There are many great avenues to explore when you begin to plan your marketing campaign. Marketing is a must for any business and retail businesses, especially, rely on many different types of marketing in order for them to succeed. Choose several different marketing strategies for a campaign that helps to grow your customer base and sell more products.

Internet Marketing

It is impossible to ignore the vast power of Internet marketing. It can be a very inexpensive option or a very expensive option, determining on which method you choose. Either way, though, it works:

Website - Your company website should have everything that your customers need to make a purchase. All of the information about your product should be available to anyone looking at your website.

Social networking site - This is a free marketing tool. All you have to do is set up an account with Facebook, Twitter, Myspace or any other social networking site in order to have a presence in the blogging community.

Email newsletters - Offer an informational e-letter available to anyone who signs up. Send out weekly or monthly newsletters to keep you on your customers' minds.

Direct Marketing

A large part of creating a brand for your company is printed advertising. Everything from business cards to postcard printing make a statement about your business:

Direct Mail - With postcard printing, you can send out regular timely alerts to let your customers know about events and promotions. Although postcard printing is the least expensive form of direct mail, letters and brochures are also a great way to market your product.

Catalogs - List your items with or without photographs. Include the pricing and a way to order your product.

Posters and flyers - Single page advertisements are great for announcing new products or a sales event.

Word of Mouth Marketing

Once you have created a good reputation, customers will happily pass along a good word to their friends and family:

Customer Referral Programs - Give your customers an incentive for bringing in new business with discounts or free gifts for every new customer they bring you.

Business Referral Programs - Swap advertising with other businesses that have a similar audience to yours. Run cooperative promotions and give out information about your partnering company.

Networking - Become known in your business community by joining the Chamber of Commerce and other similar groups. Attend events and meetings and hand out your business cards.

Public Relations Marketing

You can place yourself in the eye of the public in a number of ways. Many times, this type of marketing is free:

Press Releases - Get featured in the local newspaper by calling a press conference to announce events, changes, contest winners and rewarded employees. You can also write press releases yourself to send in to local papers.

Sponsor Charity Events - Connect yourself with a charity you believe in. Not only is sponsorship inexpensive advertising, it also places your name in a good light.

Buy TV and Radio Ads - These ads reach a broad range of potential customers in a short amount of time. Although ads can be expensive, they can make your name a well-known brand very quickly.