For the past 20 months, small businesses have had to sink or swim, and unfortunately some businesses just had too much weight around their ankles.  Many businesses that survived ended up doubling down on their marketing with great amounts of success. 

As we prepare to depart 2021 and head blindly in to 2022, here are three tips and trends to consider as you develop your 2022 marketing strategy.

PRINT IS NOT DEAD — QUITE THE CONTRARY

We get it, placing an ad in a local newspaper isn’t nearly as sexy as placing ads on social media with demographic, geographic and behavioral targeting overlaid, but did you know that the trust in local media, especially newspapers has increased due to their coverage of COVID-19?  It’s true, and it’s something you really need to consider. 

I’m not bashing social — social marketing and management has its role in a marketing blueprint, but if you put all your eggs in Zuckerberg’s basket, you’re missing out. Newspaper readers have expendable incomes, highly educated, and are trusting of businesses that align their brands with trusted media. 

Additionally, the cost per 1,000 people reached with a typical advertisement is a typically a fraction of what you’ll spend in other marketing channels.  And bonus points that your local newspaper reaches local consumers — so there’s your geographical targeting right there!