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5 examples of each of the top 5 quick marketing techniques used by startups

Aaron Bennett • August 31, 2024

Learn more about how 5 of the most well-known start ups started with their marketing

1. Social Media Ads

Example: Dollar Shave Club

Dollar Shave Club made a huge splash with its humorous and catchy video ads on social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook. Their first video went viral, generating millions of views and drawing significant attention to their subscription-based razor service. This low-cost, high-impact strategy helped them quickly gain a large customer base.

Why It’s Important? 
Social media ads are crucial for startups because they allow for highly targeted marketing. You can reach specific demographics, interests, and behaviours, which is particularly beneficial for niche markets. They also offer a cost-effective way to reach a large audience quickly.

Impact?
Dollar Shave Club's viral video ad not only generated millions of views but also translated into a significant increase in subscriptions. It showcased how a creative and engaging social media ad campaign could propel a startup into the spotlight, making it a household name. This initial boost helped the company scale rapidly, eventually leading to a $1 billion acquisition by Unilever.

2. Influencer Partnerships


Example: Glossier


Glossier, a beauty and skincare brand, successfully leveraged micro-influencers to promote their products. By collaborating with influencers who had a strong, engaged following, Glossier was able to create authentic, relatable content that resonated with their target audience. This strategy helped them build a loyal community and rapidly increase brand visibility.


Why It’s Important?

Influencer partnerships leverage the trust and rapport that influencers have with their followers. For startups, collaborating with influencers provides an authentic way to reach a dedicated audience without the high costs associated with traditional advertising. It also helps in building brand credibility and awareness.


Impact?

Glossier’s strategy of working with micro-influencers allowed them to tap into smaller, highly engaged communities. This approach generated word-of-mouth marketing that felt genuine and personal, which was crucial for a brand that positions itself as user-centric. The result was rapid brand recognition and loyalty, contributing to Glossier’s status as a billion-dollar company.

3. Content Marketing


Example: Buffer


Buffer, a social media scheduling tool, used content marketing to build authority and trust in the industry. They created a blog filled with valuable, actionable insights on social media management and digital marketing. By consistently providing high-quality content, Buffer attracted a large audience, converting readers into customers and growing their brand organically.


Why It’s Important

Content marketing is a powerful tool for building brand authority and trust. By providing valuable, informative content, startups can educate their audience, position themselves as industry experts, and drive organic traffic. This approach also helps in nurturing leads and converting them into customers over time.


Impact?

Buffer’s commitment to content marketing allowed them to build a large and loyal audience who turned to them for social media advice. Their blog became a key resource in the industry, driving significant web traffic and customer acquisition. This strategy played a major role in Buffer’s growth, helping them to scale to a profitable business with over a million users.

4. Email Campaigns


Example: Airbnb


Airbnb used personalised email campaigns to engage their users and drive bookings. By sending tailored recommendations and personalized offers based on users' past searches and bookings, Airbnb was able to increase engagement and conversion rates. Their emails often included user-generated content, making them more relatable and effective.


Why It’s Important

Email campaigns are essential for maintaining ongoing communication with customers. They allow startups to nurture relationships, provide personalized content, and encourage repeat engagement. When done right, email marketing can be a highly effective tool for driving conversions and customer loyalty.


Impact?

Airbnb’s personalised email campaigns were instrumental in keeping users engaged and prompting them to book more frequently. By sending tailored recommendations based on user behaviour, Airbnb was able to make their emails relevant and engaging, leading to higher open rates and conversion rates. This approach significantly contributed to Airbnb’s customer retention and growth.

5. SEO Optimisation


Example: Moz


Moz, a company that provides SEO tools, used SEO optimisation to become a go-to resource for digital marketers. By consistently publishing in-depth, keyword-optimised content about SEO best practices and industry insights, Moz improved its search engine rankings, driving a significant amount of organic traffic to their website. Their high-ranking content helped establish them as thought leaders in the SEO industry.

These examples demonstrate how startups can effectively use quick marketing techniques to achieve substantial growth and visibility, even with limited resources.


Why It’s Important?

SEO optimisation is critical for increasing a startup’s visibility in search engine results, driving organic traffic, and reducing the reliance on paid advertising. Effective SEO practices ensure that a company’s website ranks highly for relevant search terms, making it easier for potential customers to find them.


Impact?

Moz’s focus on SEO not only brought them significant organic traffic but also established them as thought leaders in the industry. By consistently ranking highly for relevant keywords, Moz attracted a steady stream of potential customers looking for SEO tools and advice. This strategy helped them build a strong brand presence and customer base, solidifying their position in the market.

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