The Number 7
It is undeniable that the number 7 is instrumental in every aspect of our society. From the 7 wonders of the world to the 7 deadly sins and to thumbs-up-7-up to the 7th inning stretch, the number 7 is apparently vital to our culture. However, there is another 7 you might not be aware of – I am talking about a successful marketing strategy revolving around media messages and how to present them while staying within your proposed budget.
7 is the number of times your company’s target audience needs to hear or see your marketing message in order to positively influence a buying decision. Prospects will likely become buyers when they are continually touched by various forms of media through diverse forms of media channels. If the size of the audience, who has viewed the message, or reach, is high, this will translate into reaching the number 7 quicker and be more successful than one message sent out via one media vehicle.
E-mail, another media vehicle marketers are taking advantage of, has become a daily happening for us, the brand marketers. Unfortunately spammers have also latched on to this idea, creating a lot of important emails going straight to the junk mail folder or even worse, right to the trash bin. But, let me inspire you with the thought of the day, email is not the only way to get your message out! Change it up some - add a tablespoon of fax, a cup of editorial, a pinch of advertising and word of mouth garnished with direct mail.
With brand marketers utilizing innovative technology to grasp the attention of their targeted markets, attaining 7 marketing messages is a task that is getting easier to achieve. Whether it is through digital street displays, Bluetooth initiated text messages, information kiosks, mobile billboards, interactive banner advertisements, or clever print advertisements, consumers are being bombarded by companies trying to reach the number 7 and catalyzing a buying reaction. A customer must see your message an average of 7 times for it to stand out from all of your competitors’ messages they see each day. That’s right, 7 times!
But how do you accomplish this feat while staying within your proposed budget for the year? With VBP OutSourcing’s Smart Budgeting Tips!
Time Equals Money. We all have heard this popular saying before and some even live by it. One way that you can market your product at a low cost is by utilizing the marketing of another company to get ahead. Knowledge is key here – know where and when a grand opening or a networking event is and attend, armed with business cards and print collateral.
Target a Target Audience. Is your umbrella of potential buyers too big to handle? Start out small. Find customers who are easy to recognize, affordable to contact, and most important, who interested in your product. Forming a relationship with this target is invaluable because ultimately the bond that you create will get you closer to your sales goal, or at least a referral.
Compete Smart. Schedule your marketing activities to take advantage of peak times during the year, make sure your message is fiercely competing for their attention. When customers are more likely to be in the market for your product or service. It is not necessary to market your product throughout the entire year – be smart and know when your particular industry is slow and when customers are not likely to purchase.
Be a Superhero. Get yourself noticed any way that you can. Whether it is writing an article for a local business magazine or gaining some air time on a local news or radio station. Do this by making sure that you are up to date on relevant current events and trends or doing good deeds that will not go unnoticed. Inexpensive and easy marketing is at your fingertips … all you have to do is be a superhero for the day.
Show Them a Sign. Use signage to let people know who and where you are. A new way brand marketers are using to reach target audiences is by using vehicle signage. An inexpensive and easy marketing route to go is with window decals. Be sure to include your website address or company phone number. This is a great way to get your marketing message seen 7 different times simply by driving around town. Also remember that you can get a tax break for your vehicle if it is used as a company vehicle. Another way to save!
Keep your friends close but your enemy’s closer. Know who your competitors are and what they are doing as far as their marketing ideas and tactics is key to staying one step ahead of them. Researching your competitors is important to keep budgets low, gain new marketing insight, and networking purposes.
Word of Mouth! To save the most important, easy, and inexpensive way to have a successful marketing plan on a low budget, referrals. Referrals – know them, learn them, and love them. Take all of your new friends and add some satisfied customers to the pot and ask each one of them to refer you to someone they know and trust. A satisfied customer telling others about your small business is more effective than any creative ad or media campaign you might generate.
Just remember, bigger is not always better when it comes to getting ahead in your marketing campaign. Stay creative and innovative through at least 7 media messages and vehicles and your marketing campaign will skyrocket. Up, up, and away!
About the Author:
Brooks Perry's background in media, business communications, and web development has given him a unique ability to provide expert writing, editorial, and public relations services for all types of projects, from informational brochures to integrated websites. His educational background includes a Mass Communications degree from the Towson University with a focus on advertising, public relations and marketing.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Number 7