10 Marketing Hacks To Increase Brand Awareness
Brand awareness differs from mere recognition. It refers to being recognised for something of value.
How can your brand become visible and memorable in a world where attention is the rarest commodity due to information overload?
The traditional approach of using louder ads and larger billboards has become outdated because people today seek more imaginative solutions rather than larger ones; they want connection, not interruption.
So what if you could precisely cut through all that noise instead of relying on brute force, which involves spending more money on advertising, hoping someone will stick somewhere among all those messages competing for space in people’s minds?
And what if, without resorting to tricks or manipulation, you could make it stick in their heads about what you stand for long after other things have been forgotten?
These ten marketing hacks do not aim at getting someone’s attention by fooling them into thinking they should pay attention.
They are designed to resonate with real needs while offering actual value – yours must be a lighthouse amidst stormy seas when others are mere candles flickering vainly against gales they cannot hope to withstand.
Ready to shake up everything we think we know about what it takes to get noticed? Well, then, let us get started!
- Brand awareness focuses on recognition for value, distinct from merely being known.
- Storytelling is vital; every brand has a narrative that resonates with audiences.
- User-generated content (UGC) enhances visibility; encourage customers to create and share content.
- Collaboration with influencers and communities fosters genuine connections and expands reach.
1 – The Power of Storytelling
Have you ever noticed that a good tale can keep your attention like a cat is fascinated by a laser pointer? Well, that is storytelling for you; it’s magic! And it is your secret weapon in the business of creating brand awareness.
Frame Your Brand’s Story
A brand is not just a logo or product–it’s an untold story. Trust me on this: people love stories. What’s yours?
Every great story needs a hero. In your brand's narrative, who could represent the main character? It could be your founder(s), customers or even products themselves.
Focus on more than where you are now. Share the challenges faced along with the solutions that were arrived at, such as sleepless nights and light bulb moments. Nobody minds reading an underdog story, so let them see your weak side sometimes.
Never restrict your narration to that dusty About Us page alone.
Dust those stories off! Social media platforms like Facebook or X can work wonders when telling tales about brands, and blog posts, videos, or even podcasts have been known to do miracles here, too.
You never know where someone might stumble upon what they were always meant to fall in love with–your company
2 – Leverage User-Generated Content
Do you want to know something secret? They are the best marketers of a business. User-generated content (UGC) is viral marketing on overdrive, and it’s a bonanza for awareness.
Get Customers Sharing
Make creating brand-related content easy and enjoyable for your customers. Try hosting contests, initiating the use of branded hashtags, or simply asking them to share their experiences with you.
Don’t let that valuable content collect dust! If applicable, feature it prominently throughout your website, social media channels, and in-store.
Here’s another way to get them doing the heavy lifting for you. Look, you’ve seen those daft filters on Instagram or TikTok, right? The ones that put silly glasses or dog ears on someone’s face.
Well, you can make one of those for your own brand. It's called an Augmented Reality, or AR, filter. Sounds dead technical, I know, but it’s simpler than you think.
This lets people literally play with your brand. They can stick your logo on their video, interact with a virtual version of your product, or wear your brand's colours.
The beauty of it is that people don't see it as a boring old advert. It's a bit of a laugh. It's fun.
So, they use it and share it with their friends. That’s your marketing going out to their entire network, for next to nothing.
Your brand becomes part of their story for the day, and that's proper engagement, not just a passive ‘like'.
Engage & Respond
When customers begin generating content about your brand, don’t just let it happen without acknowledging anything; engage with them, too! Thank them publicly while sharing some piece(s) from what they’ve written, which will make them feel valued and encourage others who might be tempted to join in, too.
3 – Collaborate with Influencers
Influencer marketing is not just any name we hear around – it is an effective way to increase brand recognition. But wait for it: you don’t need to pay vast amounts for celebrity endorsements.
Look for influencers whose values align with your brand and who have an active following. Sometimes, micro-influencers with small but loyal followings can be more impactful than big-name influencers.
Do not use these people like billboards. Have real connections with them. Ask them to attend functions, give them products to test and keep and share what they share.
Generic posts on influencers’ pages are as interesting as watching paint dry. Collaborate with your chosen influencers to develop exclusive campaigns to grab their audience’s attention together.
4 – Harness the Power of SEO
The term Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) can be tedious, but let me tell you, it’s a game-changer when it comes to brand awareness.
What do your potential customers enter in a Google search? Those are your keywords. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to identify relevant keywords for your brand.
Just sprinkle those keywords throughout your website like a fairy sprinkles dust. However, remember that keyword stuffing fell out of style in 2005, so use keywords naturally within content, headers, and meta descriptions.
Google loves fresh and valuable content. So does your audience. You can kill two birds with one stone by regularly publishing blog posts, articles or videos that are helpful to your target market.
Right, so you're writing blogs. Decent start. But here’s how you actually get Google to sit up and take you seriously instead of just chucking articles into the void and hoping for the best.
Don't just write random posts. You need to build what's known as a ‘content hub' to show you're the real deal. Think of it like this: you write one massive, definitive guide on your main subject. This is your ‘pillar page'.
It covers everything but doesn't go into forensic detail on every little point. Then, you write a load of smaller, more specific articles that get into the nitty-gritty of each of those little points. These are your ‘cluster pages'.
The trick is to link all the small cluster pages back to the big pillar page, and have the pillar page link out to them. What you're doing is putting your arm around Google and saying, ‘Look, mate. When it comes to this subject, I'm the governor. I own it.' This tells search engines you have genuine authority.
Get this right, and you won't just rank for one keyword; you'll rank for multiple keywords. You'll start showing up for the whole bloody topic. It's more work up front, no doubt, but the payoff is enormous in the long run.
5 – Get Creative with Guerrilla Marketing
Sometimes, you need to think outside the box – way outside the box. Guerrilla marketing refers to using unconventional methods to attract attention, which can significantly enhance brand recognition.
The primary principle of guerrilla marketing is to create astonishment. Do something that nobody expects so that they stop and pay attention.
What can you do with what’s around? How could your surroundings help create a memorable experience with a brand? It might be an exciting sticker placed strategically, eye-catching installations, or even flash mobs in crowded squares.
In guerrilla marketing, the ultimate goal is to create something clever and surprising enough that people simply have to share it. Think big; think brave –a little controversy never hurt anyone!
6 – Embrace Video Marketing
If an image equals 1000 words, a video is worth a million. In the TikTok and Instagram Reels era, video content can significantly improve brand recognition.
People’s attention spans are shorter than ever before. Your videos should tell a joke – snappy and amusing, leaving them yearning for more.
And another thing about videos. Don't just stick to pre-recorded, perfectly polished stuff. You need to go live.
Seriously. Jump on Instagram Live, YouTube Live, whatever your platform is. It's raw, it's unedited, and that's precisely why it works so well. People are tired of slick productions; they want something that feels real.
The thing is, when you're live, it’s a two-way street. It becomes a conversation, not a broadcast. People can ask you questions in the comments, and you can answer them right there and then. They feel heard.
Use it for a Q&A session, a spontaneous behind-the-scenes tour of your office, or to show a new product. That immediacy creates a feeling of urgency and exclusivity that a standard video simply cannot match. Your audience feels like they're part of an inner circle.
Use video to illustrate your products or services, showcase your company culture, and demonstrate how things are done within the organisation. Whatever you do, ensure that visually engaging storytelling is always employed.
Mobile devices account for the majority of viewership when it comes to videos. Therefore, ensure they look appealing on small screens and are understandable without sound.
7 – Leverage Podcasts
Podcasts are the modern-day radio shows. They have become trendy, and an excellent way to get a wider audience for your brand is by being featured on one.
Guest on relevant shows
Look for podcasts in your industry or niche and pitch yourself as a guest. Share your expertise and drop your brand name here and there.
Start your podcast
Starting a podcast can be beneficial if you have the time and resources. This will help you establish yourself as an authority figure in the industry while also building a loyal following of listeners who tune in every week.
Sponsor popular shows
If you can’t get on any of them, at least sponsor some popular ones within similar industries as yours; they usually offer ad spots or even full-on sponsorship opportunities
8 – Harness the Power of Partnerships
Two brands are better than one. Joint ventures can help you expand into new markets and significantly increase your brand recognition.
Look for businesses in the same industry but not your direct competitors. For instance, if your company sells sneakers, you could partner with a fitness application or sports nutrition brand.
Collaborate on designing an original product or service that combines elements from each brand. This way, both parties benefit – they gain exposure to each other’s customer bases.
Let’s get a bit more specific about this partnership. We're talking about proper co-branding.
This is where you team up with another brand that isn't a direct rival to create something totally new together. It could be a joint product, a shared event, or a marketing campaign that you both invest in.
Think about Nike and Apple. Nike sells trainers; Apple sells phones. They weren't treading on each other's toes. So they came together to make Nike+ for runners. Absolutely genius.
Both brands instantly gained access to a massive new audience, and their credibility skyrocketed. Or look at GoPro and Red Bull. One sells cameras, the other sells energy drinks, but they both scream ‘extreme action and adventure'.
Their collaboration just makes sense. It’s about finding a partner whose audience you want access to, and whose reputation makes yours look even better by association.
Share content produced by either party; conduct joint social media advertising campaigns; include information about one organisation within another’s email newsletters, etc. There are many options available!
9 – Get Involved in Your Community
Occasionally, the most effective way to increase familiarity with a brand is to leave the computer and go outside. One’s involvement in their local community can foster brand loyalty for years to come and generate buzz through word of mouth.
Sponsor Events in Your Area
From little league teams to charity fun runs, there are plenty of opportunities to get your name out there while giving back.
Volunteer
Organise a company volunteer day or support a local cause. It's good for your community, team morale, and brand image.
Host Events in Your Community
Whether it's a workshop, a networking event or a fun gathering — hosting events shows people what you’re all about.
10 – Leverage Email Marketing
Although it may be old-fashioned, email remains a top priority for direct audience reach. And as for brand recognition, maintaining regularity is the key.
Propose something useful – like a free ebook or exclusive content – in return for people signing up with their email addresses.
All subscribers are not made equally. Create groups on your list according to interests, behaviour or demographics and send them more focused posts.
Tell people about who you are through these email letters; share stories of growth within the company and behind-the-scenes snapshots. Make them feel like being part of something special, they could never have otherwise known about!
Conclusion
Building a brand is about something other than having a huge budget or the most flashy ads. It is about being creative, genuine and consistent. It involves telling your story in a way that resonates with people and inspires them to join you.
Remember that it took more than one day to build Rome. So, too, with awareness of brands, it takes time, energy and willingness to experiment. But armed with these ten marketing shortcuts, you are closer to turning your product into a household name than ever.
Therefore, try out these strategies now. Mix them up; blend different ones if necessary, until you find what suits your particular brand best. And above all else – enjoy yourself! Why should anyone else be if you’re not passionate about what you’re selling?
Our Marketing Hacks FAQs
How much time should pass to notice the effects of these strategies?
What time is necessary to see results in brand awareness through these strategies? The answer depends on factors such as industry, target audience and methods applied. Some techniques, such as viral content or guerrilla marketing, can instantly create awareness, while others may take months to produce significant outcomes, including search engine optimisation (SEO) or community engagement. It is vital to remain consistent!
Do I require substantial financial resources to execute these marketing hacks?
Not at all! Many of these techniques can be employed with minimal investment, such as user-generated content or community involvement. What matters most is creativity and effort, not cash.
How do I know if my brand’s visibility attempts have been successful?
What indicators suggest success concerning creating consciousness about one’s products/services among potential buyers/users? You can use different metrics: social media mentions, website traffic, search volume on Google for your company name, etc. You may also conduct surveys to determine if people remember having seen an advertisement somewhere in the recent past; this is known as the recall rate. Tools like Google Analytics, social media insights and brand tracking software will be helpful here.
Should I concentrate all efforts on one method or try multiple approaches simultaneously?
It is usually advised that various methods be employed concurrently, as each tactic can reach only a specific target market segment. However, this also helps you identify which works best for your business.
How often should I post content to increase my brand’s visibility?
Regularity matters more than frequency when enhancing familiarity with a particular product line/brand among consumers, especially if achieved through high-quality pieces, even if less often, such as weekly instead of daily, using mediocre materials.
Can these principles benefit B2B enterprises just as much as B2C companies?
Absolutely! There is a need for some modifications in specific tactics; however, storytelling, value provision, and relationship building are applicable to different types of businesses.
What if my goods/services fall under ‘boring’ industries? Can these methods still be helpful?
No industry is boring – only marketing can become monotonous! Every brand or sector has unique stories to share and the benefits they provide. All you need to do is identify those exciting angles related to your products/services and then weave them into the human elements within the context of your offer.
How can I engage staff members in activities to create awareness about our organisationu0027s image?
You should encourage them to share company posts on their personal social media accounts; involve workers in community work events related either directly/ indirectly through brand affiliations, among other things; also let every employee become part and parcel of your organisation's narrative since this will significantly contribute towards increasing knowledge levels among broader populations, thus leading to greater understanding. Employee advocacy is crucial in establishing a strong presence across various channels to promote recognition.
Is investing in paid advertising while using these organic approaches good?
Paid ads can act as perfect supplements to natural techniques, especially for enterprises that have just been launched or when targeting specific audience segments within short periods. However, total reliance should never be placed on paid-for forms alone.
How can I ensure that different channels and strategies don’t dilute or contradict my brand’s identity?
Establish comprehensive brand guidelines which cover voice tone visual identity aspects such as logo design, etc.; core messages must remain consistent regardless of where they appear across various platforms used during communication efforts associated with promoting awareness regarding products/offers being made available by your firm; anyone engaged in marketing tasks ought to adhere strictly to such instructions so that everything remains aligned consistently without any deviation whatsoever from what needs representation.
What if one strategy seems inadequate, given our specific situation/context?
Feel free to change direction! Some strategies may not be effective for all brands. Keep track of results, be prepared to experiment, and focus on promising tactics based on the outcomes recorded in your specific circumstances.
How do I stay updated on current trends and the latest techniques employed in brand-building exercises?
Subscribe to various marketing blogs and podcasts, attend conferences within your industry or sector, and interact with other professionals with similar interests. The marketing world is constantly evolving; therefore, continuous learning becomes essential if one wants their approaches to creating awareness around products/services offered by an organisation to remain relevant at all times.
