Marketing Outside the Box
Want to create a buzz and get people talking about what you’re doing? How about doing the opposite of what people expect. Many people call this thinking outside of the box and this is where your right brain can definitely come into play. This is where you should start saying “why not” instead of “don’t go there.”
If you feel that your marketing message is constrained by certain parameters, ask yourself whether those parameters are real or imaginary. How far could you push the envelope without overstepping, how creative can you be without it backfiring? Whenever you see a viral video or hear of a highly successful “off the cuff” marketing initiative, try and take time to understand how the initiators formed their thoughts. Put yourself in the role of the most highly paid executive on Madison Avenue, famous for constantly thinking outside of the box and see how you could enhance your position.
If you are in a niche not known for its jocularity, inject some! Maybe you’re an accounting service provider – create a video about something funny and lighthearted around tax time.
Surprise all your clients and prospects by giving something of great value to them at no charge and also on a regular basis. Establishing yourself as the experts is, as we know, a smart move in the world of Internet marketing. Look into your crystal ball and see where the next growth area may be in your particular niche and then go out of your way to create a meaty white paper or newsletter.You will place a resounding stamp on the subject and put yourself ahead of the game.
Remember that not all journalists have their finger on the pulse and many of them have so many other projects going on that they’re more than willing to receive expert opinion on any matter or valuable insight that you could provide them. Use the power of public relations to your advantage. Once again, anticipate questions that arise and how you could link your niche to any hot, trending, newsworthy activities or events.
While you are feeling in a global and giving mode, consider hosting your own virtual tradeshow. This idea is emerging, just as the power of the Internet is increasing exponentially. As exhibition or attendance at any tradeshow can be costly and time-consuming, attendance at the virtual tradeshow can take place from the security of the office or a comfortable home. If you set up and host a virtual tradeshow within your industry, you can achieve a considerable brand recognition and some additional earnings potential as well.
If you are involved in Internet marketing and the provision of online services, you may well not have considered the gold mine that is literally outside of your door. Bricks and mortar operations can all benefit from online exposure and rather than focusing on marketing your products online all the time, approach some of the more than 50% of off-line businesses that have no web presence whatsoever.
Have you seen any great ‘outside the box’ marketing messages?
Matthew Toren
I’ve read this from somewhere, I just can’t remember where. But, it says that we can all get out of our comfort zone and create change, we just have to believe that we can. Sometimes it really pays to be innovative.
Thanks, I really love reading this kind of blogs. Great post you have.
You are absolutely right - it is a great strategy to go knocking on doors in your community and offer to help small businesses market themselves online. You may have computer savvy that a business owner lacks - and he will be glad to share a piece of the pie with you if you help him reach out to new customers online. There are plenty of business owners that are clueless about the internet and may not have considered hiring help.
This is an interesting way to look at it! People love the shock of new things they haven’t seen or heard before so although it’s a daring route to take, it can be absolutely beneficial when done in the right ways and within the right parameters as well. Great post!
When people find out that I make my living online, they always ask, “How do you do that?” It is a perfect opportunity to open their minds to how things work and pick up some new consulting clients!
Yes , to market outside the box is needed ! ;P
As a marketing professional, outside environment are more important than the inside as the outside factors have more impact on any product or service as the final destination is the people.
it can be absolutely beneficial when done in the right ways and within the right parameters as well. Great post!
Thinking out of the box is a great idea indeed. I wish more people would try it. However, be careful you don’t think too far out of the box also. Sometimes, in trying to do something different, you can go too far off the path and take a step back.
Till then,
Jean
I’m working as a web marketer in an arabian web solutions company, so I have to write a message to use it in email marketing … and I wish if you have an examples for these messages … thanks
Thanks, I really love reading this kind of blogs. Great post you have.
I really love reading this kind of blogs. Great post you have.
Very good post Matthew. I always love when I find older posts (this one almost 5 months old) with information as relevant as it was when you created it! Looking forward to reading more of your posts.