Social media is the only way to market your business.
Now, I grew up in a time when social media didn’t even exist for marketing. Can you imagine that?
We had faxes. We sent mail. We relied on good old-fashioned networking. Then along came LinkedIn, Facebook, and all these platforms that gave us a new way to connect.
And while social media is a fantastic tool, it’s not the only way. In fact, if you rely solely on it, you’re building your business on rented land. What happens if the algorithm changes or your account gets restricted?
So let’s explore other powerful ways to market your business.
Email Marketing: Your Secret Weapon
If you’ve got a solid social media following, that’s fantastic! But those followers don’t belong to you. If a social media platform changes its algorithm (which they do all the time), you could lose access to your audience overnight. That’s why you need to move them to something you actually own: your email list.
The best way to do this? Lead magnets. Offer something valuable like a free guide, a discount, or an exclusive video in exchange for their email. Once they’re on your list, you can nurture that relationship through email sequences, newsletters, and special offers.
And if you’re in eCommerce? You must set up an abandoned cart email sequence. I do this for clients all the time, and trust me, it works! People often get distracted and forget to complete their purchases. A simple reminder email can bring them back and boost your sales. My go-to tool for this is MailerLite, it’s easy to use and connects seamlessly with online stores.
Newsletters: A Love Letter to Your Audience
Email newsletters aren’t dead! In fact, they’re a powerful way to stay connected with your audience in a more personal way. I like to call the intro of a newsletter a love letter like a little piece of you that your audience can’t get anywhere else.
And here’s the bonus: your newsletter content can be repurposed. You can turn it into a LinkedIn newsletter, share snippets on social media, or even expand on key points for a blog post. Platforms like Substack are also great for sharing long-form content with an engaged audience.
Old-School Advertising Still Works
Traditional marketing methods haven’t disappeared, they’ve just evolved. TV and radio advertising? Still highly effective, especially if you need to keep reminding your audience about your product or service.
Billboards are another great option, and thanks to digital advancements, they’re easier to access than ever. Companies like Carsales now offer digital billboard placements where you can target specific events or locations. Imagine having your business up on a digital sign at a major conference!
Borrow Other People’s Audiences
If you’re just starting out or looking to grow your reach, one of the best things you can do is tap into other people’s audiences. How?
- Guest blogging – Write articles for established industry websites.
- Podcast interviews – Get featured on podcasts relevant to your niche.
- Online summits – Speak at virtual events where people are already gathered.
This is a fantastic way to get your name out there and build credibility. When someone trusts the host of a podcast or a blog, that trust transfers to you when you show up as a guest.
The Power of ‘Chunky Mail’
Now, here’s one of my favourites – actual mail. When was the last time you got something exciting in the post? Probably a while ago, right? That’s exactly why sending physical mail can make such an impact.
Whether it’s a personalised handwritten note, a sample, or a quirky promotional item, sending something tangible in the mail makes people remember you. In a world of endless emails and digital noise, a well-timed piece of direct mail can stand out in a big way.
So, What’s Your Next Step?
Social media is great, but it’s not the be-all and end-all of marketing. If you’re serious about building your brand and growing your business, start diversifying your approach. Try adding one of these strategies to your marketing mix this month and see what happens.
Marketing is all about connection, and there are plenty of ways to connect beyond just social media. So go ahead and test something new, build your reach, and most importantly, keep showing up for your audience in a way that works for you.
Let me know what’s one non-social media marketing strategy you’re going to try. I’d love to hear about it!
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links shared in this content may be affiliate links. This means the Enever Group may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products and services we trust and believe will benefit you. For full information, see our terms of use.
Want some help Creating Impact?
We work with you to understand the needs of our your clients and business to deliver your message with impact.
From one-off campaigns to our virtual Marketing Team our Impact Team is your partner for achieving success in your business.
We can even help you come up with ideas with our ideas powerhouse Linda Reed-Enever.
