Feeling stuck in a marketing rut? You’re not alone! Keeping up with the latest trends and algorithms can be exhausting, especially when you’d rather be designing beautiful knits. Lately, I’ve been on a mission to refresh my marketing strategy, and I’ve discovered some surprising wins (and a few flops!). In this post, I’ll share three new marketing tactics that have been working wonders for me, plus one that I’m ditching despite the hype. Get ready for some real-world insights!
Why is Trying New Things in Marketing So Important?
It’s easy to get comfortable with what we know, but in the ever-evolving world of online marketing, sticking to the same old strategies can lead to stagnation. To keep your audience engaged and your sales growing, it’s crucial to experiment with new approaches.
Thankfully, I’m not the only one who benefits from trying new things. Let’s get into the three marketing things I’ve been trying.
#1. New Marketing Thing: Short-Form Video (Reels)
Confession time: I used to be a video-phobe! As a designer, I felt most comfortable with static pictures. But I realized I was missing out on a huge opportunity to connect with my audience in a more dynamic and engaging way. So, I took the plunge and started experimenting with short-form videos on Reels (I haven’t started on TikTok yet — I like sticking to figuring out one platform at a time!). And guess what? It’s been a game-changer – plus, it gets easier after the first few, I promise!
#2. New Marketing Thing: Speaking at Virtual Summits
Stepping outside my comfort zone has been a big theme in my recent marketing experiments. One area I’ve been exploring is virtual summits. While the thought of public speaking used to terrify me, I decided to give it a try. And I’m so glad I did! Speaking at virtual summits has allowed me to:
- Reach a wider audience: Virtual summits attract attendees from all over the world, exposing my work to potential customers I wouldn’t have reached otherwise.
- Establish myself as an expert: Sharing my knowledge on a specific topic has helped me build credibility and trust with my target audience. At first I was super hesitant to think of myself as an “expert” — but sometimes you have to “fake it until you make it”. Like social media, it gets easier as you get a bit more practice!
- Generate leads: Many virtual summits offer lead capture opportunities, allowing me to grow my email list with highly qualified subscribers (I get about 500 new mailing list subscribers during each summit that I’ve participated in).
- Network with other industry professionals: Virtual summits provide a platform to connect with other designers, speakers, and influencers in the knitting world – I’ve made friends for life!
If you’re thinking about dipping your toes into public speaking, virtual summits are a great place to start. They’re less intimidating than in-person events, and they offer incredible opportunities for growth.
#3. New Marketing Thing: Running Targeted Facebook/Instagram Ads (Even with a Small Budget)
Like many small business owners, I was intimidated by paid advertising. But after some research and experimentation, I discovered that even a small budget can make a big difference (my favorite thing to do is run a $5/day ad to a new free lead magnet to grow my mailing list – using a “look-a-like” audience from my Instagram following and mailing list. If I add a small tripwire after a knitter signs up to my mailing list, I often break even on the cost of running my ad – plus I’m adding fresh new knitters to my mailing list!)
Bonus! I’ve Given Up On Posting Every Single Day on Every Platform
Here’s a marketing myth I’m happy to bust: You don’t need to be everywhere, all the time! In fact, trying to maintain a constant presence on every social media platform is a recipe for burnout. Instead, I’ve started focusing just on Instagram and my mailing list where my target audience hangs out and creating high-quality content that truly resonates with them. Quality over quantity, always!
Key Takeaways
The world of marketing is constantly evolving, so it’s crucial to stay curious and experiment with new approaches. Don’t be afraid to try something different, even if it feels a bit scary at first. You might just discover your next marketing win!
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