Often I’m asked what I think the best form of advertising is. The answer is different for every product or business. In fact it’s kind of like a recipe, the right combination can make gold, the wrong can make dog food.

For example with Scout, the most effective ways have been:

1. Referrals, that’s right, way above anything, else nothing is stronger than a client sharing a positive experience with others.

2. A strong web presence and social media consciousness has definitely helped in recognitions and being able to keep an open dialogue with people interested in what we’re up to.

3. Sponsorship, I’ve written about this before, but strategic planning in the causes you support can give great awareness.

4. Print ads are good for general awareness. I have always kept them to publications that I’ve produced. It’s good support for them as well, plus seeing my name in the credits reinforces the design work we’ve done.

5. Stationery – having an extraordinary card, letterhead and envelope that people remember and talk about.

6. Cross-promotion, big believer here, aligning with like minded businesses and pairing up to make huge impressions.

7. Radio, I mention it here because I’ve never done it, I think it’s right for some businesses and essential to others still. I once considered entering a contest where I had the chance to win $1000 of radio advertising and the first thing that came into my head was that I could launch my country music career with my time on air.

8. Networking, and this was the whole point of the blog because I could go on and on about guerrilla tactics, self promos, mass mailings, etc.

This month the County is organizing a networking event for businesses in Prince Edward County’s rural creative economy. Essentially the businesses they are trying to attract are small independent businesses that have found creative ways to exist in a world full of big brand, manufacturing, mass market global blah blah blah. Theses creative economy  businesses that are invited are the majority of the businesses of Prince Edward County, myself included. Networking is awesome because it allows for businesses to promote in a one on one atmosphere. This particular event is great because it is all about sharing what great things we are doing in the County.