A memorable marketing idea does not have to be elaborate. Sometimes a different way of describing an offer, reaching a useful contact or giving customers a reason to talk about you is enough to make it stand out.
The original article collected unconventional examples. Treat them as prompts for your own thinking, rather than instructions to copy.
Reach people who can recommend you
One example involved a restaurant owner spending time talking to a taxi driver about the restaurant. The point was to reach someone who regularly met people looking for somewhere to eat.
Consider who encounters your potential customers in everyday work. A useful conversation and a clear explanation of what you offer may be more valuable than a general advert.
Give familiar ideas some personality
Other examples can be adapted without depending on a particular technology or brand:
- Use an amusing but understandable description for a product.
- Send an appropriate branded gift that reminds the recipient of your business.
- Present an offer through a short recorded message where that format suits the audience.
- Create a themed event or special day around something relevant to your customers.
- Discuss referrals with another business whose preferred customers differ from yours.
The idea should still make the offer clear. Being unusual is not helpful if people cannot tell what you sell or why it matters to them.
Keep the commercial point in view
The “My Accountant Thinks I’m Crazy Sale” used a playful story to introduce a generous offer. You can borrow the idea of a light-hearted theme without losing sight of what the promotion will cost.
Before using any promotion, talk through the offer, the work involved and the result you hope to achieve. A striking message still needs a business case.
Use creative presentation to draw attention to a real offer.