Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Flipboard 0 Have you struggled with how to advertise your business? With all the choices for promoting your business, it can be overwhelming. Here are 31 great ideas to help spread the word about your business. Years ago, advertising dollars were spent primarily on newspaper, magazine, TV and radio. Advertising and marketing strategies have changed dramatically over the past few years to include tactics that are totally digital or a combination of digital and traditional advertising. The internet and changes in technology are driving this shift in advertising. Successful advertising and marketing campaigns require thorough knowledge of your target audience, their interests and where they are likely to get their news. Do your homework first then launch into an integrated campaign. Print Print is not dead but it has changed in presentation and use. Compelling graphics and snappy copy captivate and engage with readers to inspire them to take action. If your target audience still reads print publications, then print is where you should be advertising. Newspapers – national, local, community, counter-culture, trade Magazines – national, local, trade, industry, special interest, Directory Advertising – Yellow Pages, Industry, Local Direct Mail – Well-crafted mailer sent directly to potential customer. Bus and Taxi Cards – Post placed on the back of buses or taxi cabs with simple but direct message. Billboards – Oversized ads – and “Yes” these can still be effective. Online Many publications now have online versions and are offering a new generation of advertising to online viewers. With online advertising comes a variety of advertising opportunities and strategies plus great analytics to measure the effectiveness of a campaign. Newspapers Online – National, local, community, counter-culture, trade Magazines – Local, regional, national, international Influential blogs – Attract the people you want to reach. Advertising on these blogs could help you reach your target audience. Google Adwords – Classic for online pay per click advertising. Contextual ads – Written ad copy that appears near a related topic Native Advertising Retargeting – Ads that target users who previously visited your website. Social Media Advertising on social media closely dovetails with other marketing strategies and often involves campaigns, not stand-alone ads. Social media campaigns can be very effective, if done well, so do your homework first. Facebook – Sidebar, promoted posts and feed ads, sweepstakes, mobile ads Twitter – Ad campaigns LinkedIn – Ad campaigns Pinterest – Promoted posts Mobile Again, mobile ads are usually run in conjunction with a larger marketing campaign. The growth of mobile ads is undeniable as outlined in this Business Insider article. Mobile Advertising via social media Television Television advertising is still “alive and well” but is changing as buyers are moving to online venues for entertainment and news. Network Programming – National or local network television Cable and Satellite Programming – National or local advertising for select audiences based on program demographics. Locally Produced Programming – Depending on the show, can be a great place for local advertising. Indy Stations – Small, local television stations who offer inexpensive advertising to their select audience. Re-Run TV – Stations that run old televisions shows and movies which often appeals to an older audience. Public Broadcasting – Sponsorships, often corporate level, are more PR than advertising. Radio Radio advertising is a valid advertising venue for the right business and target audience. Know your target customer and select the station(s) and programming that matches your demographics. Syndicated Programming – National or local News / Talk Shows – National or local Music – Select audience Local Programming Community / Fundraising Sponsorship type ads for a non-profit or social cause can come in many forms. Usually, the larger the “donation”, the better the advertising opportunity. Donations can be monetary, products or services. Sponsorships Program Ads Posters and Mailers Advertising opportunities are always changing, expanding and contracting. Know your target audience well. Create an advertising campaign that will reach your target audience where they are looking for your product or service. Finally, a good campaign moves a customer from one advertising channel to another, expands brand awareness, educates the customer about your business and helps drive sales. Twitter Tweet Facebook Share Email This article was written for Business 2 Community by Alexandra Heseltine.Learn how to publish your content on B2C Author: Alexandra Heseltine Follow @AlexandraHeselt Over 20 years of hands-on experience working with established mid-sized to larger businesses and non-profits helping them grow through robust web design, award-winning branding and integrated marketing strategies.… View full profile ›More by this author:3 Reasons Why Your Website Needs Regular Maintenance Like Your CarHow to Sell Products or Services Online: Shopping Carts vs SubscriptionsBrand Marketing Positions Businesses for Top Price When Selling