Marketing a business can be tough. There are countless ways to reach out to potential consumers and try to convince them to buy your products or try out your services.
The internet, for all its greatness, just opened up another wormhole with so many options it may seem overwhelming. Plus, the marketing field is constantly evolving. What may have been the most ideal strategy 10 years ago may be defunct now. What works now may not even be on the radar in 10 years time.
Through the constant changing and evolution, many companies often turn away from offline marketing strategies to focus on their online endeavours. Even though it may seem like the right option, this is a mistake that shouldn’t be repeated.
Offline marketing still has a number of merits and benefits that can’t be underestimated. Below, we’re going to run through some ways of effectively marketing your business offline.
Referral Programs
We all know it’s more expensive to acquire a new customer than retain an old one, so why not do both? With a referral program, you can encourage current customers to bring in people they know to the business.
It can be something simple, like inviting three friends to use your service rewards you with a $50 gift card. Those who are being brought in receive a small discount for joining. It’s a great way to reward customer loyalty and capitalize on the most powerful marketing tactic out there: word-of-mouth.
Signage
Even though “brand” means so much more than a logo and slogan, people will often associate your brand with the logo. When you think of McDonald’s, it’s hard not to immediately imagine those golden arches.
Your signage and logo is an important part of your business that allows you to offer a consistent image to consumers. Displaying signage effectively is a way to build your brand and reach plenty of people.
Being Active in the Community
If you’re a small business, you’re no doubt aware of community events happening around town. This is your time to participate in the local fair, sponsor a youth sports team, or donate to a charity event.
People like seeing local businesses step in for local events and it’s a great way to put your face to the business. Consumers are going to shop around in places they know with people they trust.
Conferences and Tradeshows
Business conferences and other tradeshows can be a goldmine for networking and growing your business. It’s your chance to hand out business cards and connect with others in the industry. Of course you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared with enough literature and promotional items before you decide to head out.
Nothing quite beats a handshake, eye contact, and solid business pitch to grow your network and business opportunities.
The Local Newspaper
Even though people may not be reading the newspaper in print form as much, people are still checking out their local newspaper through other devices. Local news agencies are always looking for new stories, and your business could be a great new story.
It’s a win-win for both parties involved. You are able to get your name in the paper while the newspaper is able to publish a new and different story.
Direct Mail and Fliers
You might be surprised to know that despite its decline, people still enjoy receiving snail mail. And while business advertisements may be classified as junk mail by some, studies have shown that they tend to be more effective than email marketing campaigns.
Why? One can delete in email in half a second without looking at its content, but most people take the time to sort through their mail. It can be a great return on your investment!
Business Cards
It’s hard to imagine we’ve come all this way without mentioning business cards. Business cards are a staple to any successful business person. A little contact card can go a long way in the business world.
It’s an easy way to connect or follow up with people. In addition, many small businesses let other small businesses post their business cards. It can function as a miniature billboard that doesn’t cost nearly as much.
Free Lunches or Dinners
Host a free lunch or dinner at a local hotspot. You can hold a seminar or workshop to show people your services or products.
This is also a great strategy for customer retention, as you can give back to those customers who are loyal to you. Those customers may bring a friend along, which can mean more business for you.
