![\"Stack](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_569,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1743236853\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/brochure_34049875b7\/brochure_34049875b7.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Marketing types vary from traditional methods, like print and broadcast ads, to digital strategies, such as social media and SEO.<\/li>\n
- Engaging tactics like event marketing, guerrilla marketing and influencer marketing help create buzz and build brand awareness.<\/li>\n
- Cost-effective methods like email and SMS marketing keep customers informed and engaged directly.<\/li>\n
- SEO, PPC and affiliate marketing are powerful tools for driving traffic and boosting sales through targeted online efforts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n\n Ready to build out your marketing strategy? <\/div>\n\n\n Give your business a quick brand boost with our eye-catching customizable promotional products. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n \n\n Start designing!<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n15 types of marketing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to marketing types, they all fall into two main categories: traditional and digital marketing<\/a>. Traditional marketing includes time-tested methods like print ads and events, while digital marketing leverages online strategies such as social media, email campaigns and search engine optimization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both have their strengths, and the best approach often depends on your business goals, audience and budget. Understanding these two categories can help you craft a well-rounded marketing plan that drives real results. Let\u2019s break down each type and explore which strategies work best for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Digital marketing types<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
First, let\u2019s cover digital marketing<\/a> types. This is how businesses connect with customers online\u2014through social media, search engines, emails and more. Whether it\u2019s a catchy TikTok ad, an SEO-optimized blog or a perfectly timed email, these strategies help brands stay visible in a digital-first world. These approaches are often the easiest and fastest way to get started marketing your business! Fast, flexible and cost-effective, digital marketing lets even small businesses reach big audiences with the right message at the right time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Social media marketing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Social media marketing helps you connect directly with your audience on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. It’s a fun way for small businesses to showcase products, share updates and engage directly with customers. Social media allows businesses to build a community, drive traffic and create loyal followers\u2014all while keeping it fun, creative and engaging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"social](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_656,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1743236818\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/social-media-apps\/social-media-apps.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSource: via Depositphotos<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n Tip <\/div>\n\nResearch the kinds of content your audience likes and let that help guide your content strategy. Get inspired with social media content ideas<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
Content marketing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Content marketing is all about sharing useful, entertaining or educational content that connects directly with your audience and keeps them coming back for more. While social media is one type of content marketing, there are tons more avenues for this strategy, including blog posts, YouTube videos, podcasts, infographics and more. Whether it\u2019s a local boutique sharing style tips, a gym posting workout videos or a caf\u00e9 offering delicious recipes, content marketing helps build trust and makes your brand a go-to resource. It\u2019s a great way to engage your audience and turn them into loyal fans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Search engine optimization (SEO)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
SEO improves your website\u2019s visibility on search engines like Google by using the right keywords and optimizing site speed and mobile-friendliness. For example, a local coffee shop can use keywords like \u201cbest coffee in [your city]\u201d to appear in local search results. Strategic small business SEO<\/a> helps drive more traffic to your site and increases your chances of converting visitors into customers over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n Tip <\/div>\n\nIf you\u2019re a small business, encourage your customers to leave Google reviews<\/a>. This helps you show up in local searches.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is a type of digital advertising<\/a> where businesses pay each time someone clicks on their ad. It\u2019s a fast way to drive traffic to your website and can be cost-effective with the right strategy. You\u2019ve most likely seen PPC ads on Google search results or social media platforms like Facebook. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, a small jewelry business might run Google ads for searches like \u201cunique jewelry\u201d or Facebook ads targeting jewelry lovers. With PPC, you only pay for the clicks that count, making it a great way to reach interested customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Email marketing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Email marketing<\/a> is a simple yet powerful way to connect with your customers directly. By sending personalized emails, small businesses can share updates, promotions and special offers right to their customers\u2019 inboxes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For instance, a boutique might send a \u201cnew arrivals\u201d email or a caf\u00e9 could offer a discount for loyal customers. It\u2019s a cost-effective way to keep your audience engaged and encourage repeat business, all while keeping things personal and direct!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n Tip <\/div>\n\nUse A\/B testing with different email subjects to determine which has the highest open rate!<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
Influencer marketing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Influencer marketing<\/a> taps into the power of social media stars to promote your brand. Influencers are people who have a strong and loyal following in your industry. By partnering with them, you can reach a highly engaged audience in a more authentic way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, a small skincare brand might team up with a beauty influencer to review its products or a local restaurant could invite a food blogger to share its dining experience. Influencer marketing helps build trust, increases visibility and creates buzz around your business, all through the power of genuine recommendations from trusted voices. Don\u2019t forget about micro-influencers, either! They have smaller but highly engaged audiences and often feel more authentic, which helps build social proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Affiliate marketing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Affiliate marketing involves partnering with individuals or businesses to promote your products in exchange for a commission on sales. It\u2019s a win-win, as affiliates earn money for driving customers to your business. For example, a small online store might team up with a blogger to review their products, and the blogger earns a commission for each sale made through their unique referral link. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mobile (SMS) marketing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Mobile (SMS) marketing is a direct way to reach customers by sending promotional text messages to their phones. It’s a fast and personal method for delivering deals, updates or reminders. With high open rates, SMS ensures your message gets noticed quickly, making it perfect for time-sensitive promotions and strengthening customer loyalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"woman](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_682,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1743236829\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/mobile-phone\/mobile-phone.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSource: via Depositphotos<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
For many new businesses, tackling digital marketing can feel like another full-time job. Don\u2019t waste time on unnecessary tasks. Plan ahead with your business\u2019s digital marketing strategy<\/a>, then check out our actionable small business digital marketing checklist<\/a> to get started on what works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Traditional marketing types<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Traditional marketing<\/a> covers the tried-and-true methods businesses have used for decades to reach customers. Think print ads, billboards, direct mail, TV commercials and radio spots\u2014physical and offline strategies that build brand awareness and connect with audiences in the real world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even in a digital-first age, these techniques remain effective, especially for local businesses looking to engage their community. By combining traditional marketing with modern strategies, small businesses can create a well-rounded approach that maximizes their reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Print marketing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Print advertising remains a powerful marketing tool, even in today\u2019s digital age. It uses physical materials like newspapers, magazines, flyers and posters to capture attention and build brand recognition. For small businesses, print marketing can create a tangible, lasting impression that digital ads often can\u2019t replicate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, a restaurant might place an ad in a local newspaper to reach nearby diners, or a boutique could hand out beautifully designed flyers to attract foot traffic. Unlike digital ads that disappear with a scroll, print materials stay in customers\u2019 hands, reinforcing brand awareness over time. Combining print with digital marketing can create a well-rounded strategy that maximizes visibility and engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n\n Ready to make an impact? <\/div>\n\n\n You can design customizable print marketing materials at VistaPrint. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n \n\n Start creating today.<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\nPublic relations (PR) <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Public relations (PR) focuses on building a positive brand image and fostering trust through media coverage, strategic communication and community engagement. Rather than direct advertising, PR relies on earned media such as press releases, news articles, interviews and influencer collaborations to shape public perception. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, a small business can gain exposure by being featured in a local newspaper, partnering with a charity or hosting a press event. Effective PR marketing enhances credibility, strengthens brand reputation and helps businesses connect with their audience in an authentic way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Word-of-mouth (referral) marketing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Word-of-mouth marketing, or referral marketing, relies on customers sharing their positive experiences with others to attract new business. This strategy can include offering referral discounts or encouraging online reviews. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since people trust personal recommendations more than ads, word-of-mouth is a powerful way to build brand loyalty and expand your customer base through authentic, organic connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n Tip <\/div>\n\nHappy customers can be your best marketers! Encourage them to spread the word by offering referral incentives like discounts or rewards. Want to make the most of word-of-mouth marketing? Check out our guide to referral marketing<\/a> for expert tips on boosting customer referrals and growing your business.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
Event marketing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Event marketing is a powerful traditional marketing type that involves promoting a brand, product or service through in-person or virtual events. It creates direct engagement with potential customers, allowing businesses to build relationships and leave a lasting impression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examples include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"woman](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_1024,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1743236803\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/marketing-event\/marketing-event.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_683,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1743236810\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/trade-stall\/trade-stall.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"black](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_755,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1743236787\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/black-advertising\/black-advertising.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n