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Surviving and Thriving: 15 Proven Marketing Strategies for Recessionary Times

Writer's picture: Lee'Ann BurgessLee'Ann Burgess

Updated: Apr 16, 2023

Maximize your impact and reach your target audience during tough economic times with these expert tips.


Recessionary times can be a challenging period for businesses, with reduced consumer spending and increased competition. However, with the right marketing strategies in place, you can not only survive but also thrive during a recession. By reaching your target audience and building brand awareness, you can maintain your business growth and stay ahead of the competition. In this post, we will outline 15 proven marketing tactics that will help you succeed during recessionary times.


1. Social Media Platforms: Make the most of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to reach out to your target audience. Also, keep in mind, these are all free to use, so take advantage of them.


2. Offer Special Promotions: Offer special promotions and discounts to attract customers during a recession.


3. Leverage Email Marketing: Utilize email marketing to reach out to your existing customer base and inform them of your latest offerings. It's a great way to keep your customers updated on any new products, services, and promotions.


4. Networking: Attend networking events to meet new people, exchange business cards, and build relationships. Don't limit networking to in-person events only. Leverage LinkedIn to connect with like-minded professionals, provide value, and build relationships.


5. Collaborate with Other Businesses: Collaborate with other businesses to cross-promote each other's products or services. This will help expand your reach by leveraging other businesses' audiences -- and vice verse.


6. Provide Exceptional Customer Service: This needs to be the norm even when we aren't in recessionary times. Focus on providing exceptional customer service to keep existing customers coming back and attract new ones.


7. Content Marketing: Use content marketing to educate your target audience and establish yourself as an authority in your industry. Produce many pieces of content and distribute on channels that matter to your industry to get the word out and build more awareness for your business.


8. Refine Your Website: Make sure your website is optimized for search engines and provides a positive user experience.


9. Participate in Local Events: Participate in local events and sponsor community activities to get your brand in front of a wider audience. Consider giving back to your local community. This shows that your company supports those around them and cares about making a positive impact in the community.


10. Referral Marketing: Encourage your existing customers to refer new business to you through referral programs or incentives. Provide top-notch customer service and value for your clients, and ask for referrals. Customers that have had a positive experience are more likely to promote your company.


11. Partner with Influencers: Partner with influencers in your industry to reach a wider audience and increase brand visibility. Keep in mind, currency doesn't always need to be money. Think about ways you can work with influencers so it's mutually beneficial. Maybe you can provide products that they can keep and promote, or offer a unique discount code that they can share with their followers. Consider micro-influencers in your niche who may be able to work on a smaller budget and can grow with your company over time.


12. Attend Trade Shows: Attend trade shows to meet potential customers and showcase your products or services. This will vary depending on your industry. If you are a service-based company who works directly with homeowners, attending local home shows is a smart way to meet potential customers.


13. Paid Advertising: Consider paid advertising options such as Google AdWords or Facebook Ads to reach a wider audience. Social media ads are typically lower-cost compared to Google Ads, and offer more bang for your buck. Consider hiring a marketing agency or an experienced marketer/freelancer to help set-up, manage, and monitor your ads to ensure you get the best possible ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) and ROI (Return on Investment).


14. Create Valuable Content: Create valuable and shareable content that will help position your business as an industry leader. Recessionary times or not, always provide value. Create content through written word, video, and audio to provide value to your customer. It needs to be about them and how you can help.


15. Offer Free Trials or Demos: Offer free trials or demos of your products or services to attract new customers and build brand trust.


In conclusion, by implementing these 15 marketing strategies, you can effectively reach your target audience, increase brand visibility, and maintain business growth during a recession. Remember, tough times don't last, but tough businesses do. With the right approach and tactics, you can weather the storm and come out even stronger on the other side. Don't be afraid to be creative, take calculated risks, and most importantly, focus on providing exceptional customer service. Good luck!

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Social Vibe Marketing: Strategic Solutions for Purpose-Driven Businesses
Based in New York, Social Vibe Marketing specializes in building brands with integrity and purpose. We design strategies that drive sustainable growth, create genuine connections, and leave a lasting impact in industries ranging from tech to sports.

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