Advertising is expensive and whilst it is essential, it becomes increasingly difficult for a business to advertise through the traditional mediums when advertising budgets are being slashed. Companies are looking for more cost-effective ways to promote their brands. There are lots of marketing options and some can prove to be just as effective. This is in part due to the changing times (people absorbing media in different ways) and the improvement of the channels for advertising online etc. This is compounded by the fact that most people now spend time looking for the exclusive discounts available not just the brands they are familiar with.

In a report researched and compiled by the World Advertising Research Center (WARC) on behalf of the Advertising Association (AA), it was found that the total UK adspend fell by 3.9%, but when separated and analysed by medium it revealed that while newspaper expenditure fell the most (12%) and spend on every other medium also fell, internet expenditure was up by 17.3%.

Internet advertising is an attractive media choice and marketing option at the moment because it can be more cost-effective than other forms of advertising. The rise to stardom of sites such as Facebook and Twitter just add another dimension which is yet to be completely and successfully tapped into.

Another cost-effective option is to look at the free marketing options. Loyalty and membership programmes offer a way to market a brand for free and are operated by a third party, meaning minimal human resources for the business involved. All the business has to do to feature in a loyalty and membership programme is offer an exclusive discount to the club members. This also answers the public’s demand for exclusive discounts on the items/ services they purchase. The members use a directory and/or website featuring all the businesses and their exclusive discounts, to look through when they want to shop or plan an experience. The Rocket Marketing Group operates a number of different loyalty and membership programmes including The Big Savings Club, The Entertainment Club, The Home and Garden Club and JML VIP Club. These clubs collectively have a membership base of over 100,000. The captive audience is considerable, so surely this is something that most businesses offering products and services would benefit from?

Contact Us if you would like to discuss how a Rocket Marketing Group, loyalty and membership programme can be a good marketing option for your business.

The current economic climate is forcing businesses to reduce advertising budgets and find new cost-effective ways of marketing their brand, which reflect and respond to the public’s state of mind. Brand loyalty on the high street has gone out of the sale-stickered window as consumers switch products in response to the latest offers. But loyalty and membership programmes such as The Entertainment Club, are a way in which businesses can turn this behaviour to their advantage. Clients offering discounts through The Entertainment Club include: Cineworld, Blockbuster, HMV, Bowlplex, London Pass, Theatre Tokens and Virgin Experience Days.

So the exciting relaunch of The Entertainment Club is a thrilling prospect for businesses looking for a cost-effective way to market their brand. It essentially targets 18 - 30 year olds but has a much wider appeal, by offering exclusive discounts on CDs, DVDs, magazines, food, wine and beer plus activities such as snowboarding and bowling. There are 7 fantastic new offers included such as 10% off quad biking with Quad Nation, 2 hours for the price of 1 at SNO!zone, 10% off clay pigeon shooting with The Big Shoot and every new member of the club will receive 2 free cinema tickets plus discounts at a wide range of restaurants nationwide.

The new website will give members clear and comprehensive information on new, ongoing and seasonal offers as well as articles about the latest film releases and tips on ways to save money and use the member discounts. Membership numbers have predictably increased in recent years, to an ever growing total of 26,000 members. The fun new website will keep these members in touch with the exclusive and exciting world of entertainment.

Andy Huggins, MD of the Rocket Marketing Group comments: “The Entertainment Club has a great new look and a fantastic website that is as informative as it is fun. There are some amazing new discounts for members, on everything from movies and music to fun, food and drink. And because membership numbers are constantly increasing, then so is the opportunity for businesses to promote themselves, during the harsh economic climate.”

Preview memberships are priced at just £1.99 for 21-days and only £29.99 for a full 12 months. Members can enjoy some really great discounts that beat offers on the high street hands down. Here’s just a sample:

25% Off at Odeon Cinemas - watch all the latest movies!

Free Movies for 6 Weeks with Blockbuster - enjoy the latest hit movies from home.

7% Off at PC World - save on big purchases like a brand new computer, printer, scanner, computer games, software and lots more.

£5 Free Voucher at Firebox - have a bit of fun with a great office toy or gift!

Get 4 Free Beers from The Beer Club of Britain! - enjoy some great ales and premium lagers for a lot less.

15% Off London Pass - Visit Windsor Castle, St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Aquarium and lots more great attractions at a big discount.