Offline Marketing Your Business Works Too!
We’ve all become so enthralled with marketing online that it’s easy to forget that offline marketing works too. In some cases, it may even be better! Many people who own small businesses, especially home businesses, don’t realise that you can still market your business offline and not just online. There are many ways to market your business offline that are very effective. The key to offline marketing is getting out from behind your desk and screen!
Try Unconventional Marketing Techniques
There are lots of neat ways you can get attention. These range from display boards on the pavement outside your premises, sticky notes left in random places, accidentally leaving branded premiums around, and even donating merchandise to others with your name on it. All of these ways will help get the name of your business noticed.
Remember your Business Card
Many people forget about business cards today, but they are super important because they offer you an easy way to give your information to anyone you meet. You could be at the supermarket, doctor, or other event and meet someone who wants to know more about your business. The business card is the perfect way to do that. Don’t forget to have both sides printed – make the most of the space by including a call to action. I’m just having mine re-done to reflect my new branding and plan to put the link to my new ebook on the back.
Take Pictures and Videos
This method crosses from offline to online, but it’s something that you should definitely do. Take pictures of events, of a random moment in the day and more, to share online. These same images can be used in other venues too, for brochures and more.
Donate Prizes for Contests
Many charity organisations have events where they need prizes for contests. Find out where they are and when they are, and make your business a go-to business for these types of events.
Speak at Local Events
A really awesome way to get the word out about your business offline is to get on some speakers’ lists. You can always find a way to speak about something motivational and relate it back to your business in some way.
I recently presented on Integrated Marketing and why you need a marketing plan at a local event.
Use Direct Mail
Once you get a customer list, you can use direct mail to send marketing information to them. It’s so unusual these days for an online company to do it that it will get some extra attention from your customer. Use a coloured envelope to really make your mailing stand out.
Cold Calling/Telemarketing
Another method that works for various types of businesses is cold calling. You purchase a list of potential leads and then simply get on the phone and start calling them. This requires a lot of patience and the ability to call as many people as possible. Your alternative is to use a telemarketing service, such as my friend’s business Your Telemarketing.
Volunteer
The more you can volunteer in your local area, the more people will get to know you as someone they can count on. If you sell something that people need, whether a service or a product, those who get to know your name will seek you out based on your volunteering activity.
Commercials
You can purchase local commercials rather inexpensively if you go to your local channels. You will be surprised at how inexpensive and effective a commercial spot can be, either on TV or the radio.
These traditional means of marketing your business offline are very effective. They are important ways to take your business to the next level. You can get a name for yourself locally as well as internationally – no matter what type of business you have.
