Getting the Word Out About Your Business in Unconventional Ways

What methods do you use to get the word out about your business?

Every business out there needs a digital marketing plan. Without one, you’re not going to be able to promote your business to your potential customers effectively. However, there are other ways that you can reach out besides Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. What about starting a podcast? Maybe take a gamble on some brand-new apps? Or how about going old school and recording a few radio ads?

Here are some unconventional ways that I suggest you use to give your business a boost!

Podcasting

Podcasting is big business.

Ten years ago, it was considered to be a niche form of entertainment. Today it’s a multi-billion-dollar industry. Those in the audio business, like Apple and Spotify, are spending vast amounts of money promoting new podcasts. Whatever content you are looking for, whether it be true crime, technology, or entrepreneurship, you’re going to find countless excellent podcasts that you can download for free!

As an entrepreneur, you have an opportunity to put a spotlight on your experience and insights by starting a podcast of your very own. Believe it or not, this doesn’t require very much in start-up costs. All you need is a good-quality microphone (I recommend the Blue Yeti) and an audio editing program (the free program Audacity should do the trick). 

Now, I’m not going to lie. Starting a podcast is a lot of work. Not only do you need a topic, equipment, guests, and some editing experience, but you will also need to invest time into building an audience. Even if you don’t have millions of subscribers it can be well worth it to help get your name and expertise circulating in new ways. It may also connect you to customers you otherwise would have missed.

Podcasting Killed the Radio Star? Not Yet!

Many people believe that podcasting has surpassed radio as the premiere form of audio entertainment. And while there is some truth to this, radio isn’t dead yet!

In fact, most people are listening to the good old-fashioned FM radio while they are driving into work in the morning. These people are a literally captive audience and potential customers waiting to happen. That means you should take a look at radio advertising as a method to reach out and get your brand better known.

Radio ads can still be expensive, but the price will depend on your local media market. A well-written and compelling radio ad might give your brand a significant boost through one of the oldest forms of audio entertainment! 

The Cutting Edge of Social Media

If you are an entrepreneur, I hope that you are making good use of social media. To start you should have business profiles for your businesses on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. But here is the thing about social media: it’s always evolving.

New apps, channels, and services are popping up all the time. Sometimes, they fail almost immediately with little fanfare. Other times, they become overnight sensations. 

Take TikTok, for example. This Chinese-owned video-sharing social media service exploded in popularity, seemingly overnight. By sharing short lip-sync and comedy videos, countless people became social media stars, with their content shared by major news organizations. 

Now, I’m not suggesting that TikTok is an ideal app for your business, but it definitely should have been on your radar. You never know what is going to stick! So, keep scanning the news for the latest social media networks trying to breakthrough. If you can get in on the ground floor, your business and your entrepreneurial brand could get a significant boost!

Sponsorships and Charity

I am a big believer that success should be shared. If you have created a multi-million-dollar business, it’s your responsibility to help your community in a variety of ways.

Sponsorships can be a fantastic way to advertise your brand while also helping those who need money. For example, take a look at your community calendar. Are there any big events coming up in the near future? Maybe there is a music festival that is looking for sponsors. Or a local sports team that is fundraising for new uniforms. By giving a little bit of money, you will play a crucial part in helping these events or fundraisers take off. This community involvement will reflect positively on your business, as well as show your support for your community!

Same thing with charities. By donating money to causes close to your heart, you will not only be helping those in need but broadcasting your values to the broader world. Find one or two charities that you believe in, either national or local, and donate some of your time or money every year.

These are just a few ideas on how to market your business through channels others might be ignoring. There are countless others. I challenge you to sit down one night and put some thought into creative ways that you can advertise! After all, invention and creativity are both hallmarks of being a successful entrepreneur!