5 Old School Marketing Tactics That Work for Social Media

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to believe that only the latest marketing strategies can drive results. However, some tried-and-true methods from the pre-digital era remain effective—even on social media. These “old school” marketing tactics have proven themselves time and again, and with a little modernization, they can become powerful tools in your social media strategy.

In this article, we’ll explore five classic marketing tactics that still work wonders for social media marketing. Whether you’re a small business owner or a marketer looking to expand your toolkit, these techniques will help you stand out and engage with your audience in fresh, impactful ways.

Word-of-Mouth Marketing (WOM)

Word-of-mouth marketing is as old as marketing itself. Long before social media existed, people trusted the recommendations of friends, family, and colleagues. The good news is that this tactic remains incredibly relevant on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

• How to Leverage WOM on Social Media:

Encourage User-Generated Content (UGC): Inspire your followers to create content related to your brand. For example, you can host challenges, encourage customers to share their experiences, or highlight user photos and videos on your profile.

Offer Referral Programs: Reward customers who refer friends or family to your business. This can include discounts, exclusive content, or special offers. When people share your brand through word-of-mouth, it carries more weight and builds trust.

Engage with Your Audience: Show appreciation for your loyal customers by interacting with their posts, leaving thoughtful comments, or featuring them on your profile. When your audience feels seen and valued, they’re more likely to spread the word about your brand.

By transforming traditional word-of-mouth into digital buzz, you can create a community of advocates who actively promote your brand on social media.

Storytelling

Storytelling has always been a powerful way to connect with audiences, long before social media platforms existed. People are naturally drawn to stories that evoke emotions, build connections, and resonate with their own experiences.

• Ways to Use Storytelling on Social Media:

Share Behind-the-Scenes Content: Give followers a peek into your business operations, team activities, or product development processes. This transparency builds trust and creates an emotional connection with your brand.

Tell Customer Success Stories: Highlight testimonials or case studies through videos, carousel posts, or short captions that share how your products or services have made a positive impact on your customers’ lives.

Use Video to Tell Your Brand Story: Video is a compelling medium for storytelling on social media. Create short clips that share your brand’s origin, mission, or milestones, helping followers understand your brand on a deeper level.

Storytelling remains timeless because it speaks to human emotions. By weaving compelling narratives into your social media posts, you can captivate your audience and build loyalty.

Promotions and Giveaways

Promotions, contests, and giveaways have been marketing staples for decades, and they are just as effective on social media. Who doesn’t love the thrill of winning or getting something for free? These tactics drive engagement, build excitement, and expand your reach when executed correctly.

• How to Run Successful Promotions and Giveaways:

Set Clear Goals and Rules: Whether you want to increase followers, boost engagement, or drive traffic to your website, set clear objectives and guidelines for your promotion. This helps ensure that the contest aligns with your marketing goals.

Leverage Influencers and Partnerships: Collaborate with influencers or other brands to amplify your giveaway’s reach. This cross-promotion introduces your brand to new audiences and increases credibility.

Encourage Social Sharing: Make sharing part of the giveaway requirements. Ask participants to tag friends, repost your content, or share your posts on their stories for bonus entries. This approach spreads your message beyond your existing followers.

Giveaways and promotions remain effective because they tap into people’s love for rewards and competition. When done right, these tactics can generate buzz, increase your brand’s visibility, and grow your audience.

Direct Mail Reimagined as Email Marketing

Direct mail campaigns were once the go-to method for reaching potential customers. Today, email marketing carries the same principles but reaches your audience digitally and at a fraction of the cost. When integrated with social media, email marketing can be a powerful tool for driving traffic and engagement.

• Tips for Effective Email Marketing on Social Media:

Build an Engaging Email List: Use your social media platforms to encourage followers to subscribe to your newsletter by offering exclusive content, discounts, or free resources. This helps you grow your email list organically.

Promote Social Media Content through Email: Use email campaigns to drive traffic back to your social media pages. For instance, share highlights from your Instagram stories, promote upcoming live events, or tease exclusive content on your social channels.

Retarget Your Audience: With tools like Facebook’s Custom Audiences, you can upload your email list and retarget those users with specific ads. This strategy helps reinforce your message across multiple touchpoints.

By modernizing the classic direct mail approach into a digital strategy, you can create a cohesive marketing plan that engages customers both in their inboxes and on social media.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Brands have partnered with other businesses or influencers for decades to extend their reach and credibility. On social media, this approach continues to be a valuable tactic for connecting with new audiences and building trust through association.

• Strategies for Social Media Collaborations:

Influencer Collaborations: Partner with influencers whose audience aligns with your target market. Influencers can promote your products through sponsored posts, unboxings, or takeovers, giving your brand a boost in credibility and reach.

Cross-Promotions with Other Brands: Work with complementary brands to create co-branded content, giveaways, or events. This approach allows you to tap into each other’s audiences and build mutually beneficial relationships.

Host Collaborative Live Events: Live streaming is a fantastic way to engage audiences in real-time. Hosting joint live sessions with influencers, experts, or other brands on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook helps you reach more people while adding value to your followers.

Partnerships on social media work because they leverage the trust and following that others have already built. By collaborating, you can amplify your brand’s message and reach new customers effectively.

Conclusion

Old school marketing tactics still have their place in today’s digital world, and when adapted for social media, they can produce impressive results. By incorporating methods like word-of-mouth marketing, storytelling, promotions, email marketing, and partnerships, you can engage your audience, build credibility, and expand your reach.

Ready to bring these timeless marketing tactics into your social media strategy? At Socially Savvy Solutions, we specialize in modernizing classic techniques to help brands thrive online. Whether it’s influencer partnerships, email marketing campaigns, or engaging social media promotions, our team is here to elevate your brand’s presence. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can make old school tactics work for your digital marketing goals!