Opdolow · Marketing Insights
Promoting Your Business
in a Non-Cringe Way
Okay, basically, there's no such thing as "CRINGE" marketing. That may have been a marketing tactic ;)
But there are certainly marketing concepts that make business owners cringe when they see the price tags associated with them. Earlier in my career as a novice entrepreneur, I doled out so much hard earned money on advertising that was completely unproductive.
So allow me to share some of my hard earned insights to help you avoid throwing your money down the drain.
Authenticity
Tell Your Story
The more you share your authentic story, the more you will appeal to people who resonate with you. In our industry, connection is key.
Practical ways to tell your story:
- Share your "why"
- What inspires you — or what inspires particular products/services
- Memories or experiences that influence what you do
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Behind the scenes: This one grabs my attention every time! This is especially effective during an event.
- Set up a tablet to play a YouTube playlist of your videos continuously
- Provide your service or create your product at your booth so people can see you in action
Social Proof
Establish Trust
Reviews & testimonials folks. They pack a punch and you want to capture as much of them as possible. Make it easy for people to give you feedback.
Ways to simplify that process:
- Automate review prompts with your POS or website
- Set up a Google Business Profile (free & fast)
- Create a QR code for your review link in Canva and print on your labels, business cards, and/or signage at your booth. Make an interactive game out of it: "Leave a review, receive a free thank you gift."
Sensory Strategy
Communicate
This may seem straightforward but let's break communication down into our senses — so crucial in a market environment.
Smell
Don't underestimate the power of smell. If you can convey your product or service with a specific scent or aroma, use this to your advantage.
Taste
If selling food, sampling your products will skyrocket your sales. Samples draw people in creating a "buzz" effect that makes your product more desirable.
Auditory
Consider the market atmosphere — you may want to create a haven from the hubbub, a peaceful space where people feel able to recover from the noise and crowds. Less can be more in this sense.
Feel
Allowing your audience to touch, test, and experience your products encourages exploration — but exploration happens best in a space that feels comfortable and inviting. Be intentional with thoughtful touches like misters, fans, heaters, tent walls, seating, or area rugs.
Visual
Aesthetically pleasing booths are obviously more impressive than a bare folding table with a couple of objects laid on it. But there's more to it than pretty — here are three ways for thoughtful and strategic booth presentation:
Build Vertical Interest
Use height, shelving, banners, and layered displays to make your booth visible in crowded events.
Use Negative Space Intentionally
A cluttered booth overwhelms customers; breathing room makes products stand out.
Design for Fast Understanding
A customer should understand your business within 5 seconds of walking by.