A potential list of traction channels for your startup business. Some or a combination of these can be used at different stages. The list is not my original, but a compilation from various sources. Let me know if I’m missing anything or anything novel that you’ve tried and has worked for you.
- Viral Marketing – Getting existing users to refer others to product
- Public Relations (PR) – Coverage in Newspapers, Magazines
- Unconventional PR – Publicity Stunts, Contests, Giveaways, Great customer support
- SEM – Place paid ads on Google, Bing and their Display Networks (ads on non Google sites), retargeting
- Social and Display Ads – Ads on LinkedIn, Twitter, FB, Foursquare, Youtube, Reddit etc
- Offline Ads – Ads in TV, Radio, Magazines, billboards, yellow pages, direct mail, buses etc
- SEO – Improve ranking in Search Engines using a specific content strategy
- Content Marketing – Publish Blog Articles, White Papers
- Email Marketing – Acquire emails via marketing; engage, retain, referrals
- Engineering as Marketing – Make useful tools such as calculators, widgets to get company in front of potential customers
- Targeting Blogs – Target blogs that are widely read by your target customers
- Business Development – Exchanging value through partnerships
- Sales – Generate leads, qualify, convert
- Affiliate Programs – Create own network or use existing network like Commission Junction, ClickBank etc
- Existing Platforms – Apple Store/Play Store Optimization, Chrome Extensions
- Trade Shows – Attend and present at Trade Shows
- Offline Events – Sponsor Meetups, Conference Events, Treasure Hunts
- Speaking Engagements
- Community Building – Building Connections amongst users of product
- Analysts – Establish relationships with Research Analysts from Forrester/ABI/Gartmer/TechNavio etc
- Participate in RFPs – Big companies/goverments issues Requests for Proposal that you can submit proposals to. Don’t be intimidated by size / revenue requirements
