It’s easy to assume that marketing follows one strict set of rules and guidelines. Thanks to the evolution of online sales that is no longer the case! Customers are savvier than ever before, and businesses working in niche markets may find they need to try specialist maneuvers to reach the right people.
But what types of marketing are proving most effective in the modern age? Can marketing be split into a few different models and methods? Let’s dive into the topic.
B2B
B2B means ‘business to business,’ and it’s more than just a buzzword. This type of marketing revolves around one business pitching to another. When marketing to businesses, it’s essential to focus on the key aspects of a product or service that sets the seller apart from the competition. This is because B2B buyers only invest after researching their markets thoroughly.
B2B buyers are less likely to purchase on a whim than average consumers. Therefore, this marketing style is feature-focused and doesn’t always stray into emotional persuasion. Whether written, verbal, or presented at a show, B2B marketing cuts to the chase and pushes for product quality.
B2C
B2C, meanwhile, is ‘business to customer’ or ‘business to consumer.’ Marketing cycles and customer journeys tend to be much shorter than the B2B standard. Additionally, B2C marketing can revolve around emotions, feelings, and needs – not just investment advantages. For example, compare the difference between a marketing campaign for a chocolate milkshake with a business banking solution!
PR Marketing
Public relations marketing, or PR, can be immensely effective in presenting business achievements as genuine news. Well-written PR can give a business announcement serious gravitas and help build a reputation.
PR isn’t always effective at generating sales straightaway, but it’s useful in helping to build public consciousness. It’s a long-term strategy as opposed to a quick win. Students embarking on an online master’s in marketing, for example, will quickly learn that public image is paramount to long-term revenue growth.
Content Marketing
Content marketing can fall into any of the above categories, and it’s become one of the most prolific strands of outreach in the modern age. Content marketing can be passive and generally revolves around producing articles, social media posts, and helpful guides to entice a purchase.
Content marketing strategy has evolved hugely over the years thanks to Google’s continued improvement of search algorithms. Effective content marketing needs not only to sell a product and provide an attractive call to action but also should answer questions and provide helpful information to readers.
How many types of marketing are there?
There are scores of different methods to market and promote products and services. Regardless of your strands and strategies, it’s always essential to maintain clear business communication to ensure branding consistency.
There are no one or two ‘perfect’ ways to market a business or service. Therefore, it’s vital to research and trial as many as possible to ascertain the best routes through which to reach your customers.