Earlier this week on a dreary February evening I broke my usual weekday routine to see movie of the moment Fifty Shades of Grey.
Despite the bad reviews I enjoyed it. It made interesting conversation and debate with a friend, her teenage son and girlfriend.
What’s the secret to this film’s success?
Curiosity and the focus on raw human emotion?
A gap in the market?
This subject is not often broached and used as a main story-line for a major film. You’ve also got the build-up and fan base. It was huge. Millions of books have been sold across the globe.
Love or hate it, you can’t deny that Fifty Shades of Grey is a marketing triumph.
What can you do to give your marketing campaigns a boost?
1. A bold and noticeable campaign
For a while now the trend in marketing has focused on subtle ways to promote a business through content marketing and social media.
All good, but maybe a bold and out-there campaign is what’s needed to jolt people away from their routine and take notice.
Break the mold and surprise your customers.
I’m thinking real life models (in place of manikins) in clothes shop windows – it would get people looking.
A coffee shop revamp that introduces 20 new teas and a free salsa lesson with every 20th coffee bought.
Or a performance from a local group in a electrical shop, showcasing the latest amps and speakers.
2. Jump on the bandwagon
As per this blog talk about what’s current. Put your own spin on news and local issues. Blog and use social media to express your thoughts.
Views, likes and shares will draw people to your business and website.
Google favours a popular blog or social media post.
Do this regularly and your website hits and ranking will soar.
3. Go back to basics
Remind people what you do.
When promoting your own business, it’s easy to get side-tracked and miss out important details in promotions.
Everyone’s in their own world, and new customers follow you on social media.
Show how your service or product will benefit them.
If you need inspiration on what to talk about, get out there and talk to your customers.
You could hold a workshop, event or inspirational talk, give away free samples etc.
Take feedback on what people like about you and use the answers as a basis for a blog, social media update, newsletter, email or marketing campaign.
4. Timing
Valentine’s Day was an obvious date to release the film but, it’s also that time of year when everyone needs a boost.
Can you take advantage of up-and-coming local and national events?
Or special occasions and times of the year?
Start planning. Draw up a promotion plan for the year ahead.
You can build up the momentum with teasers on what’s coming up, or for an event, offer incentives like early-bird offers and extra benefits for booking early.
Plan promotions across a variety of platforms.
A well thought-out, creative campaign can perform better than lots of one-off promotions.
Also by planning in advance you get everything done in good time and allow for distractions and delays.
I hope this blog has given you some ideas for your business.
Vanessa