11 Types of Marketing Strategy (With Real Examples)

When it comes to growing a business, marketing isn't a one-size-fits-all game. There are dozens of ways to connect with your audience, build trust, and drive sales — but choosing the right marketing strategy can make all the difference between “meh” and “wow.”

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refresh your approach, understanding the different types of marketing strategies can help you make smarter decisions. In this blog, we’ll break down 11 popular marketing strategies — with clear explanations and real-world examples to spark some inspiration.

Let’s dive in!

1. Content Marketing

What it is: Creating and sharing valuable content (blogs, videos, infographics, etc.) to attract, educate, and engage your target audience.

Why it works: Instead of pitching your products directly, you're building trust and authority — which leads to long-term customer relationships.

Example: HubSpot has built an entire brand around content. Their blog covers everything from email marketing to CRM tips, bringing in massive organic traffic and positioning them as thought leaders.

2. Social Media Marketing

What it is: Using platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or TikTok to connect with your audience, build brand awareness, and drive engagement.

Why it works: It’s where your customers hang out. You can build community, share your brand personality, and even run ads with pinpoint targeting.

Example: Glossier, the beauty brand, grew rapidly thanks to its community-first social media strategy.

They repost user-generated content, respond to comments, and make followers feel seen and heard.

3. Email Marketing

What it is: Sending emails to nurture leads, keep customers in the loop, and promote products or services.

Why it works: Email is personal, cost-effective, and highly measurable. Plus, people check their inboxes every day.

Example: Airbnb sends beautifully designed emails with personalized recommendations, travel inspiration, and updates that keep users engaged even when they’re not actively booking.

4. Influencer Marketing

What it is: Partnering with influencers (people with large, engaged followings) to promote your brand or products.

Why it works: People trust people. Influencers bring authenticity and help brands tap into niche audiences.

Example: Daniel Wellington, the watch brand, became a global sensation by giving influencers free watches in exchange for Instagram posts using the #DW hashtag. It exploded their visibility and sales.

5. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

What it is: Optimizing your website and content so it ranks higher on Google and other search engines.

Why it works: Organic search is one of the most powerful long-term sources of traffic. If you rank well, customers will find you.

Example: Backlinko is an SEO blog run by Brian Dean. Through high-quality, keyword-optimized content, he ranks on the first page for insanely competitive search terms.

6. Paid Advertising (PPC)

What it is: Paying for ads that appear in search engines (like Google Ads), social platforms, or other websites.

Why it works: You get immediate visibility and traffic. It's especially useful for new products or time-sensitive campaigns.

Example: Nike runs Google Ads targeting searches like “running shoes” and “men’s athletic wear,” directing users to high-converting landing pages and increasing sales instantly.

7. Affiliate Marketing

What it is: Allowing other people (affiliates) to promote your products in exchange for a commission on every sale they generate.

Why it works: It’s performance-based — you only pay when someone gets you a result.

Example: Amazon Associates is one of the biggest affiliate programs out there. Bloggers and YouTubers earn a cut every time someone buys something through their affiliate link.

8. Referral Marketing

What it is: Encouraging your existing customers to refer friends and family, often in exchange for rewards or discounts.

Why it works: Word of mouth is powerful. People trust recommendations from people they know.

Example: Dropbox grew rapidly with a simple referral program: refer a friend, and both of you get extra storage. It turned users into marketers.

9. Event Marketing

What it is: Hosting or participating in events (virtual or in-person) to promote your brand, network, and generate leads.

Why it works: Events create buzz, give you direct access to your audience, and build deeper relationships.

Example: Salesforce hosts Dreamforce, one of the biggest tech conferences globally. It blends product showcases with industry insights, community building, and entertainment.

10. Guerrilla Marketing

What it is: Using unconventional, low-cost tactics to surprise people and create memorable brand experiences.

Why it works: It grabs attention and often goes viral — great for brand awareness on a budget.

Example: Coca-Cola’s “Happiness Machine” placed a vending machine in a college campus that dispensed free Coke and surprises like pizzas and flowers. Videos of it went viral, making people smile (and think of Coke).

11. Brand Marketing

What it is: Focused on shaping how people perceive your brand — its personality, mission, and emotional connection with your audience.

Why it works: People don’t just buy products — they buy into brands they believe in.

Example: Apple’s "Think Different" campaign wasn’t about specs or pricing. It was about creativity, rebellion, and innovation — values that Apple still stands for today.

So… Which Strategy Should You Use?

Most successful businesses use a mix of strategies — combining long-term plays like SEO with short-term wins like PPC or social media campaigns.

Final Thoughts

Marketing isn’t about throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks (although we’ve all been there). It’s about choosing the right strategy — or combination of strategies — that align with your goals and genuinely connect with your audience.

Whether you’re writing a killer blog post, launching a TikTok ad, or building a referral army, the key is to stay consistent, listen to your customers, and always be ready to adapt.

So now that you’ve got the rundown on these 11 types of marketing strategies — which one are you going to try first?

Got a favorite marketing example or a strategy that’s worked wonders for your brand? Share it in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!