3 More Marketing Tips from Game of Thrones

While we use the phrase “making a killing” more figuratively than the Game of Thrones characters do, the business world truly can be a battle ground. Last time we shared some marketing tips from the Seven Kingdoms and you asked for more, so read on:

Create a Marketing Plan

Game of Thrones:  While Robb Stark is busily fighting his war, he pauses for a few minutes to tell his new crush, Talisa Maegyr, that he intends to kill Joffrey. The chat with Talisa reveals that Robb has no clue what will happen or what he’ll do after Joffrey’s dead and the kingdom is up for grabs.

Game of Marketing:  Too many of us create a Facebook page, launch a sale or run an advertisement without thinking much beyond that effort.  What are your expectations?  What is your follow-up? How do you know it worked or not? Creating a marketing plan helps you focus your message, support it with cross promotion and measure its success so you can continuously improve.

Deliver the Right Message to the Right Audience

Game of Thrones:  Holed up in the northern stronghold of Winterfell and besieged by a superior army, Theon Greyjoy prepares for his final battle by giving an exceptionally rousing speech to his rag-tag band of warriors. Instead of rising to the challenge, the men simply club him and go back home to Pyke.

Game of Marketing:  Your flashiest banner ads and your finest email campaigns could be your biggest flops without good research. Study your target market to learn the language, the vehicle and the timing that will give you the best chance of having your message heard and acted upon.

Use Multiple Forms of Messaging

Game of Thrones:  The citizens of Westeros don’t have cell phones or even landlines, but they still have many ways of communicating. Sending notes by raven is the most common way for kingdoms and cities to share news. Daenerys often starts negotiations via messenger.  And both Bran and Jojen seem to be receiving visionary messages.

Game of Marketing:  Relying on just one messaging form means you could be ignoring a large portion of your potential audience. Make use of many forms, from email and social media to press releases and print advertising, for the greatest reach. Marketing research shows people need multiple “touches” before they act on your message, so different versions are a plus.

When business is slow, marketing helps prime the sales funnel, but don’t neglect your marketing when you’re busy either. Keep that funnel full because you know that winter is coming!