So, you’re running an online business or an e-commerce shop, and there’s no need to advertise your business offline?
Wrong!
You should be jumping at every opportunity to promote your products and services and drive offline traffic using both innovative and conventional methods.
Here are a couple of ideas on how to do that.
Local Newspaper Ads
It’s true that many people, particularly younger audiences, use digital sources when it comes to consuming news and learning about new products, but according to a recent media consumer survey conducted by Deloitte,55% of respondentsstill use newspapers, magazines, TV, and radio as their main sources of information.
Bearingthis in mind, you should target your audience with ads in local newspapers.
Moreover, many colleges and high schoolshave their newspapers which means that even if your product and services are aimed at younger people, you can reach them throughthis old-school medium.
Both ofthese options offer you low-cost advertising.
Join Your Local Chamber of Commerce
This is a no-brainer as your local Chamber of Commerce will help you increase brand awareness and make your business come off as more legit in the eyes of your prospects.
For example, if a company is a member of the Chamber, 43% of consumersare more likely to purchase from it.
Besides boosting the reputation of your business, this membership will also positively impact your local SERP rankings, as every chamber has a website. In other words, you’ll be listed on their website and this will put you on your prospects’ map.
Attend Trade Shows
Trade shows and other industry events present you with a great opportunity to build and expand your network, showcase your products and services, and attract new customers.
You will meet a lot of interesting people and possibly strike up some business relationships.
The trick is to prepare yourself thoroughly and promote your business in the best possible light by investing in custom branded bannerswhich will make your booth or display table stand out.
Apart from being in attendance, you should also consider becoming a speaker at such events. This way, your business will gain additional exposure, and you’ll establish yourself as an authority in your niche.
Use Branded Merch
Pens, tote bags, baseball caps, t-shirts, and other ordinary items with the logo of your company on easily turn into powerful advertising tools that keep on giving and building awareness.
Instead of slipping potential customers or business partners your business card, you should give them something that they can actually use. You can be sure that they’ll wear the t-shirtor put their data on the flash drive you gave them.
Unlike a business card, these objects have another purpose other than simply promoting your business.
Finally, whenever people use that flash drive, they’ll see your logo and company name which means that you’ve managed to integrate your brand into their daily routine. This is the brand repetition with a twistsince people have learned how to successfully ignore advertising, but branded merch also provides value which makes it hard to be oblivious to.
Help Your Audience
Freebies don’t always have to be tangible.
You can offer to help your prospects and help them learn something new or solve their problems.
Just like you write blog posts and create how-to guides and videos for your online marketing, you can also do the same in real life.
You can host free seminars or make guest appearances at local radio shows and talk about some of the most common pain points of your audience, and answer their questions.
Educational workshops are another way of getting in touch with your audience and offer them something of value.
Cross Promotions With Complementary Businesses
By joining forces with a company which offers complementary products or services, especially if it’s a brick-and-mortar business, you can find a great offline channel to promote your offer in a context.
Another good idea is to partner with a local business with a strong offline presence but no online experience and reach. This partnership can be beneficial for both sides as you can be featured in their offline promotional efforts and vice versa.
Leverage Guerilla Marketing Tactics
These unconventional methods can draw your audience’s attention without spending a fortune.
Graffiti allows you to spread the word about your business by using dull city walls as a canvas. They’re highly visible and it’s hard not to take notice. Just make sure to obtain all the necessary permits.
Leaving sticky notes at random places such as coffee shops, libraries, or bus stops is a great way ofcapturing people’s attention in a subtle and yet memorable way.
Or you can sneakily leave branded pens at banks or other places where people might need them,
As you can see, these methods are pretty simple and straightforward, and by neglecting offline marketing, you’re leaving too much money on the table.
Guest Post: About the Author
Michael Deane is one of the editors of Qeedle, a small business magazine. When not blogging (or working), he can usually be spotted on the track, doing his laps, or with his nose deep in the latest John Grisham.