Sometimes, I think businesses focus so much on reaching as many potential customers as possible and making sure they’re being seen that they forget about what actually makes someone remember them.
We see advertisements every single day, but how many of them do we actually remember? And even if we remember seeing one, does that mean we’re going to choose that business over another? I think this is where creative marketing can make a huge difference.
Working for a landscaping company has made me realize how many marketing opportunities businesses overlook. For example, we send postcards to the neighbors surrounding a project our crew is working on. Rather than just hoping someone notices our work, we take the opportunity to introduce our company by apologizing for the noise and dust while also letting them know we’re building something beautiful nearby!! Who knows, maybe they’re interested in similar services, and if they are, they now know who we are, have our contact information, and can visit our website to see more of our work.
I think businesses could also benefit from sending handwritten thank you cards, checking in with past customers, or doing something unexpected to show their appreciation. These are simple ways to build relationships and give people a reason to remember your business.
Something my family gets excited about every year is a birthday card we receive in the mail from Menards. Along with the card comes an offer for a free gift, which we’ve never even redeemed, but we still look forward to getting it every year! They’ve managed to make a lasting impression with something as simple as a birthday card.
To me, creative marketing isn’t necessarily about reaching the most people. It’s about making an impression on the people you do reach. You could have thousands of people see your advertisement, but if nobody remembers your business when they need your services, how effective was it really?
I think that’s what makes creative marketing so important. Getting someone’s attention is one thing, but giving them a reason to remember you, choose your business, and recommend it to others is what really makes a difference.