From SEO to content marketing, there are countless ways to promote your business and reach new customers. But with so many strategies available, it can be hard to know where to start.
This article will provide an overview of the top 100 marketing types, so you can choose the best strategies to boost your business. We’ll discuss the different types of marketing, how they work, and the advantages and disadvantages of each one. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the marketing landscape and be ready to start growing your business.
Contents
List of 100 marketing types
1. Content Marketing
Content marketing is a type of marketing that involves creating and sharing content with the goal of attracting, engaging, and retaining customers. This content can be in the form of articles, blog posts, images, infographics, videos, and more.
2. Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing is a type of marketing that focuses on leveraging the influence of key individuals (influencers) to reach out to a target audience and increase awareness of a brand or product.
3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO is a type of marketing that involves optimizing a website for search engines in order to improve its ranking in organic search results. This is done by optimizing the content, structure, and code of the website.
4. Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing is a type of marketing that involves creating and sharing content on social media platforms in order to engage with customers and increase brand awareness.
5. Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
Search engine marketing is a type of marketing that involves using paid search engine advertising to increase visibility and traffic to a website.
6. Email Marketing
Email marketing is a type of marketing that involves sending emails to customers with the goal of increasing sales or engaging with customers.
7. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a type of marketing that involves promoting a product or service online and receiving a commission for each successful sale.
8. Radio Advertising
Radio advertising is a type of marketing that involves using radio stations to broadcast advertisements.
9. TV Advertising
TV advertising is a type of marketing that involves using television to broadcast advertisements.
10. Print Advertising
Print advertising is a type of marketing that involves using print media (newspapers, magazines, etc.) to promote a product or service.
11. Outdoor Advertising
Outdoor advertising is a type of marketing that involves using billboards, posters, and other types of signage to promote a product or service.
12. Direct Mail
Direct mail is a type of marketing that involves sending promotional materials directly to potential customers.
13. word of mouth
Word of mouth is a type of marketing that involves customers discussing products or services with others in their social networks.
14. Referral Marketing
Referral marketing is a type of marketing that involves encouraging customers to refer others to the product or service in exchange for a reward.
15. Inbound Marketing
Inbound marketing is a type of marketing that involves creating content that draws customers to the product or service.
16. Trade Shows
Trade shows are a type of marketing that involve exhibiting products or services at conferences or conventions.
17. Public Relations
Public relations is a type of marketing that involves cultivating relationships with the public and media in order to promote a product or service.
18. Event Marketing
Event marketing is a type of marketing that involves organizing or sponsoring events in order to promote a product or service.
19. Native Advertising
Native advertising is a type of marketing that involves creating content that blends in with the content of the website it is placed on.
20. Online Advertising
Guerrilla marketing is a type of marketing that involves using unconventional methods to promote a product or service. This can include anything from flash mobs to surprise events.
21. Mobile Advertising
Advertising that is targeted to users on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. This can include banner ads, in-app ads, and SMS text message ads.
22. Video Advertising
Advertising that uses video as the primary format. This can include pre-roll ads on YouTube, in-stream ads on social media, and video ads on streaming services.
23. Podcast Advertising
Advertising that is incorporated into podcast episodes. This can include host-read ads, sponsorships, and branded content.
24. Blogging
The practice of creating and publishing content on a website, typically in the form of written articles or posts. Blogging can be used for personal or business purposes, and can be a form of content marketing.
25. Content Syndication
The distribution of content through multiple channels, such as social media, blogs, and news sites. This allows a piece of content to reach a wider audience.
26. Local Listings
The practice of creating and maintaining listings for a business on online directories and review sites, such as Google My Business, Yelp, and TripAdvisor.
27. Paid Search Ads
Advertising that appears at the top of search engine results, typically in the form of sponsored links. Advertisers bid on keywords and pay every time someone clicks on their ad.
28. Display Ads
Advertising that appears on websites, typically in the form of banner ads, text ads, or interstitial ads. Display ads can be targeted to specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and behavior.
29. Social Media Ads
Advertising that appears on social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Social media ads can be targeted to specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and behavior.
30. Retargeting Ads
Advertising that targets people who have previously interacted with a business, such as by visiting its website. Retargeting ads can be shown on various online platforms, such as social media and display networks.
31. Market Research
The process of gathering and analyzing data about a market, including information about customers, competitors, and industry trends. Market research can be used to inform business decisions and strategies.
32. Branding
The practice of creating and maintaining a company’s image and reputation. This can include things like creating a logo, tagline, and mission statement, as well as establishing a brand voice and personality.
33. Competitor Analysis
The process of studying a company’s competitors in order to understand their strengths and weaknesses, as well as to identify opportunities for differentiation. This can help a business to develop its own strategy and positioning in the market.
34. Product Launch
This refers to the introduction of a new product or service to the market. It often involves a marketing campaign to generate buzz and interest in the product before and after its release.
35. Cross-Selling
This is a marketing technique in which a business suggests related products or services to a customer who is already in the process of buying something.
36. Upselling
This is a sales technique in which a business suggests a higher-priced item or an upgraded version of the product or service a customer is already considering purchasing.
37. Online Reputation Management
This refers to the process of monitoring and influencing the public perception of a brand or business on the internet. It involves tracking and responding to customer reviews, managing social media accounts, and addressing any negative press.
38. Lead Generation
This refers to the process of finding and acquiring potential customers for a business. It often involves identifying and targeting specific groups of people who are likely to be interested in the product or service being offered.
39. Online Community Management
This refers to the process of building and maintaining a community of engaged customers or fans of a brand or business on the internet. This can include managing social media accounts, creating and moderating forums, and running contests or promotions.
40. Lead Nurturing
This is the process of developing relationships with potential customers who have shown interest in a business’s products or services. It can include sending targeted emails, providing valuable content, and following up with potential leads over time.
41. Guerilla Marketing
This is an unconventional marketing strategy that relies on surprise and/or unconventional methods to create buzz and generate attention for a product or service. Examples include flash mobs, street art, and unexpected stunts.
42. Cause Marketing
This is a type of marketing in which a company aligns itself with a social or charitable cause in order to generate positive public relations and boost its reputation.
43. Coupon Marketing
This is a strategy in which a company offers discounts or promotions to customers through the use of coupons. This can be done through direct mail, email, or through digital platforms such as mobile apps.
44. Competitions & Giveaways
This is a strategy in which a company runs contests or giveaways in order to generate interest and engagement with its brand. This can include social media contests, sweepstakes, or product giveaways.
45. Product Placement
This is a marketing strategy in which a company places its products or services in a prominent role within a film, television show, or other media in order to generate exposure and interest.
46. Sponsorship
This is a type of marketing in which a company pays to associate its brand with an event, team, or individual in order to increase its visibility and reputation.
47. Loyalty Programs
This is a strategy in which a company rewards its regular customers for their repeat business. This can include loyalty points, discounts, or special perks.
48. Augmented Reality
This is a technology that overlays digital information on the user’s view of the real world, allowing them to interact with virtual objects in a real-world environment.
49. Virtual Reality
This is a technology that immerses the user in a completely computer-generated environment.
50. Artificial Intelligence
This refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans.
51. Virtual Assistants
These are software programs that can perform tasks such as scheduling appointments, providing customer service, or answering questions.
52. Voice Search
This refers to the use of voice commands to perform search queries on devices such as smartphones, smart speakers, and other smart devices.
53. Chatbots
A chatbot is a computer program designed to simulate conversation with human users. Chatbots can be used for customer service, lead generation, or other purposes.
54. Content Distribution
The process of making content available to a target audience through various channels, such as social media, email, or other websites.
55. Reciprocal Linking
A link-building strategy in which two websites agree to link to each other. Reciprocal linking can help to improve search engine visibility and referral traffic.
56. Landing Pages
A landing page is a standalone web page that is designed to convert visitors into leads or customers. Landing pages are often used in PPC campaigns and other digital marketing efforts.
57. Website Optimization
The process of improving a website’s performance, including its speed, search engine visibility, and user experience.
58. Pay Per Click (PPC)
A type of online advertising in which advertisers pay each time their ad is clicked. PPC ads can appear on search engines, social media, or other websites.
59. Banner Ads
A type of online advertising that appears in the form of a banner or other graphical format on a website. Banner ads can be targeted to specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and behavior.
60. Link Building
The process of acquiring links to a website from other websites in order to improve search engine visibility and referral traffic.
61. Online Contests
A marketing strategy in which businesses run contests on their website or social media platforms in order to generate engagement and leads.
62. Storytelling
A marketing technique that uses storytelling to engage and persuade an audience. Storytelling can be used to create emotional connections with customers and build brand loyalty.
63. Meme Marketing
A marketing strategy that uses memes to engage and entertain an audience. Meme marketing can be used to generate engagement and viral reach on social media.
64. Mobile App Marketing
A marketing strategy that focuses on promoting a mobile app to potential users. This can include tactics such as app store optimization, social media advertising, and influencer outreach.
65. Viral Marketing
A marketing strategy that aims to spread a message quickly and widely through social networks.
66. Product Sampling
A marketing strategy that involves giving a small quantity of a product to potential customers, to encourage them to try it.
67. Remarketing
A marketing strategy that targets people who have previously interacted with a business, such as by visiting its website.
68. Press Releases
A written statement that is provided to the media to announce something newsworthy, such as a product launch or event.
69. Media Relations
The practice of building and maintaining relationships with members of the media in order to secure coverage for a business or organization.
70. Influencer Outreach
A marketing strategy involves reaching out to individuals with a large social media following and asking them to promote a product or service.
71. Branded Content
Content that is created by a brand and is intended to entertain, inform, or educate an audience. Branded content can be used to build brand awareness and loyalty.
72. Media Buying
This refers to the process of purchasing advertising space or airtime on various forms of media, such as television, radio, print, or online platforms. It often involves negotiating rates, targeting specific demographics, and creating a media schedule.
73. Visual Content
This refers to the use of images, videos, infographics, and other forms of visual media in marketing campaigns. Visual content can be used to increase engagement and grab attention and can be shared across various platforms.
74. Copywriting
This refers to the process of writing persuasive and compelling text, such as headlines, product descriptions, and ad copy, that is used to promote a product or service.
75. Image Optimization
This refers to the process of improving the quality and size of images used in marketing campaigns in order to make them load faster and look better on various devices.
76. Ad Retargeting
This is a type of online advertising where a business shows ads to people who have previously visited its website or interacted with its brand.
77. Ad Targeting
This refers to the process of identifying and reaching specific groups of people, such as demographics or interests, with advertising messages.
78. Ad Testing
This refers to the process of testing different versions of an ad to see which one performs better in terms of engagement, click-through rate, and conversion rate.
79. Geofencing
This is a technology that allows businesses to target mobile ads to people within a specific geographic location, using GPS or RFID technology.
80. Radio Ads
These are commercials that are broadcast on radio stations and target listeners of specific programs or stations.
81. Video Ads
These are commercials that are typically broadcast on television or online platforms, such as YouTube or social media.
82. Product Demonstration
This is a marketing strategy in which a company shows how a product or service works and its benefits, usually through a video or live presentation.
83. Online Surveys
These are marketing research tools that allow businesses to gather data and feedback from customers or potential customers through online questionnaires.
84. Lead Scoring
This is a process of assigning a numerical score to potential customers based on their level of engagement with a business, such as website visits, email opens, and form submissions.
85. Customer Insights
This refers to the process of gathering and analyzing data about customers to better understand their needs, preferences, and behaviors, in order to improve marketing strategies and customer service.
86. Multi-Channel Marketing
This refers to the use of multiple channels, such as email, social media, and print, to reach and engage customers with a consistent message.
87. Digital Signage
This refers to the use of digital displays, such as LCD or LED screens, to display ads, product information, or other content in public spaces.
88. Online Reviews
Online reviews are customer feedback that is posted on various websites such as Yelp, Google, and TripAdvisor. Businesses use online reviews as a way to increase their visibility and credibility. They can be used to identify customer service issues, improve products and services, and make changes to a business to increase customer satisfaction. Positive reviews can also be used as a form of social proof to attract new customers. Many businesses actively encourage customers to leave reviews by offering incentives such as discounts or coupons. Businesses can also respond to reviews, both positive and negative, to show they are actively listening and trying to improve their services. Negative reviews are also an opportunity to turn a bad experience into a positive one by addressing customer complaints and showing a willingness to improve.
89. Call Tracking
Call tracking is a marketing strategy that allows businesses to track and analyze phone calls made to their phone numbers. It can be used to track the source of incoming calls, such as which advertisement or website the call came from, as well as the duration and outcome of the call. This data can be used to determine which marketing efforts are most effective at generating leads and to improve customer service by tracking customer interactions.
Call tracking can be done by using unique phone numbers for different marketing campaigns or sources and then using call tracking software to track and analyze data from those numbers. This data can then be used to determine which campaigns or sources are driving the most phone calls, and to adjust marketing efforts accordingly. Additionally, some call tracking systems also include call recording and call transcription features, which can be used for training and quality assurance purposes.
90. Data Mining
Data mining is the process of extracting useful information from large data sets. In the context of marketing, data mining involves collecting and analyzing data from various sources such as customer databases, website analytics, and social media to gain insights into customer behavior and preferences. This information can be used to inform business decisions such as product development, marketing campaigns, and customer service.
Data mining can also be used to identify patterns and trends in customer data, and to segment, customers based on demographics, behavior, and purchase history. The goal of data mining is to uncover valuable insights that can be used to improve the effectiveness of marketing efforts and increase customer retention and revenue. Data mining can be done using various techniques such as statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization.
91. Customer Retention
Customer retention refers to the ability of a business to keep its customers over a period of time. It is a measure of how well a business is able to retain its customer base and is often used as an indicator of a business’s overall health.
There are several strategies that businesses can use to improve customer retention. One common approach is to provide excellent customer service, which can help to build trust and loyalty among customers. Another strategy is to offer incentives and rewards to repeat customers, such as discounts or loyalty programs.
Businesses can also use data mining and customer analytics to understand customer behavior and preferences and to identify areas where improvements can be made. This can help to identify potential issues before they lead to customer dissatisfaction and churn.
Additionally, businesses can use communication tools such as email, SMS, and social media to keep in touch with customers and to maintain a strong relationship with them. By keeping customers informed and engaged, businesses can build customer loyalty and retain them for a longer period of time.
Overall, customer retention is a key metric in any business and it is important to have a long-term strategy in place to keep customers interested, loyal and engaged.
92. Automated Emails
Automated emails are pre-written and pre-scheduled email messages that are triggered by specific actions or events, such as a customer signing up for a newsletter or abandoning a shopping cart. They are sent automatically by email marketing software, without the need for manual intervention.
Automated emails can be used to increase customer engagement, drive sales, and improve customer service. Some examples of automated email campaigns include:
- Welcome email: sent to new subscribers or customers as soon as they sign up or make a purchase.
- Abandoned cart email: sent to customers who have added items to their online shopping cart but have not completed the purchase.
- Win-back email: sent to inactive customers in an attempt to re-engage them and encourage them to make a purchase.
- Nurturing email: sent to leads over time with the aim of building trust and relationships with the customer in order to convert them into paying customers.
- Confirmation email: sent after the customer completes a purchase or registration to confirm that their order has been received and is being processed.
Automated emails can be customized to include the customer’s name, previous purchase history, and other relevant information, and can be segmented based on customer behavior or demographics to ensure that the right message is delivered to the right person at the right time.
In addition, automated emails can be highly effective as they can be sent at the right time and to the right person, increasing the chances of conversion and reducing the burden of manual effort.
93. Gamification
Gamification is the use of game design elements and mechanics in non-game contexts, such as in marketing and customer engagement. The goal of gamification is to make tasks or activities more engaging and fun for users and to increase their motivation to participate.
In marketing, gamification can be used in a variety of ways, such as:
- Creating loyalty programs that reward customers for repeat purchases or other engagement
- Using quizzes, polls, and other interactive elements to engage customers and gather data
- Creating contests and challenges to incentivize customers to participate in promotions or to share content on social media
- Using virtual rewards, such as badges and points, to recognize and reward customer engagement
- Incorporating game-like elements into apps and websites to make the user experience more engaging.
Gamification can also be used to educate customers about products and services or to encourage them to take specific actions, such as signing up for a newsletter or completing a survey. By making these activities more engaging and rewarding, businesses can increase customer engagement and participation.
Overall, gamification is a powerful marketing strategy that can help businesses to increase customer engagement and retention, gather valuable data, and drive sales.
94. Shopping Cart Abandonment
Shopping cart abandonment is a phenomenon where customers add items to their online shopping cart but do not complete the purchase. It is a common problem for e-commerce businesses and can result in lost sales and revenue.
To combat shopping cart abandonment, businesses may use a marketing strategy called cart abandonment email. This is a type of automated email that is triggered when a customer abandons their shopping cart. The email is sent to the customer with the intent of reminding them of the items they left in their cart and encouraging them to complete their purchase. These emails can include a reminder of the items left in the cart, a special offer or promotion to incentivize the customer to complete their purchase, and a link to return to their cart and complete the checkout process.
In addition, businesses can also use retargeting ads to reach out to shoppers who abandoned their cart and encourage them to complete their purchases. This type of ad is shown to the customer on other websites and platforms, reminding them of the items they left in their cart and providing an easy way for them to return to the website and complete their purchase.
Overall, Shopping cart abandonment is a common problem for e-commerce businesses, and various strategies such as cart abandonment emails, retargeting ads, and exit-intent pop-ups can be used to recover lost sales and increase conversion rates.
95. Banner Exchange
Banner exchange is a form of online advertising where businesses agree to display each other’s banner ads on their websites. The idea behind banner exchange is that by displaying each other’s ads, businesses can increase their visibility and reach a larger audience without having to pay for advertising.
With banner exchange, businesses typically agree to display a certain number of banner ads for other businesses on their website in exchange for the same number of banner ads to be displayed on other websites. This way, businesses can increase their online presence and reach a larger audience without having to pay for advertising.
In a banner exchange program, businesses are typically required to join a network, which will provide the code to place the banner ads on the website and track the number of impressions and clicks. In most cases, the number of impressions and clicks that a business receives will be proportional to the number of ads they display on its own website.
Banner exchange can be an effective way to increase visibility and reach a larger audience without having to pay for advertising. However, it can also lead to a lower click-through rate as the banners are not always relevant to the website visitors. Additionally, the effectiveness of banner exchange can be limited by the size and quality of the network and the relevance of the banner ads to the website visitors.
96. Social Media Contests
Social media contests are a form of online marketing where businesses use social media platforms to run contests and giveaways to engage with their audience and attract new customers. The goal of social media contests is to increase engagement and reach on social media, generate leads, and build brand awareness.
There are many different ways that businesses can run social media contests, some examples include:
- Asking users to submit photos or videos related to a specific theme
- Running a trivia or poll contest that requires users to answer questions or vote on a specific topic
- Organizing sweepstakes where users enter to win a prize by following the brand’s social media account or by sharing a post.
- Hosting a referral contest where users can win prizes by inviting friends to participate in the contest
To run a social media contest, businesses typically set up a contest page on their website or on a social media platform, promote the contest through social media, email, or other channels, and then select a winner based on specific criteria such as most creative, most votes, or random draw.
Social media contests can be an effective way to increase engagement, attract new customers, and build brand awareness. They can also be used to generate leads and collect data on customer preferences and behavior.
97. Virtual Events
Virtual events are online events that are designed to promote products or services to a specific target audience. These events can take the form of webinars, online conferences, virtual trade shows, and virtual product demonstrations, among others. They are typically live-streamed or recorded and can include interactive elements such as Q&A sessions and polls.
The main advantage of virtual events is that they allow for a wider reach and greater accessibility, as attendees can participate from anywhere with an internet connection. Additionally, virtual events can be recorded and repurposed for future use, further extending their value as a marketing tool.
98. Pre-Roll Ads
Pre-roll ads are a type of online video advertising that plays before the main video content that a user has requested to watch. They are typically 15-30 seconds in length and are designed to be skippable after a certain period of time, usually five seconds. These ads are often used by businesses to promote their products or services and can be targeted to specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and behaviors. They are commonly used on platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, and other video hosting platforms.
99. Programmatic Advertising
Programmatic advertising is a method of buying and selling online advertising through automated systems, typically using algorithms and real-time bidding (RTB) technology. The process is designed to target specific audiences with tailored ads and is often used for display and video advertising.
In programmatic advertising, ad space is purchased through a demand-side platform (DSP), which uses data and algorithms to determine the most effective ad placement for a particular audience. This allows for more efficient use of ad budgets and greater targeting capabilities, as advertisers can select specific demographic and behavioral characteristics of the audience they want to reach.
Publishers also benefit from programmatic advertising, as it allows them to monetize their inventory more effectively by automating the process of selling ad space. Programmatic advertising also allows for more flexibility and control, as publishers can choose the types of ads and brands they want to feature on their sites.
Overall, programmatic advertising is an efficient and effective way of buying and selling advertising that allows for better targeting and optimization of ad campaigns and is becoming increasingly popular as a marketing strategy.
100. Geo-Targeting
Geo-targeting is a form of marketing that targets specific geographical locations with tailored ads and offers. This can be done through various methods such as IP address recognition, GPS data, and mobile network information. The goal of geo-targeting is to reach people in specific areas with relevant and timely messages, increasing the likelihood of conversion or sale.
It is commonly used in online advertising, email marketing, and mobile marketing campaigns. For example, a retail store in New York City might use geo-targeting to send promotional offers to customers who live within a certain radius of the store. Similarly, a fast food chain might use geo-targeting to send special deals to users who are in a specific location, such as a sporting event.
Which marketing types are best?
The effectiveness of a marketing strategy depends on various factors such as the target audience, the product or service being offered, and the budget available. Different marketing types have different strengths and can be more or less effective depending on the circumstances.
That being said, some marketing types are generally considered to be more effective than others. For example, inbound marketing, which focuses on creating valuable content and building relationships with customers, is often considered to be more effective than traditional outbound marketing methods such as cold-calling and direct mail.
Content marketing, which is a form of inbound marketing, is also a highly effective strategy for building brand awareness and generating leads. It involves creating and sharing valuable content such as blog posts, videos, and infographics to attract and engage potential customers.
Social media marketing is also a popular and effective strategy, as it allows businesses to reach and engage with a large audience at a relatively low cost. It also allows for targeting specific demographics and building relationships with customers.
Search engine optimization (SEO) is another effective strategy that can help drive organic traffic to a website and increase visibility in search engine results.
Email marketing is also a cost-effective way to reach and engage with customers, and can be an effective way to build relationships, promote products and services and generate sales.
It’s important to note that the best marketing strategy is the one that aligns with your business goals, budget, and target audience. It’s also important to track and measure the results of a marketing campaign to understand what is working and what is not, and adjust accordingly.
