The Basics of Marketing at Hutchison High: A Crash Course by Tyler Williams

Hey there, I'm Tyler Williams, owner of Mammoth Marketing for Plumbers, and today, we're diving into the essentials of marketing. I had the chance to speak to juniors and seniors at Hutchison High, breaking down everything from the foundations of marketing to how creativity plays a role in business success. Whether you're a student, aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about the marketing world, this guide will give you a solid starting point. Let's get into it!

What Is Marketing and Why Should You Care?

Marketing is everywhere. It’s in the ads you see on social media, the billboards you pass on the road, and even in the way businesses communicate with customers. But what is it really? Marketing is all about getting people to notice, trust, and buy from a business. The better the marketing, the more successful the business becomes. And trust me—good marketing is what separates a thriving business from one that’s struggling to get by.

My Journey into Marketing (And How I Ended Up Here)

I didn’t start out wanting to be a marketer. I wanted to make movies. But in 2004, fresh out of high school, I found myself working at a local advertising agency. I quickly realized that marketing was storytelling—just in a different format. Fast forward to today, I run Mammoth Marketing for Plumbers, helping plumbing businesses grow with creative and effective marketing strategies.

The Basics of Marketing: What You Need to Know

1. Understanding Your Target Audience

One of the first steps in marketing is figuring out who you’re talking to. A business can’t sell to everyone—it has to know its ideal customers. If you were selling a product like eyeball-shaped ice cube makers (a fun example from our class), you’d need to determine who wants them—bars, restaurants, or homeowners looking for cool party tricks?

2. The Power of Branding: Standing Out in a Crowded Market

Branding is about making your business memorable. Take Prospector Plumbing, my brother’s former business. We created a strong brand with bold van wraps and funny ads, making them the go-to plumbing company in town. If your business looks and sounds like everyone else, no one will remember you.

3. The Role of Digital Marketing

Marketing isn’t just TV and radio anymore. The real action happens online. From social media ads to Google search, digital marketing is the future. Businesses need to be where their customers are, and let’s face it—everyone is online. If you're not showing up in Google searches or social media feeds, you’re invisible.

4. Creativity in Advertising: Why Being Boring Costs More Money

People scroll past thousands of ads every day. The only way to get noticed? Be creative. Take my billboard campaign for Dude Wash, a power washing company. Instead of saying, "We clean houses," we put up billboards that said, "Your house called. It wants a bath." The results? Increased calls and brand awareness.

5. The Importance of Consistency

Marketing isn’t a one-and-done deal. You can’t post one ad and expect your business to take off. Successful marketing is about repetition. If people see your brand over and over, they’ll remember you when they need your services.

6. Data and Analytics: The Secret Weapon in Marketing

Marketing isn’t just about creative ideas—it’s about numbers too. Every marketing campaign should be tracked to see what’s working. If you’re spending $1,000 on ads but not getting any customers, something needs to change. Analyzing data helps businesses spend their marketing budget wisely.

7. Influencer Marketing: Leveraging Other People’s Audiences

Influencer marketing is when businesses pay people with large followings to promote their products. This can be a game-changer, especially for local businesses. When Prospector Plumbing was growing, we considered paying a local radio DJ with a big social following to talk about the company. Why? Because people trust recommendations from someone they already follow.

Lessons from the Field: Real Marketing in Action

At Mammoth Marketing, we’ve worked with over 200 businesses, and each one has taught us something new. Whether it’s running Facebook ads for a plumbing company or helping a local retailer create engaging social content, the fundamentals remain the same:

• Know your audience.

• Be creative.

• Track your results.

• Stay consistent.

The Future of Marketing: AI, Trends, and What’s Next

AI is changing marketing faster than ever. From AI-generated videos to automated customer service chatbots, businesses that embrace AI will have a competitive edge. But no matter how much technology evolves, one thing remains true: marketing is about connection. People buy from businesses they trust and relate to.

Want to Level Up Your Marketing? Let's Talk!

If you're a business owner wondering what you need to do to grow, my team and I would love to help. You can schedule a consultation at TylerWilliams.net and we’ll take a look at what’s working, what’s not, and what you need to focus on to scale your business.

Thanks for reading, and remember—good marketing isn’t just about selling, it’s about making people want to buy from you!