To reach the masses you have to stand out from the crowd. Do something different from the norm. If you want your business to shine, but feel exhausted by the boring email, direct mail and social media campaigns you’ve been using for marketing, go bigger – have some fun with a new advertising campaign.
First, be sure your brand identity is in line. Confirm continuity between logos, letterheads, packaging, business cards and websites. That way you are recognizable from every angle, and your multifaceted approach to promoting your product or service has a chance to be successful. It’s not so much about advertising anymore but about creating a memorable experience. This is going to be fun!
New Cards
With the innovations in technology, business card printing has gotten clever. For example, Vancouver-based FLOW yoga studio gives out foam cards that roll up just like a yoga mat. Now an artist can have a business card that turns into a mini piece of art on a tiny easel. The sky is the limit; the more creative and memorable you get, the more likely you’ll earn new business. With so many custom options available, this is a good start to your new plan.
And, how about using business checks as a branding tool? This is another good opportunity to link your business to certain images in the eyes of the consumer. Add your logo and coordinate your checks with your website and print materials.
Walking Billboards
Remember back in 2002, when goldenpalace.com tatted up the back of an undeniably popular middleweight champion, Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins? That created an ongoing controversy that had advertisers, consumers and reporters arguing the relevance and couth of it. But it worked – you still know the name “Golden Palace,” and according to their website, they’re going on 15 years in the business.
While a henna tattoo on a famous athlete might not be your preferred method of notoriety, you can still spread the word by using people to promote your product. Why not try walking billboards? Innovative display equipment allows for large, lightweight signs to be carried on people’s backs. They can even be lit up or have scrolling text. Hire a group to walk around an area of interest wearing these and you’ll definitely stand out. You can see varieties of this type of advertising on rickshaws (pedicabs) and on moving ad trucks, as well.
Toilet Paper
What else are you doing while sitting on the toilet? Jordan and Bryan Silverman started a toilet paper company that prints advertisements on Eco-friendly TP. That’s right, you can put your name out there to every human being who enters that bathroom. Everyone has to go, right? And Star Toilet Paper’s website touts the paper to be comfortable, septic-safe, easy-to-read and customizable. Best of all though, the toilet paper ads are printed with nonabrasive (thank you) vegetable oil-based ink. In other words, it’s user-friendly.
Pizza Box Ads
Similar line of thinking here: Everyone orders pizza, at least every now and then, right? Pizza Box Top Ads says to “Think On the Box” when considering unique advertising methods. Hand-delivery sidesteps the legwork of advertising with door hangers, fliers and coupon books. There are many benefits to printing your ad on a pizza box; first of all, people love pizza, so when you reach them, they’re generally in a good mood. Your pizza box advertising campaign will be seen seven days a week, and it creates a warm connection to the local community.
