Which Non-Traditional Sales Channels Have Been Unexpectedly Successful?
AccountExecutive.co
Which Non-Traditional Sales Channels Have Been Unexpectedly Successful?
In the quest for innovative sales strategies, we've gathered insights from CEOs, Founders, and other sales experts to uncover non-traditional channels that have driven their success. From leveraging LinkedIn for lead generation to forming partnerships with fitness studios, explore the nine unique methods these professionals have capitalized on to enhance their sales approach.
- Leverage LinkedIn for Lead Generation
- Explore Underrated Ad Platforms
- Host Industry Webinars for Sales
- Engage Christian Community Influencers
- Partner with Local Coffee Shops
- Utilize TikTok for Holistic Marketing
- Texting: Direct Outreach to Busy Owners
- Revive Deals with Closed-Lost Campaigns
- Form Partnerships with Fitness Studios
Leverage LinkedIn for Lead Generation
One non-traditional sales channel that has surprisingly worked well for us is LinkedIn. Initially viewed as just a networking platform, it became a powerful tool for generating leads and building relationships with decision-makers.
By consistently sharing thought-leadership content, client success stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our creative process, we've built credibility and trust with potential clients.
We also capitalized on direct LinkedIn outreach, targeting specific industries that benefit from explainer videos, which led to valuable conversations and partnerships that traditional channels didn't offer as easily.
Explore Underrated Ad Platforms
Smaller, less-used platforms for running ads, like Pinterest, Microsoft Ads, and Reddit Ads, often have a lower cost per click since fewer people are advertising on them. While they might not generate as much traffic, the cheaper cost per click can lead to a nice profit. These platforms surprisingly work well for me because most people overlook them. I can easily dominate the top of search results without having to place high bids.
Host Industry Webinars for Sales
One non-traditional sales channel that has surprisingly worked well for us is hosting industry webinars and virtual workshops. Initially, we started these sessions as a way to share knowledge and showcase our expertise, but they quickly evolved into a powerful sales tool. By offering valuable insights and practical advice through these webinars, we attracted a highly engaged audience interested in our services.
We capitalized on this channel by integrating subtle calls-to-action within the presentations and offering exclusive follow-up consultations to attendees. This approach not only positioned us as thought leaders but also directly generated qualified leads and built stronger relationships with potential clients. The key to success was delivering high-value content that resonated with our target audience, thereby transforming educational sessions into effective sales opportunities.
Engage Christian Community Influencers
One non-traditional sales channel that has surprisingly worked well for my Christian Companion App is social media influencer partnerships. Initially, I focused on conventional marketing methods like ads and search engine optimization, but I realized that personal recommendations could drive engagement in a more authentic way.
I began reaching out to micro-influencers in the Christian community, individuals who had a dedicated and engaged following. Rather than simply asking them to promote the app, I invited them to explore its features and share their genuine experiences. This approach allowed me to build trust, as their audiences were more likely to connect with real stories rather than standard advertising.
To capitalize on this channel, I provided influencers with exclusive access to premium features of the app, encouraging them to use it in their daily lives. They shared their insights on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, often creating content that showcased how the app enhanced their Bible study and spiritual growth. I also encouraged them to host giveaways, which further expanded our reach and engagement.
This strategy led to a noticeable uptick in downloads and subscriptions, with some influencers driving hundreds of new users to the app. By nurturing these relationships and continuously engaging with influencers, I've been able to create a community around the app, where users feel connected not just to the product but also to each other through shared faith experiences.
Overall, leveraging influencer partnerships has not only boosted sales but also fostered a sense of community and trust around the app, proving that sometimes the most effective sales channels are those built on personal connections and authentic experiences.
Partner with Local Coffee Shops
One non-traditional sales channel that worked surprisingly well for us was partnering with local coffee shops. As a florist, we wanted to find creative ways to reach new customers. We set up small, beautifully arranged bouquets in local cafés, along with business cards. Not only did it brighten up their space, but it also led to several new customers who wouldn’t have found us otherwise.
We capitalized on this by rotating the arrangements weekly and including QR codes that led directly to our website. Café patrons loved the unique touch, and we gained regular orders from people who saw our work in person. It was a win-win for both businesses and an unexpected way to boost our sales.
Utilize TikTok for Holistic Marketing
One non-traditional sales channel that has surprisingly worked well is TikTok. At first, it seemed like just a platform for dance challenges and viral trends, but I quickly realized its potential for reaching a broader audience. By creating short, engaging videos demonstrating the calming effects of Reiki and sharing client testimonials, we've been able to connect with people who might never have considered this holistic approach. For example, a 30-second clip showing a serene Reiki session set to calming music garnered thousands of views and led to a significant uptick in bookings.
Texting: Direct Outreach to Busy Owners
A non-traditional sales channel that helped me connect with small-business owners was *drum roll*... texting!
Small-business owners and self-employed people are busy wearing multiple hats day to day. It may be hard to get them on the line for a "quick call".
Meeting them where they are with a short, straight-to-the-point text provides them with my value proposition. But more importantly, it gives them the power to reply at their leisure.
An email can easily be lost, but a text is right there. No spam, please!
Revive Deals with Closed-Lost Campaigns
I've accomplished significant success by bringing formerly lost deals back to life through what I call 'closed-lost campaigns'.
With a background that includes operations, CX, revenue management, and fundraising, I've learned that when a prospect says 'no,' it can mean 'not now, maybe later,' or 'not based on what I know/think/feel making the decision today,' or even 'this fits our future business needs, but we prefer something else for now.'
Buyers today are more informed than ever, yet buyers make decisions based on how they feel and validate them based on statistics and logical reasoning.
Generally speaking, the prospective customers' needs remain the same, as is their familiarity with the solution we provide; however, their experience with a competitor and/or key drivers for the decision-making process may have changed.
Other times, something on my end has changed, like a new feature release that provides their desired functionality that was not previously available, or perhaps a pricing incentive that aligns with their budgetary goals.
Response rates are usually quite high because there's an established relationship, even if it's to share that there's no interest. For those that do wish to revisit, it's always been smoother sailing the second time around.
I highly recommend keeping diligent notes and documentation during the sales process for this reason. You never know when you might need them!
Form Partnerships with Fitness Studios
One non-traditional sales channel that surprisingly worked well for us early on was partnering with local fitness studios and wellness centers. We discovered that these local partnerships offered a unique and effective way to reach our target audience. We started by approaching a few yoga studios in our area, offering free samples of our product for their members to try. The response was very positive and gave us our first big sales boost. While it required more hands-on effort than traditional retail channels, the word-of-mouth marketing we gained was invaluable for our brand's early growth.
