Quite often as online business owners, we get stuck in the sea of only online marketing tactics. We miss a lot by doing so because there’s a huge advantage to implementing several offline marketing tactics as well. I’m not saying that you should ignore online marketing however, combining the two has the potential to increase not only your traffic but, your profits as well.
5 Offline Marketing Strategies
- Workshops – Take out a sheet of paper and grab a pen. Now write down a plan of how you can host your own workshop right there in your community. For example, what about teaching a class via your niche at the local library. Do it free but make sure you have plenty of business cards, brochures and flyers at the registration table. Have your attendees to place their card in a jar for a drawing. Let them know that their names and email addresses will be added to your list and that they will hear from you occasionally. Make sure you have a strong call to action at the end of the workshop, perhaps coaching, consulting on a specific “how to,” and discount it for attendees only.
- Charity events – What new charity event is going on right now? Grab the newspaper, free periodicals, call news and radio stations to see how you can get involved. Donate your time and expertise to the event. Try to match up with a charity that compliments what you do. Have a couple of t-shirts, magnets or coffee mugs made up with your logo or mission statement and give them to people you have great conversations with — then followup! Tell them how much you enjoyed the conversation and how you would like to help them with a challenge. Don’t forget to pass out your business cards too!
- Local Networking Groups – Go with the intention of listening only! You’ll be surprised to find out exactly what people want, need and can afford at offline networking events. Before attending, contact the host of the networking group and offer a compelling/attractive giveaway. Grab as many cards as you can and let them know you’ll add them to your database to keep them informed with what you’re doing. When you introduce yourself, make sure they remember your name… repeat theirs to them and before walking away, say whatever his/her name is: “John Doe, right? It’s been a pleasure speaking with you and I look forward to even more chats!”
- Nearby Convenient Stores – you know, the ones in your neighborhood that get a lot of traffic! Ask them if they would be willing to allow you to set up a box to take credit cards because you’re going to draw a name for one person to receive a credit voucher from their store! (Be willing to invest 10, 15+ in the voucher). The owner will like you for that because not only does it get people to participate, they’ll come back to the store more often. Depending on the response, schedule to do it every quarter. The voucher is a business tax deduction so, invest in your business! Obtaining just one client from the drawing can lead to even more referrals!
- Direct mail – Believe it or not, it still works when you have a strategic plan in place. It’s very similar to an online sales page, for example, online sales pages require attention-grabbing headlines right? Not to mention, compelling calls to action. Think about sending a coupon, postcard or flyer.
This is just five simple marketing techniques to begin with, think about it – get creative and think of additional offline marketing opportunities available. Research your community and your audience. What are the best methods for reaching out to them? Can you add value and get their attention? Create a strategy, integrate it into your online marketing strategy for effective business growth.
Nothing ever beats a failure but a try!
Do you have an offline marketing strategy in place? Get with an offline marketing consultant to help you strategize now or grab my Factual List Building Guide: A Step by Step Guide on How to Build Your Opt Email List Organically Without Empty Promises and More Importantly, Without the Hype!
keeping it real
{ 2 trackbacks }