If communication strategies can be created based on personality type, why can’t there be marketing strategies based on the same thing? This idea dawned on me as I was making excuses for adding video to my website. No matter how great video is as a strategy, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it consistently.
Do you have the same problem? Maybe you feel the same way about blogging or Twitter. Everyone keeps talking about what great marketing strategies they are, but you just don’t “get it.” And if you do get it, you never seem to make the time for it. Additionally, when you think about how much time you need to invest in your online marketing and social media strategies, it just doesn’t make any sense to force yourself to do something you don’t like, or that makes you feel uncomfortable or inauthentic.
So why not create a marketing strategy that suits your style? Here are things to consider.
What’s your communication style?
Communication styles are not the same as personality styles. Communication styles are really defined by your visible behaviors and preferences. Neither one is better or worse than the other, they are just how you prefer to function or process information.
Lean toward the introvert if:
- You prefer working alone.
- You think more clearly when you have time to process information.
- You like to see all the information before you make a decision.
- You will not jump into a new situation until you feel like you know everything or enough about it.
- You don’t like tooting your own horn.
You might be an extrovert if:
- You get energized by being around other people.
- You learn new things by engaging and talking to people—the more the better.
- You love multi-tasking.
- You prefer taking action quickly without over-thinking things.
- You love the limelight—somehow you’re always the center of attention.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could create a balanced marketing strategy that allowed you to attract and engage with customers in a way that allows you to engage them as well as educate them in a way that’s effortless and easy?
Strategies by style
- If you're an introvert: Engage. If you’re the “quiet type,” then your ideal marketing strategy is to engage your customers with blogging, content creation and e-mail marketing. These strategies give you the time you need to formulate your thoughts and engage your audience on your own terms. You can also use your writing skills to get in front of customers by placing Google and Facebook ads. And if you’re the analytical type that gets a charge out of putting a process in place and tracking your results, consider using a search engine marketing strategy to target keywords and create articles and content that uses those keywords to attract your ideal customers. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn might have been made for you because they allow you to interact and build engagement without being surrounded by people who sap your energy.
- If you're an extrovert: Inspire. If you’re the kind of person who gets a charge out of being with other people and sharing your boundless energy, then consider using video to capture your personality. Another great strategy for extroverts is public speaking, webinars and giving teleseminars. Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook give you the opportunity to engage with your customers and then enroll them in your brand. Extroverts can also consider building joint ventures with complementary brands. This combination of brands and personalities is the ideal way for you to brainstorm business growth ideas. Foursquare is still and up and coming social media tool and it’s ideal for those businesses who want to generate enthusiasm and fun around their business. Foursquare is a great tool to build fun incentives and rewards for your customers.
Who said that online marketing strategies had to be painful and hard? When you choose an online marketing strategy that suits your style, you’ll find yourself having more fun and getting real results—under your terms.
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