I love online marketing. I really do. It’s cheap and effective. But marketing offline is just as important. Going to conferences, telling your friends, posting ads in local newspapers can really help your business out. I reached out to people that have rocked the offline marketing world. Here are some tips from them:
“1. Have a call to action
To drive web traffic, simply listing a web address isn’t enough: people want an invitation, a reason, or even better, a compelling offer to lure them to your site. Unless your strategy revolves around consistent frequency and long-term branding, you’ll need to have a call-to-action to see the traffic needle move.
2. Think beyond the page
Traditional print advertising in newspapers or magazines can be effective, but to conserve costs, consider promotional materials that can linger a little longer. A great example are branded tzotchkes that prospective customers might use near their desk or computer. Or, to piggy-back off of the great distribution of a newspaper or magazine, consider inserts, which might linger longer on coffee tables, or be used as bookmarks to increase reader ad recall.”
Katherine of www.criterionglobal.com
“We started offering free car seat ID cards bagged with our flyer and a coupon to offline parent events. They do not cost us a lot to produce. And it gets our products in front of many families.”
Kay of www.MyPreciousKid.com
“I meet weekly with networking groups (BNI- Business Networking International, Chambers and Meetup.com groups) to drive them to my website to purchase different promotional products. I also market with a two prong approach. One side is verbally speaking with potential clients, followed up by an email about our discussion and linking them to our online store.”
Eric of www.dedtees.com
“We have been able to improve online sales by getting involved in local charities and events. We donate product for charity gift bags, auctions, etc. and include product and ordering information. We also have samples at these events for people to try the products as well.”
Jennifer of www.hemloq.com
“Do not underestimate the value of your business card to contribute to your online sales. An easy and inexpensive idea is to create a business card that simply has a one line description of your company and your URL. If a person is interested in the product or service you offer he or she is “forced” to view your website for further information. I have used this tactic to promote a client whose business card simply states “We Can Help You Stop Bedwetting” then the URL www.TryforDry.com.”
Reno of www.renoweb.net