Guerrilla marketing – which gets its name from guerrilla warfare – simply means using outside-the-box (and often low-cost) tactics to achieve a goal. In this case, the goal is marketing your small business.
Gavin Lucas, a forefather of this advertising concept and author of the book Guerrilla Advertising, says you’ll know you’ve mastered the art when “the public can’t tell what’s advertising and what’s not.” However, because guerrilla marketing usually involves trying to get a lot of impact from minimal resources, creativity is a must. If you’re not always flush with inspiration, we’ve got a few ideas to get you going on.
1. Chalk It Up
Chalk advertising is a great method of guerrilla marketing. We’ve all seen the small blackboards placed outside cafes and watering holes, usually covered with witty sayings to draw people in. Chalking can go much further than that, though! Point the way to your shop (literally!) with arrows on the sidewalk. Leave your company logo chalked on a playground or in front of a bus stop. You can generate buzz for your small business for the cost of some sidewalk chalk and a bit of artistic talent.
You should also post pictures of your chalk creations on social media so your message will remain long after the rain has washed it all away.
2. Employee Flash Mobs
Flash mobs are a ton of fun and grab people’s attention. Whether you decide to sing, dance, shower your audience with free coupons or samples, or even stage choreographed lightsaber battles, you can bet people will be watching.
Moreover, in an age of YouTube and smartphone videos, you’ve got a great chance of going viral and spreading your small business’ message far beyond your local streets.
3. Pop-Up Stores
Pop-up stores – temporary, quickly assembled shops established in malls and empty storefronts – have found their niche in many small business marketing strategies, and with good results. Whether you want to test the market before securing a permanent premises, or like to keep customers on their toes with a “here and then gone” philosophy, a pop-up store is a great option for small businesses.
Want a little more inspiration for your small business guerrilla marketing tactics? Mischa can start brainstorming with you today! Just drop us a line!