Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Types of Marketing Tools

Marketing builds an avenue of exchange between a business and a customer. Businesses use different marketing tools to communicate information, provoke customer interest and motivate action. An integrated marketing approach applies various tactics to engage customers and build business.

Traditional Media

Traditional marketing media such as television, magazines, radio, newspaper, banners and magazines involve marketing tools such as paid print advertisements, news releases and commercials. This approach focuses on a one-way sales push and relies on reaching large audiences to ensure success. According to research, advertising is a costly marketing tool but, traditional media outlets remain the most trusted sources of information. 

Digital Media

Computer software technology can reach prospective customers with targeted and measureable communications. Specific digital media marketing tools consist of search engine optimization, interactive online advertisements, mobile marketing and online partnerships such as sponsorships and affiliate marketing. A vital element of digital marketing tool is web analytics. It provides information about an internet user’s online activities, search keywords and IP address. To engage in digital marketing, companies may outsource and hire digital marketing agencies or use software’s such as service applications.   

Social Media

Social media marketing is a part of the overall digital media marketing. Though, the goal of social media marketing tools is to build an interactive online relationship with the customer rather than to mine secretly for customer data. Tools used for social media marketing involve blogging, tweeting, networking, pinning, sharing, posting, media sharing and commenting on social media websites such as Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube. 

Promotional Items

Promotional items, such as business cards, brochures, press kits, websites, informational videos and merchandise, are tangible marketing tools. Most of these items include large amounts of comprehensive information and focus on attributes of the product or service; business cards and trade show giveaways may display only a company logo and provide contact information. In addition to increasing sales, promotional items contribute to building brand awareness, but cost is a factor when selecting these items.

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