Most advertising ideas seem to come back to the same methods: radio ads, television ads, and websites. But if you’ve exhausted these channels or don’t want to participate in those avenues, then here are some rather unique and different advertising methods you can try:
1) Get an eBay Account
Having an eBay account and posting listings online can be particularly profitable, especially for anyone who runs any aspect of their business online. eBay is a fast and fairly inexpensive way to tell the online world about the products you sell.
Even more inexpensive are other online sites such as Craigslist and Kijiji. These accounts are free to set up and free to use, so it’s worth posting advertisements on both of these sites from time to time. You may be surprised by the amount of leads or customers that you’ll amass through these free sites.
2) Cross-Promotional Strategies
One of the best advertising ideas for small businesses is to cross-promote. Joining forces with other companies that are either the same or have some sort of relation to your own business can be a great way to boost your advertising and marketing power, for both you and your business partner.
For example, if you’re a painter, why not approach a few paint manufacturers or companies locally and try to make a deal? You’ll use only their paint products and advertise that you use their paint products if they give you a discount on the cost of paint. They get fairly inexpensive advertising, and you get a break on the cost of materials for your job.
3) Local Contests
Even if your company is mostly or completely online, having a local contest will do a lot when it comes to getting more PR, both locally and internationally. Put up some signs and advertise on your Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn accounts that you’re having a contest. Consider submitting a short statement or advertisement for it to the local newspaper too if it’s in your budget. When coming up with the contest idea, make sure that it’s appropriate for your business. Have some promotional products to hand out, like water bottles, key chains and baseball caps that feature the name of your company, to further promote your business.
4) Video Marketing-Related Polls
Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to have a video marketing campaign. All you need is a webcam, good lighting, and a great idea. One of the most effective ways to get people to come through to your website is to have a unique, interesting or scary video online that only shows the beginning of the story. You can then conclude the video with a link to your website which has a poll in which your viewers get to choose how the video ends. This method can also work for audio advertising and even text advertising as well.
5) Geo-Targeting
Geo-targeting sites like Google Places, Facebook Places, and foursquare are all great resources for companies. One of the most effective advertising ideas is to offer special discounts or promotions to people who “check in” to your business on one of these geo-targeting sites. For example, if you sign up for a “foursquare” account, anyone who checks in to your store, restaurant, or company can then have an advertisement from your business pop up on their laptop, tablet, smartphone or mobile phone that further encourages them to either make a purchase or return another day to take advantage of the promotional offer.