53 Types of Marketing Effective For Small Business Owners

If you’re a small business owner or marketer, it’s important to understand the different types of marketing available to you.

Each type of marketing has its own strengths and weaknesses, and understanding which option is best for your company will help you create a successful marketing strategy.

You’ve probably heard about all the different types of marketing out there.

But do you really understand what they mean and how they can help you grow your business in today’s competitive landscape?

In this blog post, let’s explore some of the most popular types of marketing used today and their definitions.

53 Types of Marketing Effective For Small Business Owners

1. Digital Marketing 

Digital marketing is an effective way to reach potential customers on the internet.

Digital ads are highly targeted since they are based on user data such as location and browsing habits.

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They can also be placed on a landing page or web pages that cater to your target audience so you know that your message will be seen by the right people.

Examples of digital advertising include:

display ads (e.g., banner ads),
search engine marketing (e.g., Google Ads),
social media ads (e.g., Facebook Ads), and
email marketing campaigns (e.g., newsletter blasts). 

2. Search Engine Marketing

Search engine marketing or commonly known as SEM is a form of online marketing that uses paid advertising to increase visibility and foot traffic to your website.

SEM works by displaying ads on search engines such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo.

When someone does a relevant keyword search in the search engine, your ad will appear alongside the organic search results. 

3. Content Marketing 

Content marketing involves creating high-quality content such as:

blog posts,
videos,
podcasts, or
webinars

…with the goal of engaging potential customers and building trust with them over time.

Strong brands utilize content marketing because it is a great way to establish yourself as an authority in your industry…

…while helping potential customers make informed decisions about their purchases.

Plus, content can be easily shared across multiple channels like social media platforms or email newsletters which helps spread your message even further! 

4. Influencer Marketing 

At its core, influencer marketing is about connecting with people who have a large social media following or who are influential within their niche.

These individuals or brand ambassadors often have a unique ability to reach a wide range of people because they naturally draw attention from their followers.

By working with them, you can leverage their influence to promote your business or product. 

5. Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing is the process of creating content that drives engagement on social media platforms such as:

Facebook,
Instagram,

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Twitter,
LinkedIn,
YouTube,

…and more.

Social media marketers plan and execute social media campaigns to connect with current and potential customers…

…mostly the younger audiences—by creating content that resonates with them. This could include anything from informative blog posts to entertaining videos or polls.

6. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is essentially a type of performance-based advertising.

Businesses pay affiliates to send customers their way, usually with either a flat fee or a percentage-based commission.

This makes it easier for companies to spread the word about their products and services…

…without having to invest heavily in traditional advertising methods, such as radio or television ads. 

7. Product Marketing

Promotional marketing is a form of advertising that uses tactics such as:

discounts,
sales,
coupons,
product demos, or
giveaways

…to drive customer engagement and awareness.

It helps businesses create a connection with their customers by offering them something special in exchange for their loyalty.

This type of marketing also encourages customers with strong product knowledge to spread the word about your product line or service…

…which can have an exponential effect on your reach and visibility. 

8. Relationship Marketing

Relationship marketing is a type of marketing focused on creating meaningful connections with customers and increasing loyalty to create long-term benefits.

It focuses on customer satisfaction, not just sales, to build lasting relationships between the company and its customers.

This type of marketing involves understanding customer needs and wants, as well as their behaviors and preferences.

By better understanding these things, companies can provide more tailored services or products that will meet customer needs better than their competitors. 

9. Referral Marketing

Referral marketing is the promotion of products or services by encouraging existing customers to refer new ones.

It’s a form of word-of-mouth advertising that encourages customers who have had a positive experience with your business to recommend it to their friends and family members. 

10. Campus Marketing

Campus marketing is an effective way of connecting with college-aged individuals who are likely to be interested in a business’s product or service.

It involves leveraging the unique characteristics of college campuses—such as the student body, faculty, events, clubs, and more—to promote a business’s offerings.

The goal of campus marketing is to build relationships with students that will lead to increased brand loyalty over time. 

11. Celebrity Marketing

Celebrity marketing involves using a celebrity to endorse or promote your business.

Many businesses use celebrities to increase their visibility, build trust with customers, and boost sales.

Celebrities can lend their name and reputation to any number of campaigns or advertisements…

…from TV commercials to product endorsements on social media platforms such as Instagram or Twitter.

The goal is to capture the attention of potential customers by tapping into the star power of celebrities. 

12. Event Marketing

Event marketing is a type of promotion focused on organizing or attending events such as:

trade shows,
conferences,
festivals,
seminars,
product launches,
webinars, or
any other public gathering related to your business.

The goal of event marketing is to generate leads and increase brand awareness through face-to-face contact with potential customers.

It’s an effective way to demonstrate the value of your product or service in person. 

13. Field Marketing

Field marketing refers to any kind of promotion or advertising that takes place outside of a traditional retail environment.

It often involves going straight to the customer and engaging in conversations about products and services at their homes, workplaces, or events.

A field marketer might attend trade shows, set up shop at festivals, or even host house parties in order to get the word out about their business and its offerings. 

14. Green Marketing

Green marketing is a strategy that focuses on using products or services as a way of promoting environmental awareness while also boosting revenue.

It encompasses activities such as:

creating campaigns that are centered around green causes,
using eco-friendly materials in packaging, or
reducing energy usage in production processes.

Companies may also use renewable energy sources, employ sustainable practices, or support charities with similar values as part of their corporate social responsibility. 

15. Persuasion Marketing

Persuasion marketing is the practice of influencing potential customers to buy your product or service through persuasive techniques such as storytelling and visual elements.

It works because it’s rooted in understanding how people think and behave when making decisions…

…allowing marketers to create content that resonates with their audience on an emotional level. 

16. Affinity Marketing

Affinity marketing is a form of strategic collaboration between two or more organizations that share common goals and interests.

The goal of affinity marketing is to leverage the shared audiences between companies in order to promote each other’s products or services in a mutually beneficial way.

For example, if two companies both sell similar items but target different markets, they can collaborate on a joint promotion or offer discounts when someone buys from both companies.

This kind of collaboration helps both businesses reach new customers or enhance their diversification strategy. 

17. Email Marketing

Email marketing is a form of digital marketing that uses promotional emails to promote products and services to potential customers.

A high-quality mailing list is an effective way to reach out to your target audience and get them engaged with your business.

Email marketing can be used in both B2B and B2C contexts, making it one of the most versatile digital marketing tools available. 

18. Outbound Marketing

Outbound marketing is a form of marketing that focuses on actively reaching out to potential customers or clients.

It’s a powerful tool in the marketing arsenal of any business, and it can be used in many different ways. 

19. Interactive Marketing

Interactive marketing is an approach to engaging with customers that emphasizes two-way dialogue and customer engagement.

It focuses on creating an experience for your customers that is memorable, enjoyable, and educational.

This can be done through activities such as gamification, interactive surveys, or even virtual reality experiences.

The goal of interactive marketing is to foster relationships between a brand and its customers by providing them with useful information or entertaining experiences. 

20. Direct Mail Marketing

Direct mail marketing involves sending physical mailers to prospects who have been identified as potential customers for your product or service.

This type of marketing using physical marketing material allows you to reach out directly to potential customers…

…that you wouldn’t be able to access through online marketing strategies like email or social media campaigns. 

21. Cloud Marketing

Cloud marketing is the process of using cloud-based technologies to improve various aspects of your marketing efforts.

Common applications of cloud marketing include content creation and management, email marketing, social media management, and data analysis. 

22. B2C Marketing

B2C marketing is a type of marketing that focuses on selling products or services directly to consumers.

There are a few key things to keep in mind when it comes to B2C marketing. First, B2C marketing must be focused on the needs and wants of the consumer.

Second, B2C marketing must be designed to build relationships with customers.

And finally, B2C marketers must be prepared to adjust their strategies as consumer behavior changes. 

23. Proximity Marketing

Proximity marketing is a form of marketing that takes advantage of location-based technology to deliver targeted messages to consumers who are nearby.

One of the most popular examples of proximity marketing is push notifications, which are messages that pop up on your mobile device from time to time.

They might be from a nearby store telling you about a sale, or from an app, you have installed letting you know about a new feature.

Either way, push notifications are only shown to users who are in close proximity to the location where the message is being sent from. 

24. B2B Marketing

B2B marketing is simply the process of marketing your products or services to other businesses.

B2B marketing helps you reach a larger target market and fulfill your business goals.

When you market to other businesses, you are essentially opening up your product or service to that business’s entire network of customers and clients. 

25. SMS Marketing

SMS marketing is a form of direct marketing that uses text messages to promote products or services.

Businesses can use SMS marketing to send customers updates about sales or special offers, as well as reminders about appointments or upcoming events. 

26. Voice Marketing

Voice marketing is a type of marketing that uses voice assistants, such as:

Amazon Alexa,
Google Assistant, and
Apple Siri,

…to interact with potential and current customers.

This interaction can take many forms, such as providing product recommendations, answering customer questions, or placing orders. 

27. Account-Based Marketing

Account-based marketing is a holistic approach to marketing that focuses on creating personalized campaigns for specific accounts or groups of accounts.

It’s designed to nurture relationships with key decision-makers within an organization so you can ultimately win their business.

With ABM, small businesses can focus their limited resources on high-value accounts that are most likely to convert, rather than trying to attract everyone in their market. 

28. Traditional Marketing 

When most people think of marketing, traditional methods of advertising are usually the first thing that comes to mind.

Traditional advertising includes:

print ads in newspapers or magazines,
radio ads,
television commercials,
billboards,
flyers, and
direct mail pieces.

Although traditional advertising has been around for many years and is still used today, it can be expensive and it doesn’t always guarantee results.

It also lacks any sort of targeting capabilities.

29. Ambush Marketing

Ambush marketing is a form of marketing that involves attaching yourself or your brand to a high-profile event in order to gain attention and exposure.

This can be done in a variety of ways, such as:

sponsoring an event,
holding a contest or promotion in connection with the event, or
simply creating some sort of association between your brand and the event. 

30. Partner Marketing 

Partner marketing is a form of co-branding where two companies team up to promote each other’s products or services.

This type of marketing can be beneficial for small businesses because it allows you to tap into a new audience that you might not have been able to reach on your own.

In addition, partner marketing can help build trust and credibility for your brand. 

31. Guerilla Marketing

Guerilla marketing is an alternative approach to traditional marketing that focuses on unconventional methods…

…often creative techniques to get attention and generate results.

With guerrilla marketing, businesses can achieve their goals on a smaller budget by using strategies like:

guerilla advertising,
viral marketing, guerilla PR, and
guerilla events. 

32. Brand Marketing

Brand marketing is the process of creating a distinct identity for your business—an identity that sets you apart from your competitors and resonates with your target audience. 

33. Acquisition Marketing

Acquisition marketing is the process of acquiring new customers or leads for your business.

The goal is to generate awareness of your brand and convert interested parties into paying customers. 

34. Video Marketing

Video marketing is one of the most powerful tools available to small businesses today.

Online users are incredibly visual, so videos are an excellent way to get a viewer’s attention, engage with your audience, and get your message across.

Videos also provide an intimate look into your business…

…and give potential customers a chance to get to know you and your team on a personal level something that is essential for driving sales.

35. Inbound Marketing

Inbound marketing is a type of marketing that focuses on attracting customers through digital channels like social media, search engines, and email.

Once customers are engaged, businesses then work to convert leads into customers and promoters of their products or service. 

36. Conversational Marketing

Conversational marketing is a new way of doing business that puts the customer first.

It’s a style of marketing that’s focused on creating two-way conversations between companies and their customers…

…with the goal of driving sales, fostering loyalty, and turning potential buyers into paying customers and then into raving fans. 

37. Buzz Marketing

Buzz marketing is a strategy that business people use to create excitement and interest around a product or service.

Essentially, it’s about generating word-of-mouth campaigns through creative and innovative campaigns.

When done correctly, buzz marketing can be an extremely effective way to promote your business, build brand awareness, and boost sales.

38. Contextual Marketing 

Contextual marketing is a form of marketing that takes into account the customer’s current situation.

This means that the content being presented to the customer is relevant to their current needs and interests.

Contextual marketing has been shown to be incredibly effective in driving conversions and sales because it is so relevant to the customer.

39. Diversity Marketing

Diversity marketing is a type of marketing that specifically targets minority groups.

This could include racial minorities, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and more.

The goal of diversity marketing is to reach out to these groups in a way that is inclusive and representative.

It’s about more than just placing a few ads in diverse publications or targeting diverse demographics with your messaging.

40. Stealth Marketing 

Stealth Marketing is a subtler form of marketing that doesn’t rely on blatant advertising. Instead, it incorporates marketing messages into everyday activities.

It’s a way to reach your target audience without them even realizing it! If done correctly, stealth marketing can be a very powerful tool. 

41. Drip Marketing

Drip marketing is a type of marketing that involves sending out targeted content to your audience on a regular basis.

This content can come in the form of emails, blog posts, social media updates, or even physical mailers.

The key is to keep your message consistent and relevant so that your audience stays engaged with your brand. 

42. Integrated Marketing

Integrated marketing is an approach to marketing that takes all aspects of your marketing strategy and integrates them into one cohesive plan.

This means that every element of your marketing—from your website to your social media posts to your print ads—is working together to achieve a common goal. 

43. Loyalty Marketing

Loyalty marketing is a strategy aimed at building long-term relationships with your customers by offering them rewards for their loyalty.

By planning and executing loyalty campaigns such as customer loyalty programs, you can increase repeat purchases, and customer retention, and grow your business. 

44. Multi-level Marketing

Multi-level marketing is a business model in which you recruit other people to market your product or service to their contacts.

Your recruits become “downline” distributors who, in turn, recruit more people to do the same.

This creates a “pyramid” structure with each successive layer of distributors earning commissions on their sales…

…as well as the sales of those they recruited—hence the name, “multi-level” marketing. 

45. Newsletter Marketing

Newsletter marketing refers to using email newsletters as a way of engaging with customers or potential customers in order to:

build relationships,
increase brand loyalty, and
promote products or services.

It also helps keep your customers up-to-date on what’s happening in your industry so they are more likely to remain loyal and engaged with your brand. 

46. Internet Marketing

Internet marketing is a broad term that encompasses all of the strategies and techniques used to market products and services online or on multiple platforms.

It can include everything from paid advertisements, pay-per-click advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), content creation, various social media networks, and more.

47. Database Marketing

Database marketing works by combining customer data from multiple sources—such as emails, surveys, and social media profiles—into one centralized location.

This helps database marketers gain a better understanding of their target audience…

…allowing them to create more effective campaigns that will reach the right people with the right message.

By building up a comprehensive database of customers…

…businesses can also use this information to develop segmented campaigns that are tailored to specific groups of customers.

This can help businesses ensure they are sending out messages that are relevant to each customer group.

48. International Marketing

International marketing is the process of leveraging tactics and tools to promote products or services in different cultures and countries around the world.

This type of marketing requires an understanding of cultural differences, language barriers, economic forces, and legal regulations across multiple countries.

By utilizing these tactics and resources effectively, businesses can increase their customer base while reducing costs associated with traditional advertising methods. 

49. Permission Marketing

Permission marketing is a type of marketing that requires the customer’s consent before being contacted or receiving any kind of promotion or advertisement.

It involves asking customers if they would like to receive emails…

…or other forms of communication from your business so that they can be kept informed about what your company has to offer.

This means that customers don’t feel bombarded with irrelevant offers and are more likely to pay attention when something relevant does come their way. 

50. Out-Of-Home Marketing

Out-of-home (OOH) marketing is any type of advertising that reaches people outside the confines of their homes.

This could include promotional materials such as signage in bus shelters and at train stations, billboards along highways, or even ads on taxis or buses.

OOH marketing can also extend to other forms, such as radio or television ads, as well as streaming platforms like Hulu or Pandora.

The goal behind OOH is simple: to get your message in front of potential customers who may not be exposed to it through other means.

51. Services Marketing

Services marketing is a process that focuses on customer relationships in order to optimize customer satisfaction and loyalty.

It’s based on the idea that customers are more likely to purchase products or services when they feel appreciated and valued by the company they’re dealing with.

Services marketing combines traditional marketing tactics such as advertising and promotions with customer service elements such as:

good communication,
helpful advice, and
an understanding of customer needs. 

52. User-Generated Marketing

User-generated marketing is a type of marketing that uses content created by customers or fans to promote a product or service.

This free tool can be in the form of social media posts, reviews, testimonials, blog posts, or even photos and videos.

One of the benefits of UGM is that it is often more trusted than traditional marketing.

This is because it comes from an unbiased source—someone who is not being paid to say nice things about a product or service.

53. Centre marketing

Centre marketing is an approach to marketing that puts the customer at the center of the conversation.

Instead of relying solely on traditional advertising or promotional tactics, centre marketers focus on connecting with customers through educational content.

This could mean anything from blog posts that provide helpful information about your product or service…

…to videos that explain how your business works or why it’s different from other businesses in your industry.

The goal is to give potential customers all the information they need to make an informed decision about whether or not your product or service is right for them. 

Wrapping Up

In the business world, applying the right marketing mix for your small business can be the difference between success and failure.

However, it’s important to remember that what works for one company may not work for another.

That’s why it’s so important to partner with a digital marketing agency that understands your unique needs and goals.

At our agency, we understand the challenges small business owners face when it comes to online marketing.

We offer a variety of services designed specifically for small businesses, including SEO, paid search, social media marketing, and more.

So what are you waiting for? Contact us and let us show you how we can help your business grow!