BEST PRACTICES:: Really Alternative Media

Listen to the Audio Podcast of this posting here (runtime 1:54). In small business marketing, a little lateral thinking goes a long way. I say “lateral thinking” instead of “out-of-the-box” because when you’re considering alternatives to traditional media like television, radio, or the diehard yellow pages, you need not re-invent the wheel, just find a new use for it.

Look for "really alternative media" to cut through the barrage of other marketing messages and position your business squarely in the sights of your ideal buyer. You don’t even have to look that hard, but rather think laterally.

Consider the following a vertically-hinged door to really alternative media:

Sponsored Highway Exits
Why not ask the city to allow you to ‘sponsor’ your freeway exit. “Exit 105, sponsored by Justin Downey Marketing” is more interesting and most likely cheaper then purchasing a giant, gaudy arrow sign to point in your direction. The city could probably use the extra revenue as well.

Pizza Box Advertising
Why does pizza only come with coupons for more pizza? I got my pizza. Now, maybe I’m looking for a roofer or a pest control company to get rid of the bugs who have taken up residence in my last pizza box.

Delivery Menu Ads
Everyone’s front door comes standard with a Chinese take-out menu. Maybe the reason I’m ordering dinner to be delivered is because what I really need is a local auto parts store?

Backyard Toys
How often does a neighborhood kid’s ball or Frisbee end up in your back yard. Why not brand some Frisbees’ with your real estate business name and phone number? The companies who sell them can hardly give them away and what real estate agency wouldn’t like to get even a single piece of marketing material past the front doorknob?

If you’re looking for low cost, high impact media, you don’t have to rack your brain trying to “think outside-the-box”. Rather, keep your eyes peeled and your mind open.

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