If you’re a small business owner or a solo consultant, finding marketing ideas that make you stand out can be tough. Marketing specialists often recommend all kinds of approaches, but they’re pretty much a version of what everyone else is doing.
Here is a basketful of ideas that lend themselves to small businesses and are perfect to get attention, whether it’s on your website, on social media or out networking. People will remember you!
If you sell a product:
First-timer royalty programme
New customers get treated like royalty – special rates, extra perks – set out to Wow them! Then they will go through a ‘back to normal’ ceremony, where they attain ‘regular’ status. People will remember their onboarding experience and talk to friends.
Name your price day
Once a quarter, let customers name their price for certain items. You’ll be surprised how many people pay fair value or even over-value items. The psychological impact of feeling they got a deal they created builds extraordinary loyalty.
Product adoption ceremony
Don’t just sell items; have customers ‘adopt’ them with mini-ceremonies. Provide adoption certificates, taking photos of the customer with their new ‘family member’, whether it’s a houseplant, a coffee machine, or a pair of running shoes.
If you provide a service:
Secret Client programme
Similar to secret shoppers, but reversed. Tell clients that one person each month gets their service completely free—but they won’t know until after they’ve paid. This creates a buzz where every client interaction could be ‘the one,’ and people share their experiences hoping they’ll be selected.
The Failure Guarantee
Instead of promising success, guarantee spectacular failure if customers don’t follow your advice. If you’re a fitness trainer you might offer before/after photos of clients who ghosted them, or if you’re a business coach could showcase ‘what happened when they ignored my advice’ posts. This reverse psychology approach stands out in a sea of typical success guarantees.
Skill swap days
Partner with a completely unrelated service business and swap skills for a day. If you’re an accountant, spend a day at a local salon giving ‘financial health checks’ while the stylist offers ‘hair consultations’ at your office. The bizarre crossover creates memorable experiences and introduces both businesses to new clients.
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These ideas are just to get your creative juices flowing – what else might work for your business?
