Do you ever sit back and wonder, with all the social networking, email blasts, and online endeavors (article marketing, online banners, SEO, and more), does grassroots marketing still exist? And more than that, is grassroots marketing still an effective way to advertise your business?

The answer to both is yes.

Types of grassroots marketing

There are several types of grassroots marketing efforts still in existence today. Some of them don’t have anything to do with, or have very little to do with, the Internet. Special events, partnerships, and permission marketing (getting permission from your target audience members to keep marketing to them) are three basic marketing techniques that still work–even in today’s hi-tech world.

What do all three of these marketing techniques have in common?

It’s all about getting people involved and getting community support. It’s all about creating a message and getting it in front of your market, and eliciting feedback from them at the same time.

Does grassroots marketing work on its own?

Probably not, but no sole marketing technique works alone. Marketing is really about blending a mixture of techniques that work together to promote your business as much as possible. It’s also important to remember that what works for one business may be a complete bomb for another company.

While I know it’s not PC, take a look at a marketing campaign analysis for the tobacco industry. While you may not agree with the product, you can still learn a lot from the marketing techniques used to create a successful campaign–all grassroots style.

Kristie Lorette is a contributing writer for Beneath the Brand, and a freelance copywriter that specializes in the financial services, mortgage, real estate, event planning,green living, wedding, and non-profit industries. Kristie holds a BS in marketing, BS in multinational business and an MBA. You can learn more about Kristie and her expertise by visiting her website www.studiokwriting.com.