Get seen with a visual marketing campaign

Launching a new product or service takes time, commitment, and dedication. It also requires a strategy and willingness to adapt. However, thanks to the rise of the internet, social media, and mobile technologies, getting your message across in a clear, concise, and appealing way is both possible and easy.

Unfortunately, many petroleum marketers are still adhering to “old school” practices, i.e., taking out text ads in print publications, cold calling, and investing in direct mail campaigns. While you might see some return on your efforts, in today’s visual-centric world, colorful, engaging images and video are an absolute must.

Don’t worry, you don’t need a background in video production or graphic design to succeed. All you need is some time to study, an internet connection, and access to Google.

Start a Youtube channel. Did you know according to Youtube, mobile video consumption increases 100% every single year? Let that sink in for a moment. If your business doesn’t already have a Youtube channel, start one today! Signing up is completely free and allows you to directly communicate with your target audience. Get creative with your content. Even if you aren’t selling a product you can:

• Give your clients a peek behind the scenes
• Create employee profiles or “a day in the life” videos
• Talk about best safety practices
• Discuss challenges you’re facing

Enable comments on your videos and you can strengthen your community ties as well.

Get social. A 2019 survey by Emarsys found that there are 3.2 billion social media users worldwide. As you can imagine, some of those users are your potential clients and customers. If your business doesn’t have a presence on social media, you’re missing out on millions of eyeballs.

You don’t need to sign up for every platform. Select one or two, say Twitter and LinkedIn, and then research how to boost engagement. Social media marketing is a long-term strategy; it takes months to build trust with your fans, but if you stick to it and post interesting content regularly, you’re sure to build a following.

Live stream. Platforms like Periscope, Youtube Live, and Facebook Live allow you to broadcast video from anywhere. This cutting-edge technology is a great way to engage customers and fans throughout the day. For example, if you’re out at a refinery, you could stream a quick behind-the-scenes video and explain what your day is like. If you own a c-store or gas station, you could promote your new snacks or remind customers to keep their PSI at a certain level.

You can also use a live stream to answer questions or offer special deals. Try different things and see what your fans enjoy. Not everything sticks, but if you’re creative and continue to challenge yourself, results will come.

These are just a handful of ideas to get you thinking. We have nothing against print advertising, but it’s important to include visual elements and strategies in your campaigns as well. Good luck and happy marketing!