There is a common misconception that experiential marketing is just for big brands, but that isn’t true. In fact, small businesses can have an even bigger impact from experiential marketing than large businesses might, but we typically only see it from large brands. Although we typically only see large brands hosting events or brand activations, smaller brands now, more than ever, have the potential to create meaningful experiences through experiential marketing opportunities. Consumer behavior has changed, meaning marketing needs to change, and that’s where experiential marketing comes in. We’re going to explore just how small brands can benefit from experiential marketing services and how they can do it on a budget. 

What is Experiential Marketing? 

Experiential marketing is a marketing strategy that focuses on in-person events, rather than digital experiences. It allows consumers to interact with the brand and product in a more personal way through events such as pop-ups, brand activations, product sampling, and community experiences. It’s a great way to step out of the digital marketing world and get to know your customers more personally. It’s also a great way to ensure you leave a memorable impact on those who come across your brand, whereas digital marketing can be hit-or-miss in terms of impact. Experiential marketing drives greater loyalty and stronger brand recognition, making it a great choice for any brand looking to build a loyal customer base. 

The Benefits of Experiential Marketing 

There are various benefits to experiential marketing that make it a great choice for large and small brands alike. When we look at the benefits, it’s important to understand the impact of experiential marketing and how it differs from that of digital marketing. 

Increased Brand Awareness

When it comes to brand awareness, experiential marketing strategies are the best option because of their impact, which increases brand awareness. This marketing strategy allows you to connect with your customers and leave a stronger impression than they would from traditional digital marketing. 

In-Person Experiences 

Being able to see your customers face-to-face and speak with them, interact with them, and get to know them is a huge advantage in marketing. You’re seeing your target audience face-to-face rather than reading demographics in a report. It’s an effective way to build trust and build a loyal customer base. 

Stand Out Among Others 

Experiential marketing isn’t a strategy that everyone is doing, meaning you will stand out among competitors. This marketing strategy leaves an impact on customers, but you’ll also get the added effect of doing a unique strategy compared to what others in your industry might be doing. 

Customer Loyalty 

Along the same lines as getting to know your customers face-to-face, this more personal style of marketing helps you build customer loyalty. Consumers make purchases based on emotion and connection, not necessarily because of the product. Building a loyal customer base is about connecting with them, relating to them, and making an emotional impact, which is the core of experiential marketing. 

Experiential Marketing for Small Businesses

Experiential marketing is a great option for small businesses, as it’s an effective way to stand out in the market and build a loyal customer base from the start. There is a belief that experiential marketing is for large businesses that have the revenue to invest, but this isn’t necessarily true. In fact, small businesses can gain the most impact from experiential marketing, and it doesn’t have to be as expensive as many make it seem.

Is Experiential Marketing Expensive? 

Ultimately, the expense is controlled by the type of event you’re hosting and what it entails. Many experiential marketing events can be executed on a strict budget while still being impactful for attendees. Larger experiential marketing events are meant for mass exposure, which increases costs. However, for small businesses, something more intimate will be much more effective and cost-saving. Smaller brands don’t need intense exposure just yet, so focusing on the event’s strategy, impact, and intent will be much more effective. 

Why Experiential Marketing is a Budget-Friendly Choice 

As a small business, especially if you’re working under a strict budget, it’s crucial to make your experiential marketing event as impactful and useful as possible. There are a few different ways that you can make your event give you “more.” For example, getting digital content from the event is a great way to have more marketing content down the road. The content from your event can be used for social media posts, website visuals, testimonials, UGC, and email marketing visuals. 

Experiential marketing is also a great choice in comparison to paid advertising, which isn’t always fruitful. Experiential marketing builds trust much more easily than paid ads do, and it can be cheaper at times. Digital paid ads can be ignored, skipped, or scrolled by, but experiential marketing pulls people in and stands out among other marketing strategies. Not only that, but experiential marketing is a great way to drive word of mouth and get people talking about your brand. 

Save money when planning your event by focusing on the experience and the story behind it, rather than on expensive decorations and complex plans. Keep your event impactful and clear to encourage engagement. Small decorations or the addition of technology to enhance the experience can be a great way to make your event unique. Avoid complex lighting, custom decor, and unnecessary signage, as they may increase costs. 

Choose Experiential Marketing for Your Small Business

Explore experiential marketing strategies for your small business and experience what this type of marketing can do for your business. If you are a small business that is interested in learning more about experiential marketing and what it might look like for you, contact us at Factory360. We have experience with a variety of marketing strategies, including experiential, and our team of experts can guide you in creating an event that is impactful, clear, and within budget. Let’s chat and discover what an experiential marketing strategy can look like for you.