Basic Marketing Ideas for your Marketing Calendar

I like to keep a running list of ways people can market their businesses. As I see new ones, I like to add to the list, and share it with the women in my mastermind, and network. It's particularly helpful when I am planning or updating my marketing calendar.

There is also a PDF Marketing Calendar template available for for download; and this list is also available in PDF format for download here. The article before this one lists the questions you should be able to answer about your business and your customers before you get to this planner. And of course, there is the annual list of special dates (Canadian) and seasonal topics to tie your marketing to.

As for this list, you can drop me a line to let me know if you have found it useful, or if there are ideas you think should be on it. - Gisela

The Basics:

• Branding (name, logo, colours, identity: packaging, letterhead & envelopes)
• Brochures
• Business Card
• Flyers
• Sales letters
• Networking
• Referrals
• Newsletters
• Free Samples
• Cold Calling
• Sandwich board
• Magnetic signage on cars
• Hold Events
• In-store Signage
• Store Dressing
• Staff Dress-up
• Word of Mouth
• Phone Listing
• Join Associations
• Clothing

Direct Mail:

• Sales Letter (series)
• CDs
• Postcards

Traditional Media:

• Press Releases
• Newspaper Ad
• Magazines
• Radio Interviews
• Publicity

Not-so-basic:

• Write a Book
• Blimp/sky writing/plane banners
• Billboards
• Subway / Transit Ads
• Landscape Ads

E-marketing:

• Website (including Search Engine Optimization)
• Online Advertising Campaign
• Newsletters
• Affiliate/Referral Programs
• Web banners
• Directories
• Writing Articles
• Network / post to discussions where your target market hang out

Cross Promotion:

• Prize Packages
• Sponsorships
• Coupon books
• Write for other company’s newsletters/publications

Appearances:

• Tradeshows & Exhibitions
• Meetings, Conventions
• Speaking Engagements
• Festivals
• Conferences
• Create Training Programs around your area of expertise

Content/Focus of the promotions

• Use specific time-constrained offers
• Discounts/Coupons
• Giveaways
• Contests
• Gift with purchase
• Client Appreciation
• Open House
• Seasonal Extended Hours
• Anniversary
• Business Events
• Corporate Gift
• Donations
• Trinkets
• Awards – sponsoring, creating
• Charity

© 2006, Gisela McKay. All rights reserved in all media.