20 Types of Marketing: Dominate with Proven Strategies

20 Types of Marketing: Dominate with Proven Strategies

Marketing can feel like a bloody maze.

One minute, you're pouring money into Facebook ads; the next, you're told TikTok is the holy grail.

It's enough to make your head spin.

But here's the truth: There's no one-size-fits-all approach to marketing.

I learned this the hard way with my first business. I thought I could copy what the “gurus” were doing and watch the money roll in.

Spoiler alert: It didn't work.

I burned through cash faster than a uni student on freshers' week.

But that failure taught me something crucial:

The key to marketing success is understanding the full spectrum of options.

That's why I've put together this no-nonsense guide to the 20 most powerful types of marketing you need to know.

We'll cut through the fluff and get straight to what works.

By the end of this post, you'll have a crystal-clear understanding of:

• Which marketing strategies align with your business goals
• How to implement them without breaking the bank
• Real-world examples of these tactics in action

So, grab a cuppa (or something stronger; I won't judge), and let's dive into the world of marketing domination.

🔰 TL;DR: Discover 20 game-changing marketing types to skyrocket your business growth. This guide breaks down each strategy from tried-and-true classics to cutting-edge digital tactics with real-world examples and actionable tips. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, you'll find the tools to outmanoeuvre your competition and connect with your ideal customers. Let's dive in and transform your marketing approach!

1. Content Marketing: The Long Game That Pays Off 📝

Content marketing isn't just a buzzword. It's the backbone of modern digital marketing.

Here's the deal: You create valuable, relevant content your target audience wants to consume. This builds trust, establishes your expertise, and keeps people returning for more.

Why It Works

People are sick of being sold to. They want information, entertainment, and solutions to their problems. Content marketing delivers all of that.

How to Do It Right

• Know your audience: What questions are they asking? What problems keep them up at night?
• Be consistent: A sporadic blog post every few months won't cut it. Commit to a regular publishing schedule.
• Diversify your formats: Blog posts, videos, podcasts, infographics – mix it up to cater to different learning styles.
• Promote, promote, promote: Great content is useless if no one sees it. Share across social media, email newsletters, and relevant online communities.

Real-World Example

Hubspot is the poster child for content marketing done right. They've built an empire on free, high-quality content that educates their target audience (marketers and salespeople) at every stage of the buyer's journey.

2. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO): The Gift That Keeps on Giving 🔍

If content marketing is the engine, SEO is the fuel that powers it.

Here's why it matters: 68% of online experiences begin with a search engine (BrightEdge, 2023). You're invisible to potential customers if you're not showing up in those results.

The SEO Advantage

• Long-term benefits: Unlike paid ads, SEO results compound over time.
• High-intent traffic: People searching for your keywords are actively looking for what you offer.
• Cost-effective: While it requires time and effort, SEO can deliver a much higher ROI than paid advertising.

SEO Quick Tips

1. Focus on user intent: Don't just chase keywords. Understand what people are looking for.
2. Optimise for mobile: Google prioritises mobile-friendly sites.
3. Build quality backlinks: Earn links from reputable sites in your industry.
4. Create in-depth, authoritative content: Aim for comprehensive guides that cover topics thoroughly.

SEO in Action

Moz has built its entire business on SEO expertise. Their Beginner's Guide to SEO ranks #1 for highly competitive keywords and drives a ton of qualified leads to their business.

3. Social Media Marketing: Where Your Audience Lives 📱

Love it or hate it, social media is where people spend their time.

The stats don't lie: The average person spends 2 hours and 27 minutes on social media daily (DataReportal, 2023).

Why Social Media Marketing Works

• Direct access to your audience: Engage with customers in real time.
• Brand humanisation: Show the personality behind your business.
• Viral potential: The right content can spread like wildfire.

Social Media Do's and Don'ts

Do:

• Choose platforms where your target audience is most active
• Create platform-specific content (don't just cross-post everywhere)
• Engage with your followers regularly
• Use social listening to understand your audience better

Don't:

• Hard sell constantly
• Ignore negative comments or feedback
• Post without a strategy

Social Media Success Story

Gymshark built a billion-dollar fitness apparel empire primarily through savvy social media marketing. They leveraged influencer partnerships and user-generated content to create a loyal community of fitness enthusiasts.

4. Email Marketing: The Old Dog with New Tricks 📧

Email might seem old school, but it's far from dead.

In fact: Email marketing still delivers an average ROI of £42 for every £1 spent (DMA, 2023).

Why Email Marketing Still Rules

• Direct line to your audience: No algorithm changes to worry about.
• Highly personalised: Segment your list for targeted messaging.
• Measurable results: Track opens, clicks, and conversions with precision.

Email Marketing Best Practices

1. Build your list organically: Quality over quantity.
2. Segment your audience: Send relevant content to specific groups.
3. Craft compelling subject lines: This is your first (and sometimes only) chance to grab attention.
4. Provide value: Every email should have a clear purpose and benefit for the reader.
5. Optimise for mobile: Over 50% of emails are opened on mobile devices.

Email Marketing Example

Beardbrand, a men's grooming company, uses email marketing to educate customers about beard care while subtly promoting their products. Their emails feel like personal grooming advice from a friend, not a sales pitch.

5. Influencer Marketing: Leverage Trust and Reach 🤳

Influencer marketing isn't just for big brands with deep pockets.

The power of influence: 49% of consumers depend on influencer recommendations for purchase decisions (Influencer Marketing Hub, 2023).

Why Influencer Marketing Works

• Built-in trust: Influencers have already earned their audience's trust.
• Niche targeting: Find influencers who speak directly to your ideal customers.
• Content creation: Influencers can create high-quality content for your brand.

Influencer Marketing Tips

• Focus on micro-influencers: They often have higher and more affordable engagement rates.
• Prioritise authenticity: The partnership should feel natural, not forced.
• Set clear goals and metrics: Know what success looks like before you start.
• Build long-term relationships: One-off posts are less effective than ongoing partnerships.

Influencer Success Story

Daniel Wellington, a watch company, built their brand almost entirely through influencer marketing. They sent free watches to Instagram influencers, creating a viral trend that propelled them to massive success.

6. Video Marketing: Show, Don't Just Tell 🎥

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth a million.

Video dominance: 91% of businesses use video as a marketing tool in 2023 (Wyzowl).

The Power of Video Marketing

• Increased engagement: People are likelier to watch a video than read text.
• Better retention: Viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video, compared to 10% when reading it in text.
• Boost conversions: Adding a product video to your landing page can increase conversions by 80%.

Video Marketing Strategies

1. Explainer videos: Break down complex topics or showcase your product.
2. Behind-the-scenes content: Give people a peek into your business.
3. Customer testimonials: Let your satisfied customers do the talking.
4. Live streaming: Connect with your audience in real time.
5. Tutorial videos: Provide value while showcasing your expertise.

Video Marketing in Action

Dollar Shave Club's launch video is a masterclass in viral video marketing. They explained their value proposition with humour and irreverence and became an overnight sensation.

7. Affiliate Marketing: Turn Customers into Salespeople 🤝

Affiliate marketing is like having an army of salespeople working on commission.

The affiliate advantage: 81% of brands and 84% of publishers leverage affiliate marketing (Awin).

Why Affiliate Marketing Works

• Performance-based: You only pay for results.
• Expanded reach: Tap into new audiences through your affiliates.
• Social proof: Recommendations from affiliates can be more persuasive than traditional ads.

Affiliate Marketing Tips

• Choose affiliates carefully: They should align with your brand values.
• Provide excellent resources: Give your affiliates the tools they need to succeed.
• Track performance: Use reliable affiliate software to monitor results.
• Offer competitive commissions: Motivate your affiliates to prioritise your products.

Affiliate Marketing Example

Amazon's Associate program is the granddaddy of affiliate marketing. They've turned millions of websites into virtual storefronts, dramatically expanding their reach and sales.

8. Referral Marketing: Harness the Power of Word-of-Mouth 👥

People trust recommendations from friends and family more than any other form of advertising.

The referral effect: Referred customers have a 37% higher retention rate (Deloitte).

Why Referral Marketing Works

• Trust factor: People are more likely to try a product recommended by someone they know.
• Cost-effective: Often cheaper than acquiring customers through advertising.
• Higher-quality leads: Referred customers tend to be more valuable and loyal.

Referral Marketing Strategies

1. Make it easy: Provide simple tools for customers to share your product.
2. Offer incentives: Reward both the referrer and the new customer.
3. Time it right: Ask for referrals when customer satisfaction is highest.
4. Personalise the experience: Customers can add a personal message to their referral.

Referral Success Story

Dropbox's referral program is legendary. They offered free storage space for the referrer and the new user, leading to a 3900% growth in signups.

9. Content Syndication: Expand Your Reach 🌐

Content syndication is about getting your content in front of new audiences by republishing it on other websites.

Syndication stats: 65% of B2B marketers use content syndication as a core strategy (DemandGen Report).

Benefits of Content Syndication

• Increased visibility: Reach audiences you might not otherwise access.
• SEO benefits: More backlinks and increased domain authority.
• Establish thought leadership: Position yourself as an expert in your field.

Content Syndication Best Practices

• Choose reputable syndication partners: Quality over quantity.
• Avoid duplicate content issues: Use canonical tags or rewrite content for syndication.
• Track performance: Monitor which syndicated pieces drive the most traffic and leads.
• Maintain exclusivity: Keep some of your best content exclusive to your site.

Content Syndication Example

Medium's Partner Program allows writers to syndicate their content and earn money based on engagement. This has created a thriving ecosystem of quality content and engaged readers.

10. Podcast Marketing: Capture Ears and Minds 🎧

Podcasts have exploded in popularity, offering a unique way to connect with your audience.

Working with a podcast marketing company can help you amplify your reach, ensuring your content gets in front of the right listeners and drives meaningful engagement.

Podcast popularity: 62% of UK adults have listened to podcasts (Ofcom, 2023).

Why Podcast Marketing Works

• Intimate medium: Listeners often feel a solid connection to podcast hosts.
• Multitasking-friendly: People can listen while doing other activities.
• Long-form content: Allows for in-depth exploration of topics.

Podcast Marketing Strategies

1. Start your own podcast: Become the go-to voice in your industry.
2. Guest on other podcasts: Tap into established audiences.
3. Sponsor relevant podcasts: Get your message in front of targeted listeners.
4. Create valuable, evergreen content: Focus on topics that will remain relevant over time.

Podcast Marketing Success

HubSpot's “The Growth Show” podcast has become a go-to resource for business leaders, reinforcing their position as thought leaders in marketing and sales.

11. Guerrilla Marketing: Surprise and Delight 😲

Guerrilla marketing is about creating memorable, unexpected experiences that get people talking.

Guerrilla impact: 62% of consumers believe guerrilla marketing is more influential than traditional advertising (Sway Ventures).

The Power of Guerrilla Marketing

• Cost-effective: Often relies more on creativity than budget.
• Highly shareable: Unique experiences are more likely to go viral.
• Memorable: Stands out in a crowded advertising landscape.

Guerrilla Marketing Tactics

• Street art: Create eye-catching murals or installations.
• Flash mobs: Organise surprising public performances.
• Ambient advertising: Turn everyday objects into marketing messages.
• Stunts: Stage attention-grabbing events.

Guerrilla Marketing in Action

Red Bull's Stratos space jump was the ultimate guerrilla marketing stunt. By sponsoring Felix Baumgartner's record-breaking skydive from the edge of space, they created a global media sensation that perfectly aligned with their brand image.

12. Experiential Marketing: Create Lasting Memories 🎭

Experiential marketing is about immersing your audience in your brand through real-world experiences.

Experience matters: 91% of consumers say they're more likely to purchase from an authentic brand (Stackla).

Why Experiential Marketing Works

• Emotional connection: Creates lasting memories associated with your brand.
• Hands-on interaction: Allows customers to experience your product or service firsthand.
• User-generated content: Encourages participants to share their experiences on social media.

Experiential Marketing Ideas

1. Pop-up shops: Create temporary, Instagram-worthy retail experiences.
2. VR/AR activations: Use technology to transport people into your brand world.
3. Product demonstrations: Let people try before they buy.
4. Branded events: Host conferences, workshops, or parties that align with your brand values.

Experiential Marketing Example

Refinery29's 29Rooms is an annual “funhouse of style, culture, and technology” that brings the digital publication to life. It's become a must-attend event that generates massive social media buzz and reinforces the brand's creative, trend-setting image.

13. Cause Marketing: Align Your Brand with a Purpose 🌱

Cause marketing partners with a charitable cause to promote social good while benefiting your brand.

The cause-effect: 64% of consumers choose, switch, avoid or boycott a brand based on its stand on societal issues (Edelman).

Benefits of Cause Marketing

• Improved brand perception: Show your company's values in action.
• Increased customer loyalty: People prefer to support brands that give back.
• Employee engagement: Boost morale and attract talent who share your values.

Cause Marketing Best Practices

• Choose an authentic cause: It should align naturally with your brand and values.
• Be transparent: Communicate how you're supporting the cause.
• Make it easy for customers to participate: Integrate giving into the purchase process.
• Measure and report impact: Show customers the difference their support is making.

Cause Marketing Success Story

TOMS Shoes built its business model around cause marketing with its “One for One” program. For every pair of shoes purchased, they donated a pair to a needy child. This approach helped them build a loyal customer base and a powerful brand identity.

14. Conversational Marketing: Talk, Don't Just Sell 💬

Conversational marketing is about engaging customers in real-time, personalised interactions.

Chat stats: 79% of businesses say live chat has had positive results for customer loyalty, sales and revenue (Kayako).

Why Conversational Marketing Works

• Immediate gratification: Customers get answers when they need them.

• Personalisation: Tailor responses to individual customer needs.
• Reduced friction: It makes it easier for customers to get information and make purchases.

Conversational Marketing Tools

1. Live chat: Offer real-time support on your website.
2. Chatbots: Use AI to handle common queries 24/7.
3. Messaging apps: Meet customers where they already are (e.g., WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger).
4. Voice assistants: Explore opportunities with Alexa Skills or Google Actions.

Conversational Marketing Example

Domino's Pizza has embraced conversational marketing with its “AnyWare” ordering system. Customers can order pizza through text, Twitter, Slack, and even by texting a pizza emoji. This frictionless ordering process has contributed to their impressive digital sales growth.

15. Account-Based Marketing (ABM): Personalisation at Scale 🎯

ABM flips the traditional marketing funnel, focusing on specific high-value accounts.

ABM effectiveness: 87% of marketers say ABM initiatives outperform other marketing investments (ITSMA).

Why ABM Works

• Efficiency: Concentrate resources on the most promising prospects.
• Personalisation: Tailor your approach to each account's specific needs.
• Sales and marketing alignment: Encourages closer collaboration between teams.

ABM Best Practices

• Identify target accounts: Use data to select the most valuable prospects.
• Develop account-specific content: Create personalised messaging for each account.
• Coordinate across channels: Use tactics (email, social, direct mail) to reach decision-makers.
• Measure and optimise: Track account-specific metrics and adjust your approach accordingly.

ABM in Action

Snowflake, the data cloud company, used ABM to land significant enterprise clients. They created personalised content hubs for each target account, addressing their specific data challenges and showcasing relevant case studies. This approach helped them secure deals with Fortune 500 companies and achieve rapid growth.

16. Community Marketing: Build a Tribe Around Your Brand 👥

Community marketing fosters connections between your customers, not just between your brand and customers.

Community power: 66% of companies with online communities say they've seen increased brand loyalty (CMX).

Benefits of Community Marketing

• Customer retention: Communities create a sense of belonging that keeps customers returning.
• User-generated content: Community members create valuable content and discussions.
• Product development insights: Get direct feedback from your most engaged users.

Community Marketing Strategies

1. Create a branded online community: Use platforms like Facebook Groups or dedicated community software.
2. Host events: Bring community members together in person or virtually.
3. Encourage user-generated content: Run contests or challenges that prompt community participation.
4. Highlight community members: Feature success stories and spotlight active participants.

Community Marketing Example

Peloton has built a fiercely loyal community around its fitness products. Their online community allows members to connect, share achievements, and motivate each other. This sense of community has been a critical driver of their rapid growth and high customer retention rates.

17. Partnership Marketing: Collaborate for Growth 🤝

Partnership marketing involves partnering with other brands to reach new audiences and create mutual value.

Partnership potential: 54% of companies say partnerships drive more than 20% of total company revenue (Partnerize).

Why Partnership Marketing Works

• Expanded reach: Access your partner's audience.
• Shared resources: Pool marketing budgets and expertise.
• Increased credibility: Benefit from your partner's reputation.

Partnership Marketing Ideas

• Co-branded products: Create a unique offering that combines both brands.
• Joint content creation: Collaborate on webinars, ebooks, or podcasts.
• Bundle deals: Offer complementary products or services together.
• Cross-promotions: Promote each other's offerings to your respective audiences.

Partnership Marketing Success Story

GoPro and Red Bull have a long-standing partnership aligning their brands with extreme sports and adventure. They've collaborated on numerous events and content pieces, including the famous Stratos space jump. This partnership has reinforced both brands' adventurous identities and expanded their reach.

18. Voice Search Optimisation: Speak Your Customers' Language 🗣️

With the rise of smart speakers and voice assistants, optimising for voice search is becoming increasingly important.

Voice search growth: 55% of UK households are predicted to own a smart speaker by 2024 (Juniper Research).

Why Voice Search Matters

• Changing search behaviour: Voice queries are often longer and more conversational.
• Local SEO impact: Many voice searches are for local information.
• Featured snippets: Voice assistants often pull answers from featured snippets.

Voice Search Optimisation Tips

1. Focus on long-tail keywords: Optimise for natural language questions.
2. Create FAQ content: Answer common questions in your industry.
3. Optimise for local searches: Ensure your Google My Business listing is complete and accurate.
4. Improve page speed: Voice search favours fast-loading pages.

Voice Search in Action

Domino's Pizza has been a leader in voice search optimisation. They've created a voice-activated ordering system with various AI assistants, making it incredibly easy for customers to order pizza using natural language commands.

19. Neuromarketing: Tap into the Subconscious 🧠

Neuromarketing uses neuroscience to understand consumer behaviour and create more effective marketing strategies.

Neuro-impact: Studies show that neuromarketing can increase ad effectiveness by up to 30% (Nielsen).

How Neuromarketing Works

• Brain scanning: Use fMRI or EEG to measure brain activity responding to marketing stimuli.
• Eye tracking: Understand what captures consumers' attention.
• Facial coding: Analyse emotional responses through facial expressions.

Neuromarketing Applications

• Product design: Optimise packaging and product features based on subconscious preferences.
• Ad testing: Measure the emotional impact of advertisements before launching.
• Website optimisation: Use eye-tracking data to improve user experience and conversion rates.
• Pricing strategies: Understand how the brain perceives value and price points.

Neuromarketing Example

Frito-Lay used neuromarketing techniques to redesign their packaging. They found that matte packaging triggered activity in the areas of the brain associated with negative emotions, while shiny packaging activated reward centres. This led to a shift towards glossier packaging for their products.

Conclusion: Your Marketing Masterplan 🚀

There are 20 powerful marketing strategies to propel your business forward.

But here's the thing: You don't need to implement all these simultaneously.

Start with this:

1. Assess your current situation: What's working? What's not?
2. Identify your goals: What will you achieve in the next 6-12 months?
3. Choose 2-3 strategies: Pick the ones that align best with your goals and resources.
4. Create an action plan: Break down each strategy into specific, actionable steps.
5. Measure and adjust: Track your results and be prepared to pivot if needed.

Remember, the most effective marketing isn't about following trends or copying competitors. It's about understanding your unique value proposition and communicating it to the right people in the right way.

So, take what you've learned here, adapt it to your business, and start experimenting. Your successive big marketing win is just around the corner.

Now, go out there and make some noise. Your audience is waiting.

Types of Marketing FAQs