You’re no stranger to marketing your business.

You know that getting new customers in the door is essential to increase revenue.

But lately, your results have plateaued and you aren’t growing as fast as you’d like.

The old tactics to market your business aren’t working. It’s time you try some new strategies.

Here are the five best marketing strategies you haven’t tried:

1. Offer an award for referrals

Oscar Wilde once said, “There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.”

With 74 percent of consumers reporting that word-of-mouth recommendations greatly influence their purchases, you need to build some chatter around your business.

How can you encourage referrals and endorsements?

Give an added incentive by offering discounts and deals to current customers who refer your business to friends and family.

2. Combine email and social

Email marketing is your most powerful tool for gaining and retaining customers.

While social media platforms make algorithm tweaks that limit the visibility of your posts, email marketing allows you to reach your customers directly in their inboxes.

Turn your social media followers into engaged email subscribers by sharing a link to your email sign-up form or sharing your Text-to-Join keyword on your various social media channels.

Tip: You can set up your free Text-to-Join keyword within your Constant Contact account, then share your keyword on your social media sites:

3. Run a contest

Contests are an easy way to encourage audience engagement.

Organize a photo contest or raffle where potential customers can win prizes. Just make sure the prize is something your audience actually cares about.

In addition to a valuable prize, every good contest needs a clearly defined goal that benefits your business.

Increasing social media followers, getting visits to your store, and building your email lists are all worthwhile contest results, as long as you clearly decide the goal beforehand and measure your success.

Announce your contest through social media and an email blast for maximum participation.

4. Boost value with content

What’s in it for your customers?

That’s the question you should constantly consider when deciding on the best marketing strategies to use. If you aren’t offering something the customer wants, they won’t give your business a second thought.

Attract potential customers while positioning your business as an industry expert by writing and curating content. This may include articles, images, and videos that appeal to your target audience.

Here’s how Dakota Riley brings value to her real estate audience through content in her email newsletter:

5. Join (and lead) the discussion

 Find places where you can discuss your industry with potential customers and show your expertise. This can be in-person on panels or online on forums like the Constant Contact Community.

The more exposure you get, the more top-of-mind you’ll be for your audience. When they need your good or service, yours will be the first business they’ll think of.

Which are the best marketing strategies for your business?

With these five ideas in your back pocket, you don’t have to worry about spinning your wheels.

Get started today by choosing one of these five ideas and thinking about how you could apply it to your business.

Want to get started right away? Sign up for a free 60-day email marketing trial.

The post 5 of the Best Marketing Strategies You Haven’t Tried Yet appeared first on Constant Contact Blogs.