Sometimes the word “clever” gets a bad rap, as in: “Don’t you think you’re clever?” But, in fact, when it comes to marketing a product or service, clever is a very good thing indeed…
Think over commercials and marketing campaigns that you remember and have thought were original and clever. You can likely remember ad campaigns that are ten, or even twenty years old. I can still remember those Dunkin Donuts commercials where the tag line was “Time to make the donuts.“ Finding a clever way to promote your home business can not only help you stand above the competition now, but can also help you build a lasting reputation and stand above the crowd for years to come.
There is a difference between “cute” and “clever”–clever has a smartness and a bit of an edge to it. It takes some skill and luck to tap into a cultural edge or something that will make an advertising or marketing campaign stand out as clever. So, what can you do if you don’t have a fat budget to spend on advertising, but you still want to come up with a clever way to promote your business?
Try getting some friends and colleagues together and having a brainstorming session. Sometimes, it just takes a fresh approach and a little silliness to come up with something clever. Do a bit of research and see what is already out there–what is working, what’s been done, which advertising and promotional campaigns people are responding too. All of these might jog your creativity and help you to come up with something clever. Keep in mind that all of those clever marketing approaches came from an ordinary person’s mind–or from a group brainstorming session. It can be amazing how clever you can be when you loosen up and give yourself permission to get creative.
Also: Understanding Integrated Marketing