16+ Types of Marketing Explained: From Billboards to Blogs

Think about the last time a brand grabbed your attention.

Maybe it was a clever Instagram Reel.
Maybe a billboard on your commute.
Or maybe a friend said, “You have to try this.”

That moment? That’s marketing at work.

Great marketing doesn’t just push products. It builds trust, sparks interest, and turns first-time buyers into loyal fans. And here’s the best part: you don’t need a massive budget or a global team to make it work. Small businesses and startups can use the same strategies — just scaled to fit.

Let’s break down the major types of marketing and how they can work for you.

Marketing Basics (Especially for Small Teams)

At its core, marketing is the process of:

• Understanding your audience

• Communicating your value

• Delivering messages that move people to act

It spans everything from research to customer retention.

Most businesses today rely on tools like a CRM (customer relationship management) platform to manage campaigns, track engagement, personalize outreach, and align marketing with the entire customer journey.

Now, let’s explore the big picture.

The Two Big Marketing Families

Every marketing tactic falls into one of two major categories:

1. Traditional Marketing (Offline)

These are the classic, real-world methods:

• Billboards

• TV commercials

• Radio ads

• Flyers and direct mail

• Print ads

They’re still powerful — especially for local visibility and brand recognition.

2. Digital Marketing (Online)

This is marketing that happens on screens:

• Social media

• Search engines

• Email

• Websites

• Video platforms

Digital marketing allows for targeting, tracking, automation, and personalization at scale.

Most successful campaigns today combine both families.

Two Core Marketing Approaches: B2B vs B2C

Your audience determines your strategy.

B2B Marketing (Business-to-Business)

You’re selling to other companies.

Focus: logic, efficiency, ROI, problem-solving
Audience: decision-makers, leadership teams, procurement departments
Sales cycle: longer and more relationship-driven

Common B2B tactics:

• Case studies and white papers

• Webinars

• Email nurture campaigns

• LinkedIn advertising

• CRM automation

Small businesses succeed in B2B by positioning themselves as experts. For example:

• An accounting firm offering industry-specific compliance guides

• An IT consultant providing risk assessments for law firms

Trust and authority win in B2B.

B2C Marketing (Business-to-Consumer)

You’re selling directly to individuals.

Focus: emotion, speed, relatability
Audience: everyday consumers
Sales cycle: faster and impulse-driven

Popular B2C tactics:

• Social media marketing

• Influencer campaigns

• Seasonal promotions

• Story-driven video content

• Personalized email or SMS

B2C marketing connects to everyday moments — how your product fits into someone’s life.

Key Differences: B2B vs B2C

Both aim to drive revenue — but how they get there looks very different.

16+ Essential Marketing Types to Know

Let’s dive into the most practical marketing strategies for growing businesses.

1. Social Media Marketing (SMM)

Using platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X to build awareness and engage audiences.

Best for:

• Brand personality

• Community building

• Social commerce

2. Search Engine Marketing (SEM)

Appearing when people actively search for solutions.

Includes:

• SEO (organic rankings)

• Paid search ads

Local SEO is especially critical for small businesses.

3. Email Marketing

Still one of the highest ROI channels.

Used for:

• Promotions

• Welcome sequences

• Abandoned cart reminders

• Customer retention

You own your email list — no algorithm required.

4. Content Marketing

Creating helpful resources:

• Blog posts

• Guides

• Videos

• Podcasts

• Tutorials

This builds authority and fuels both SEO and social media.

5. Inbound Marketing

Instead of interrupting customers with ads, you attract them by solving problems.

This includes:

• Educational content

• Lead magnets

• SEO-driven blogs

Perfect for trust-building.

6. Word-of-Mouth (Referral Marketing)

The most powerful and cost-effective form of marketing.

Encourage it with:

• Referral programs

• Excellent service

• Customer testimonials

Nothing beats trusted recommendations.

7. Partner Marketing

Collaborating with non-competing brands to share audiences.

Examples:

• Co-hosted events

• Cross-promotions

• Joint webinars

This expands reach without increasing budget.

8. Multichannel Personalized Marketing

Combining channels with a human touch:

• Handwritten notes

• Personalized offers

• In-store experiences

Small businesses often outperform large brands here.

9. Pay-Per-Click (PPC)

You bid on keywords and pay only when someone clicks.

Great for:

• Fast visibility

• Targeted traffic

• Launch campaigns

10. Affiliate Marketing

Partners promote your products and earn commission per sale.

Low risk, performance-based model.

11. Influencer Marketing

Collaborating with creators to amplify your message.

Works well in:

• Fashion

• Beauty

• Fitness

• Lifestyle brands

Trust transfer is the secret here.

12. Video Marketing

From YouTube to short-form vertical videos.

Video builds emotional connection quickly.

13. Event Marketing

Trade shows, pop-ups, webinars, community gatherings.

Creates direct engagement and memorable experiences.

14. Direct Mail Marketing

Personalized postcards or catalogs — especially effective locally.

Surprisingly impactful in a digital-heavy world.

15. Guerrilla Marketing

Creative, unconventional tactics that grab attention in unexpected ways.

Think: street art, viral stunts, flash mobs.

16. Account-Based Marketing (ABM)

Hyper-targeted B2B strategy focused on specific high-value accounts.

Personalized outreach at scale.

17. AI-Powered Marketing

Using AI tools to:

• Personalize campaigns

• Predict customer behavior

• Automate content

• Optimize ads

AI is becoming a core growth lever for small teams.

How to Choose the Right Marketing Mix

You don’t need to do all of these.

Instead, ask:

• Who is my audience?

• Where do they spend time?

• What problem am I solving?

• What can I execute consistently?

Start small. Test. Measure. Refine.

A CRM system can help track what works — from social engagement to email conversions — so you can double down on results.

Final Thoughts

Marketing isn’t just about selling. It’s about storytelling, relationships, and long-term growth.

From a highway billboard to a helpful blog post, every interaction shapes how people see your brand.

The key isn’t doing everything.
It’s choosing the right combination for your audience and executing it well.

Because at the end of the day, marketing isn’t about noise.

It’s about connection.