2019 is going to be a massive year for small businesses, with the number of registered organizations bubbling up to nearly 30 million!

As more people find the inspiration to build their own companies, organizations have to start getting creative in their marketing strategies. Only buying ads on Facebook isn’t going to be an effective way to cut through the clutter anymore.

Therein lies the purpose of this article.

We want 2019 to be a big year for your business. To that end here are ten creative advertising methods you should start building your business around!

1. Signage

One of the lowest hanging fruits when it comes to creative advertising methods is stepping up your signage game.

If you’re a brick and mortar business, are you utilizing your display advertising effectively? Are you sharing your best deals in your window display? Are the signs you have up representative of the feel you want your brand to communicate to consumers?

If you feel like your signage and displays are falling short of where they could be, move some money around in the new year and get them to where they need to be.

2. Trade Shows

Trade Shows aren’t for every business, but it’s surprising to know how many companies could benefit from attending at least one per year.

If your products or services have any sort of business-to-business appeal, you should make an effort to get out on the show floor. Many companies find their most valuable corporate clients during shows. With attendance at trade shows dwindling amidst the digital marketing craze, you stand a better chance of standing out!

3. Swag

People love free stuff.

Stickers. Magnets. Pencils…

That’s why giving out branded merch at your store or in the street is a great way to get your brand out there. What’s awesome about this means of marketing is that when people see others showing off your stickers or using your company pen, it feels more like a personal endorsement than blatant marketing.

Endorsements are a powerful form of marketing.

4. Doubling Down on Word of Mouth

How much attention do you pay to word of mouth when advertising? Chances are, not enough.

That’s why systematizing your word of mouth efforts is a 2019 creative advertising methods must!

To get started, actively police your company’s Yelp account. Reply to good and bad reviews and always be professional when doing so. Also, be sure to ask satisfied customers to tell their friends about your business and to leave you reviews online.

If you want to be a staple in your local community, sponsor local stuff!

High school marching bands, sports teams, cheer squads… Any group or club you can sponsor who will then showcase your business’ name is worth your time.

6. Radio

Radio advertisement used to be the place to go to pump up your business. Then television came along… Then the internet.

Most people don’t think about radio anymore when they’re allocating marketing spend for the year and that’s a shame. Radio is still a highly listened to medium that’s local and therefore, valuable to brick and mortar stores.

Find a station that caters to your demo, buy some ads, and see how they go!

7. Blogger Outreach

Endorsements are more valuable than advertising. We touched on that idea in our third point and think you should lean on it when marketing in 2019.

One of the best ways to do that is through blogger outreach.

Find bloggers who write about stuff in your company’s niche and ask them if they’d be willing to review your product or service. If they are, send them what they need and enjoy the value that pours in when your products get shared in a positive light with the blogger’s audience.

8. LinkedIn

Chances are you’re already on LinkedIn, but are you using it effectively? To get the most out of LinkedIn and up your creative advertising methods effectiveness, you’re going to want to post thought-provoking content on the platform.

Share expertise that your business-to-business customers might appreciate. Also, comment on other people’s posts.

The more you can establish yourself as an expert in your field, the more likely you’ll be to attract customers on the platform.

9. Lunch Workshops

A ton of people in fields like financial services and similar industries get customers through workshops. The process of hosting one is simple.

On a weekend, invite the local community to eat free lunch and learn something that could improve the quality of their life. During the workshop, you can provide them with valuable information and offer them a free one-on-one appointment which you can later spin-off into future paid appointments.

10. Direct Mail

Direct mail is among the most touted advertising methods you’ll find in this day in age. For certain services, it’s still an effective marketing tactic.

For example, if you’re opening up a laundromat in the area, direct mail to apartment complexes is an effective way to get people in your doors.

To make sure that your mail gets read and not thrown away, hire a designer to make a flyer that stands out as opposed to going with a basic, black and white design.

Wrapping Up Creative Advertising Methods to Get Your Customers Talking in 2019

We’ve shared 10 creative advertising methods that break away from the typical digital marketing-fare. Leverage our advice and you’ll start to see more customers flood in!

Want information on how you can use tech to scale your business? If so, check out more of our content on Donklephant today.