Digital marketing is here to stay, but with a new decade just a couple of weeks away, you might find value in looking to the past and implementing traditional marketing methods. When complemented by an effective online strategy, old-school tactics could give your campaigns a much-needed boost in 2020.
Word of mouth
In an age when artificial intelligence and automation are used to amplify the power of marketing messages, the thought of traditional word of mouth can appear quaint and outdated.
However, word of mouth and the process of actively influencing and encouraging discussion of your brand, products and services still have a role to play in modern marketing.
Word of mouth can be cultivated directly through a referral marketing programme, which usually encourages customers to invite friends and family in return for a unique offer, discount or voucher.
Content marketing can also build word of mouth more organically by driving loyalty and trust through the distribution of high-quality, engaging materials. Building a broad, engaged audience creates a dedicated army of word-of-mouth marketers over time.
Phone calls
The old-school method of communication is still alive and well and is currently seeing a resurgence. A recent report found that calls can deliver around 40% conversion rates, which is incredibly competitive compared to other methods. The exponential rise in mobile searches has led to an increase in phone calls directly from search results. Another report found that 75% of calls to a business are now made from iPhones and other smartphone devices.
These findings highlight the enduring value of phone calls to both businesses and customers. The former can use calls for new leads, while the latter picks up the phone to start their own journey through an enquiry or chat to customer service. Making a call could not be easier, and you can align the traditional with the cutting edge by using software to track users across multiple platforms.
The simple phone call is also an essential part of client and customer relationship management. When outsourcing your content marketing in 2020, it is vital to partner with an agency that prides itself on regular calls with clients so that you know that are you talking to a real human and not a bot.
Promotions and business cards
There are many promotional old-school marketing methods that are proven to be essential when it comes to creating loyal, lasting connections. Attending conferences, at least annually, is vital for most businesses. When you visit these events, you don’t want to be empty-handed. Think about creating signage, flyers and branded items, as they are excellent ways to ensure that your marketing and brand never stops travelling at such events.
Additionally, business cards are as important as ever, and they are essential for making a memorable first impression. A business card is essentially, the first impression of your brand. Handing a potential prospect an attractive, and intriguing business card is personal, memorable, and one of the most effective direct marketing tools.
New trends
Content marketing is both traditional and progressive. It has been deployed by brands successfully for more than a decade, but new software, mediums and platforms continue to make it relevant and a force to be reckoned with.
A recent report by Content Marketing Institute found that the majority of marketers are now outsourcing, and 80% of those who do make sure to offload ‘creation’ to third parties. A laser focus on the publication of memorable and shareable content with the help of agencies, whether on a website or across social media, is a fool-proof tactic that will be an important new trend in both B2C and B2B settings in 2020.
