Some traditional marketing methods are gaining a bad reputation, with the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media. And rightly so as there are many outdated techniques that you could be wasting your time, budget and energy on. However, traditional marketing shouldn’t be ruled out completely. In fact, there are many marketing methods that you can utilise in your business to skyrocket your growth, from branded merchandise to networking events. These can help you grow your business by expanding your reach, but also give you a competitive edge if others in your marketing are leveraging these tactics. Standing out from the crowd, attracting your target market's attention and diversifying your toolbox will help your business go far. Here are some of the benefits of traditional marketing methods.

Traditional marketing methods are much more hands-on. This engages your audience quickly, providing them with a tangible experience and leaving an impression on them. They are much more likely to remember you. Especially with options such as a billboard, as thousands of cars will be seeing it every single day away from other content. Methods such as merchandise can also help you brand awareness. If you create something people love and want to use, you are getting a very large return on investment as your audience wear and use your items on a daily basis. It is very easy to get your brand lost in the noise on social media and google search. 

Social media and google search are excellent tools for driving traffic to a business. However, there are billions of users and web pages, and an alarming number of scams online. Traditional marketing is what people know and trust. By acquiring some traditional marketing methods, you can really connect with your audience and help build trust and credibility with them. 

Many of the traditional marketing methods not just engage people, but they engage them away from social media and screens. A method such as networking and creating local events allows your audience to get to know you and see the faces behind the brand. This kind of impact is priceless for growing a business.

Networking is one of the best and most effective marketing methods out there. When you choose to network at local events, trade shows and within your community, you will see just how valuable face-to-face interactions with your audience truly are. With an unprecedented number of businesses around the world, a human connection and transparency behind a brand can put you ahead of your competitors. Networking also provides you with an opportunity to showcase your goods and services, as well as your passion for the business and your knowledge and skills. This can help build trust, credibility and authority as you are not just hiding behind a social media post that anyone could have googled and created.

Merchandise is great for morale, loyalty and brand recognition. Customers love to get cool items, so not only can you please and engage them, but merchandise also means your brand is being used on a regular basis. Even after an event or purchase, your branded item is going to keep being put in front of people. It also makes your brand more memorable, as it will be seen more often. To really leverage merchandise, you need to create something fun and engaging. Pens are great (and a must because everyone expects them) but try to think outside the box, for example, promotional umbrellas. 

Billboards are a very traditional method of marketing, but are still highly effective now. People will be commuting to work or to their local town every single week. If you have a big, eye-catching advert on their route, then they are going to see your brand very often. This can help make you more memorable and the go-to when they are ready to buy. If you do something unique or controversial, then you are going to gain high visibility and a lasting impression.

PR is a traditional marketing method, but can be easily weaved into more modern marketing methods. This is an effective technique that enables your brand name to get out into the world on a larger scale. With social media now, it can trigger a positive snowball effect on your accounts and the trust of your audience. 

Traditional marketing methods aren’t as bad as they are made out to be. It is advisable to conduct some research and learn about what traditional marketing methods can work well in your industry and how you can leverage them for business growth.