On October 4th, 2021, two of the most prominent social media platforms in Facebook and Instagram temporarily shut down. And if you listened close enough, you could hear the collective sighs, scoffs, and awes heard from around the globe. It was all anyone could talk about. You probably read about it in a post on Fa…um, never mind.
Constructing a strategic marketing plan and carrying it out is hard work and requires finesse and research. Don’t get us wrong, we certainly recommend developing a social media strategy for your business (we can help with that, *wink.) But what if social media shuts down…again?
How will you communicate with your audience? Let’s take a quick look at four solutions you can turn to when social media isn’t an option.
Read the Fine Print
Only because we live in a digital-centric world do people think print is a dead marketing concept and technique. But is it really dead?
The answer is a resounding NO.
People are 70% more likely to remember businesses seen in print compared to online. There are several forms of print marketing materials that you can expose your audience to, including:
- Leaflets
- Brochures
- Promotional flyers
- Posters
- Business cards
- Newspaper/magazine ads
Print is easy to understand, provides a memorable and stimulating experience, and captivates consumers prompting them to take action.
Email is Everywhere
The power of email marketing remains one of the most powerful tools in terms of getting consumers to interact with your brand. Email marketing still delivers the highest return on investment of all marketing channels with a return of $42 for every dollar spent.
Email marketing allows you to personalize each email which is proven to increase open rates and increase revenue by as much as 760%. With more individualized content comes an increase in subscribers and loyal consumers.
Hello, You Have A Telegram (No, Not That One)
While not new to the party (Telegram was first introduced in 2013), Telegram is a relatively new app used for marketing. In 2021, there are over 500 million active users, and is projected to have more than one billion in 2022 making it one of the most popular apps.
The platform is an app used to promote a brand through messaging to a targeted audience. It allows you to reach new customers, increase sales, and help your customers learn about your products and services.
Old Faithful
Lost in all the digital communication we use today is the art of a well-crafted, handwritten letter or note. Today, consumers often expect businesses to be contacted through email or over the telephone. It’s the sign of the times we’re living in. Delicately crafting a classic, personalized message using pen and paper builds a personal relationship with your consumer base. With it, you set yourself apart from the competition. create a lasting positive impression your consumer base won’t forget.
Handwritten materials may lack measurable analytics, but they make up for it in the way they reflect genuine care and passion. During the pandemic, many people returned to using handwritten communication in order to keep in touch with those close to them. It was a way to convey their emotions when getting together in person wasn’t an option. The same can be applied to your business practices.
Social media is a must when it comes to marketing your business. But putting all of your eggs in one basket can leave you without a way to reach your audience should that basket fall apart. Let us devise a fully developed marketing strategy that covers all of your bases when social media is off the table.