You don’t have to be a seasoned professional to market like one. Even beginning business owners can ramp up their customer base and their sales by copying the proven marketing tactics the pros use. This article will provide you with marketing ideas that have stood the test of time and have repeatedly proven to be successful when applied properly.

Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

It isn’t necessary to create some brand new, never before discovered marketing tactic. The pros use what’s already been proven to be successful. You don’t need a degree in marketing either. As much as we collectively bad-mouth them, TV commercials can be a great source of marketing ideas and tactics.

In that same vein, scanning through newspaper and popular magazines can also give you insight on successful marketing techniques used by big businesses and highly profitable corporations.

Specific Marketing Tactics of the Pros

1.      Word of Mouth – Few will argue that word of mouth advertising is still the single most effective form of marketing a business can use. Why has it survived so long and been so successful? Because people trust people they know. So when someone you know recommends a business, service, or product they’ve found, you’re far more likely to try it out than if you just read an ad.

2.      Press Releases – If you have a new business, you need multiple ways to let people know you exist. If you have an established business, you need multiple ways to let people know about major changes, new locations, branch openings and other major events in your business. Press releases offer a great way to get the word spread. Local newspapers will almost always find room for a press release.

3.      Websites/Blogs – It’s unthinkable in this age of technology to strive for success in your business without a website. A blog adds another important element by allowing your customers and prospective customers to actually interact and add their own opinions. Input from customers is a valuable resource for any business to have.

4.      A Strong Brand – Developing a strong identity is used by every highly successful business, without exception. The name itself (Google, Kodak, Wal-Mart), a logo (the Nike check, the Target bulls-eye), a memorable tag line (“Got Milk”, “Don’t Leave Home Without It”, “Where’s the Beef?”) or a catchy jingle you can’t get out of your head. I’ll bet you still remember all the words to McDonald’s Big Mac jingle “Two all beef patties, special sauce….” and Oscar Meyer jingles “Oh I wish I were I an Oscar Meyer wiener….” and “My boloney has a first name…”. These are all examples of extremely powerful identities.

5.      Other Tried and True Methods – Postcard mailings, follow up phone calls, surveys, email campaigns, newsletters, holiday/birthday greetings and discounts, scent marketing, billboards, newspaper/magazine ads, cross promotions, radio spots, and TV commercials.

Rather than trying to invent new ways to enhance your business growth, simply look to those who have already “been there, done that”, and follow their example, adding your own unique twist to their proven marketing tactics.