Marketing Ideas for Branding
Handouts
Consumers love receiving free goods. Giving away merchandise related to your business is a simple way to grow your company brand. Give out free samples of your product to market your company's quality. This is a much more direct way to build a customer following than trying to build interest through regular ads. Print out your company's logo or slogan on T-shirts, water bottles and refrigerator magnets. Consumers appreciate receiving these free items and, in return, provide free marketing to your company by using the handouts.
Community Marketing
Getting your company involved in your community is another way to increase consumer recognition of your brand. Sponsoring a youth sports team advertises your company's name to a wide audience and builds goodwill, especially from the parents of the children on your team. Local charities also appreciate business support and offer advertising in return. If you can directly market your products through a charity -- for example, a bakery donating free food -- your community branding is even more effective. Consumers get a chance to try your product while the charity advertises your brand.
Loyalty Programs
Maintaining a loyal customer base is key for your business to survive. Repeat customers contribute a steady flow of income to your company and are more likely to refer your business to their friends. Starting a customer loyalty rewards program is a good way to build this following. Keep track of your customers' purchases and give out discounts and free merchandise to repeat purchasers. This gives an incentive for consumers to keep shopping at your company and builds a loyalty to your brand.
Referral Incentives
Consumers are more likely to trust a company that is highly referred from their friends over a company that they see in a regular advertisement. Building a referral network is an inexpensive and effective way to market your business. Start a rewards program for customers who give you referrals. Offer a purchase discount or free merchandise in exchange for referrals. Give a discount to new customers who come from a referral as well. This makes them more comfortable with the referral process and increases the chances of them giving you additional referrals.Source: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/marketing-ideas-branding-26312.html