100 Marketing Ideas
approx 8 minute read
Right message, right people, right time
Marketing is about getting the right message in front of the right people at the right time.
There are hundreds of ways in which you could do this. Thousands, in fact.
It’s all about finding the right mix for your business.
So here are 100 marketing ideas, across different channels, to give you some inspiration.
They’re not in any particular order. And remember, not all of these ideas will be right for your business.
You have to cherry pick the ones that align with your strategy.
Start with a plan
And so before you start, have a think about your plan.
What is your target demographic? What kind of people buy your thing, and why?
Where will you find your customers? What other things do they like? Where do they hang out?
It’s about choosing to fish where the fish are.
If you have a list of your top 100 clients, or top 10. How could you find more like these?
We have a post on creating a marketing plan so be sure to check it out.
Otherwise, if you’re ready to brainstorm some ideas, grab a notepad and let’s get started.
Direct Outreach
1. Email
Nurture leads, build relationships, and promote sales through targeted emails.
2. Invitations
Personalise invitations to events, creating an exclusive and engaging experience.
3. Linkedin Premium
Unlock additional features on LinkedIn for enhanced networking and visibility.
4. Lumpy Mail
Send attention-grabbing mail that offers value and novelty for a memorable connection.
5. Samples
Allow customers to experience your product through free samples or trial periods.
6. Phone Calls
No, we’re not a fan of cold calls either. However, we are a fan of care calls. Checking in with customers to make sure they’re happy can be a relationship-focused way to increase loyalty and sales.
Ambassador Marketing
7. Affiliate Programme
Harness the power of influencers and partners to expand your reach and sales.
8. Collaborations
Collaborate with Other Businesses to create mutually beneficial partnerships for cross-promotion.
9. Customer Testimonials
Encourage reviews and testimonials to build trust and credibility. Use video testimonials where possible.
10. Loyalty Cards
Encourage repeat business with a card designed to boost sales and reward loyal customers.
11. Referral Scheme
Incentivise customers to refer others, expanding your customer base through a trusted network.
Social Media
12. Social Media Ads
Try boosting posts or advertising on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin.
13. Influencers
Collaborate with relevant social-media influencers to reach their audience and leverage authority.
14. Host a Q&A
Engage your audience and build connections through interactive Q&A sessions.
15. Behind-the-Scenes Content
Humanise your brand by sharing the inner workings of your business to add character and grow your following.
16. Competitions or Giveaways
Boost engagement and attract new customers with contests that also provide great content.
17. Social Media Takeovers
Allow influencers or employees to take control of your social media for a day.
18. UGC (User-Generated Content)
Encourage customers to create content showcasing your products or services.
Search
19. Onsite SEO
Optimise your website’s content and structure for search engine visibility and relevance.
20. Offsite SEO
Optimise your credibility, online presence and trustflow score improving your website’s backlink profile.
21. Directory Listings
Ensure your business is visible on relevant online directories for local SEO.
22. Google Ads
Boost online visibility and drive targeted traffic or product sales with paid search efforts on Google’s advertising platform.
23. Optimise Google Business Profile
Maximise your Google Business Profile to better serve customers and enhance local search visibility.
24. Add products to GBP
Boost visibility and attract local customers searching for your offerings.
25. Remarketing
Re-engage website visitors with targeted ads based on their previous interactions with your website
Non-social Ad Placements
26. Print Ads
Place targeted advertisements in relevant print publications for wider exposure.
27. Newspaper Ads
Advertise in local or industry-specific newspapers for targeted exposure.
28. Radio Ads
Reach a broad audience with targeted radio advertisements or competitions in your area.
29. Spotify Ads
Target a specific audience with audio ads on the popular music streaming platform.
30. Waze Ads
Increase local visibility with advertising on the popular navigation app.
31. TripAdvisor Ads
Capitalise on travel-related visibility with targeted advertising on TripAdvisor. Perfect for hospitality businesses.
32. Team Sponsorships
Support local teams or events for community engagement and exposure.
Print & PR
33. Leaflet Drop
Target specific areas with low-cost promotional literature, like leaflets, for direct outreach.
34. Postcards
Send personalised postcards for direct and tangible marketing with a punchy message and offer.
35. Letters
Craft personalised letters on branded stationery to create high-touch, high-value connections with prospects or customers.
36. Thank You Cards
Express gratitude and build customer loyalty with personalised thank-you cards.
37. Magazines
Create your own magazine for a tangible presence in front of a targeted audience.
38. Newsletters
Keep your audience informed and engaged with regular printed newsletters or newspapers.
39. Editorials
Contribute insightful articles to industry publications for thought leadership.
40. Press Releases
Share company news and updates through press releases for local and national media coverage.
41. Awards
Leverage awards to build credibility and showcase your excellence in the industry.
Events
42. Exhibit
Showcase your products, exhibit, make connections, and stay updated on industry trends.
43. Backpack Flags
While there, use backpack flags at events to turn your brand into a walking advertisement.
44. Attend a Trade Show
Participate in shows aligned with your audience for targeted exposure and connections.
45. In-Store Events
Bring customers into your physical space with events or product demonstrations.
46. Workshops
Host hands-on workshops or training sessions to engage with your audience.
47. VIP Event
Host exclusive events for valued customers or influencers.
48. Open Day
Invite potential customers to explore your business or products with an open day event.
49. Pop-up Shop
Create a temporary retail presence to engage with customers in different locations.
50. Shopping Centre Stands
Position your brand in high-traffic areas within shopping centres for on-demand footfall.
51. Speaking Opportunities
Establish authority by speaking at industry conferences or events.
52. Host a Webinar
Showcase expertise, generate leads, and connect with a wider audience.
53. Networking
Build relationships and generate leads through strategic networking efforts in your area.
54. Chamber of Commerce
Join your local Chamber of Commerce to network and collaborate.
55. BNI
Network and generate referrals through your local BNI meetings.
56. FSB
Become a member of the Federation of Small Businesses for networking and support.
Signs & Display
57. Banners
Capture the attention of passers-by with strategically placed roadside banners.
58. Billboard
Amplify brand visibility with large-scale outdoor advertising in high-traffic areas.
59. Use Flags Outside
Make a bold statement and increase high-street visibility with eye-catching customised flags.
60. Lamp Post & Bollard Signs
Utilise outdoor space for extremely eye-catching localised advertising on road side bollards or lamp posts.
61. Pavement Signs
Attract foot traffic with strategically placed signage on pavements with engaging messaging.
62. Point of Purchase Signage
Capture attention and promote last-minute purchases with in-store signage.
63. Posters
Utilise posters for eye-catching displays in high-traffic areas with a short compelling message.
64. Update Shop Signage
Make your storefront stand out and look inviting with effective and attractive signage.
65. Strut Cards
Display promotional messages effectively on table tops with freestanding strut cards.
66. Vehicle Graphics
Turn your company vehicles into mobile advertisements with custom graphics.
67. Window Graphics
Transform your windows into eye-catching displays with custom graphics.
68. Wall Graphics
Often your largest canvas. Utilise wall space for impactful branding and messaging.
69. Floor Graphics
Use floor space for eye-catching graphics, guiding customers and enhancing branding.
Content Marketing
70. Blogs & Articles
Share valuable content to establish authority and connect with your audience.
71. Ebook/Guide Downloads
Provide valuable resources to enhance credibility while capturing leads and building an audience.
72. White Paper
Showcase industry expertise by publishing authoritative white papers. Great for building lists and SEO.
73. Surveys
Gather and share valuable user feedback to create an engaging, noteworthy and sharable piece of content.
74. Guest Blogs
Expand your audience by contributing guest posts to relevant blogs.
75. Medium & LinkedIn
Extend the reach of your content by republishing on popular platforms.
76. Revamp Old Posts
Update and repurpose existing content to stay relevant and maximise value.
77. Podcasts
Share insights, interviews, and discussions through podcast platforms tailored to your audience.
78. Promotional Videos
Showcase your brand or products through engaging explainer video content.
79. YouTube Channel
Add a series of engaging videos to reach a vast and diverse online audience. Think about helpful content or behind the scenes footage.
Website Optimisation
80. Product/Service Landing Pages
Create dedicated landing pages to highlight specific offerings.
81. Customer-related Landing Pages
Personalise landing pages for specific customer segments, enhancing relevance.
82. Optimise Above the Fold
Ensure key information is prominently placed on your website’s initial view.
83. Seasonal Content
Align your web banners with the latest announcements to boost freshness and relevance
84. Online Bookings
Simplify things by enabling online booking for stays, hires, reservations, and appointments.
85. Simplify Messaging
Convey your message clearly and concisely for better audience understanding.
86. CTAs
Add CTAs to sections and pages. Direct visitors with compelling calls-to-action for increased engagement.
87. Live Chat
Provide instant support and enhance user experience with real-time communication.
88. 360 Tours
Immerse your audience with virtual tours showcasing your business or products.
Something a Little Different
89. AR Filters
Create interactive and shareable brand experiences using augmented reality on social media.
90. Promotional Giveaways
Increase brand visibility with innovative and useful branded items as giveaways. There are lots of fun and interesting ideas!
91. Printed T-Shirts
Help your team stand out in a crowd with fun and memorable custom printed t-shirts.
92. Branded Clothing
Turn your team into walking brand ambassadors with custom clothing.
93. Colouring Books
Offer branded colouring books for a unique and engaging marketing tool with a family-friendly vibe.
94. Create a National Day
Establish a dedicated day for your brand or product, creating a buzz.
95. Giphy
Create branded GIFs for a playful and shareable online presence.
96. Limited Edition Products
Create urgency and exclusivity with special-edition products or services.
97. Publicity Stunt
Create a wacky, memorable and buzz-worthy event or talking-point for media attention. But stay safe, folks!
98. Quora
Answer relevant industry-related questions on Quora to showcase your expertise.
99. Reddit
Engage with niche communities on Reddit to foster community and build brand awareness.
100. SMS Messaging
Reach customers directly with targeted SMS campaigns that are hard to ignore.
Where do I start?
100 marketing ideas are just that. Ideas. Possibilities. There are thousands more. But the key is to craft a marketing plan based on your target market, your goals, and your budget. Get in touch with us to make a start over coffee. Request a free website audit. Or answer a few questions on our Gameplan to start creating a tailored digital marketing plan.