a booth at industry events.
• How to do it: Research relevant shows in your area and book a spot.
• Example: If you're in tech, attend local startup meetups or larger events like TechCrunch Disrupt.

6. Give Away Stickers

• What it is: Create eye-catching stickers with your logo or slogan.
• How to do it: Use a service like StickerMule to print in bulk.
• Example: Hand out stickers at local events or include them with product shipments.

7. Engage in Online Forums

• What it is: Participate in discussions related to your product or industry.
• How to do it: Join relevant subreddits or Facebook groups.
• Example: If you sell gardening tools, answer questions in gardening forums.

8. Start a Blog

• What it is: Regularly publish helpful content on your website.
• How to do it: Use WordPress to set up a free blog.
• Example: Write weekly tips related to your product or industry.

9. Get Featured in Publications

• What it is: Have your business mentioned in popular media.
• How to do it: Reach out to journalists with interesting story angles.
• Example: If you have a unique founding story, pitch it to local news outlets.

10. Target Specific Communities

• What it is: Create content for a particular group of people.
• How to do it: Identify your ideal customer and tailor your message to them.
• Example: If you sell eco-friendly products, create content for environmentally conscious consumers.

11. Write Guest Posts

• What it is: Contribute articles to other popular blogs.
• How to do it: Reach out to blog owners with your article ideas.
• Example: If you sell cooking gadgets, write recipe posts for food blogs.

12. Use Your Own Product

• What it is: Become your biggest customer and share your experience.
• How to do it: Regularly use your product and document it.
• Example: If you have a fitness app, share your personal fitness journey using the app.

13. Host a Contest

• What it is: Offer prizes to engage potential customers.
• How to do it: Use social media to run and promote your contest.
• Example: "Share a photo using our product to win a year's supply!"

14. Try Different Content Types

• What it is: Create various forms of content to reach more people.
• How to do it: Experiment with videos, podcasts, infographics, etc.
• Example: Turn your most popular blog post into a YouTube video.

15. Convert Competitors' Customers

• What it is: Attract users from similar products.
• How to do it: Highlight your unique benefits compared to competitors.
• Example: Offer a special discount for customers switching from a competitor.

16. Offer Cash Incentives

• What it is: Give new customers money to try your product.
• How to do it: Provide a sign-up bonus or cashback.
• Example: "Get $10 when you make your first purchase!"

17. Partner with Another Brand

• What it is: Collaborate with a complementary business.
• How to do it: Reach out to non-competing brands in your industry.
• Example: If you sell coffee, partner with a local bakery for a joint promotion.

18. Give Away T-Shirts

• What it is: Create branded shirts as walking advertisements.
• How to do it: Use a service like UberPrints to create custom shirts.
• Example: Give free shirts to early customers and ask them to wear them.

19. Support a Social Cause

• What it is: Align your product with a charitable mission.
• How to do it: Donate a portion of sales to a relevant cause.
• Example: If you sell pet products, support local animal shelters.

20. Create Buzz with Unique Marketing

• What it is: Do something unexpected to grab attention.
• How to do it: Think outside the box for promotions.
• Example: If you sell umbrellas, host a "rain dance" event in your city.

21. Offer Free Gifts with Purchase

• What it is: Include a surprise with every order.
• How to do it: Choose small, relevant items to include.
• Example: If you sell skincare, include free sample sizes of other products.

22. Make a Viral Video

• What it is: Create a shareable, entertaining video about your product.
• How to do it: Focus on humor or emotional appeal.
• Example: Create a funny skit showcasing your product's benefits.

23. Use Bumper Stickers

• What it is: Create eye-catching stickers for cars.
• How to do it: Design a catchy slogan and print stickers.
• Example: If you have a food delivery app, use "Honk if you're hungry!"

24. Organize a Flash Mob

• What it is: Surprise people with a sudden public performance.
• How to do it: Hire dancers or use willing employees.
• Example: If you sell headphones, organize a silent disco flash mob.

Remember, start small and try one or two strategies at a time. Track your results and focus on what works best for your business. With persistence and creativity, you'll soon see your customer base grow! If you need any help, contact us at Digital Marketing All.