Now that you know how to reach your ideal customer it’s time to consider what marketing strategies you might use to get your message across. (And if you missed the last two posts please click on the below links) Marketing Series: Define your Niche  & Ideal customer.

• Part 1

Selecting the best sales distribution channels for your design business

• Part 2

The Farmer & The Fisherman

Here is a list of 19 different, but certainly not exhaustive, strategies you could consider:

• Advertising (Radio, television, radio, print)

• Affiliates and joint ventures

• Affinity marketing

• Barter

• Catalogue marketing

• Collaborative partners

• Contra

• Direct marketing

• Event marketing

• Frequent buyer programs

• Internet

• Newsletter

• Outdoor media

• Point of purpose (POP) and point of sale (POS)

• Place based media

• Promotions and cross promotions

• Public relations (PR)

• Referrals & Word of Mouth

• Signage

That’s a lot of choice! The great news is you don’t have to use them all. In fact, just as with the seven distribution channels, you’ll usually find that just one or two of these methods will prove to be the most effective for your design practice in terms of both cost and response. And as you test and measure the effectiveness of each strategy you’ll build the information you need to make that decision far easier. Once you have your lead generating strategy in place you’ll need to develop a tactical plan for the process. So tune in for the next step “Choosing the Right Marketing Tactics for your Fashion Design Practice” in the next Wednesday. And if you can’t wait till next week…