Guest Writer
Even though the world is becoming more and more digital, you cannot afford to neglect traditional marketing methods. If you want your business to succeed, it would be best to create a marketing strategy that will allow you to incorporate both on-line and off-line approaches so that you can reach the widest audience possible. Regardless of whether you are running a purely online business, have a brick-and-mortar store, or have combined these two, you can surely make the most of these incredible off-line tactics.
Invest in billboard space
Renting billboard space is a tried-and-tested method that you should not overlook even if your business is only online. While it is not always cheap, it is a great way to boost your brand awareness. By placing a billboard in a busy area, you can easily draw attention to yourself if you come up with an eye-catching design and slogan. People waiting in traffic or passing by the billboard might be intrigued and look you up once they get home – just make sure you include your physical and website address.
Work with the press
Another way to raise awareness about your company is to work with the local press. Instead of writing a blog post for someone’s website, you can write an article for a publication. If it turns out to be successful, you can even become a regular contributor. Depending on your niche, you can even use this outlet to answer readers’ questions and build your authority in the field.
Make the most of the local media
Even if you can’t find a newspaper or magazine to write for, you can surely find one to advertise your business in. Print media is not dead and if you create an interesting ad, you can attract customers. Moreover, producing ads for TV and radio can also help spread the word about your company. Focus on local stations first and you might even get an invitation to talk about your products and services live on air.
Attend trade shows
If you are a B2B company, you should also look into trade shows. This is a place where the people in your field and those that are closely related to it gather to talk business and network. By properly preparing and getting Display Me flags, banners, and other exhibition accessories with your logo, you will invite potential clients and partners to your booth where you can explain how your business might be just what they need. It would also be good to stock up on business cards that contain all the important info about your company such as your name, address, phone number, and website. That way, people you talk to won’t easily forget you.
Hand out printed materials
In addition to business cards, you should invest in other printed materials as well. If you decide to attend trade shows, having brochures to give to people you don’t have time to talk to directly is a great way to familiarize them with your company. On the other hand, the traditional handing out of flyers is still alive and kicking but you should consider your distribution method. It might be for the best to leave them around in public areas instead of approaching people directly as that is often seen as too aggressive.
Give out branded merchandise
It’s no secret that people love free stuff. Make the most of this opportunity and consider giving out promotional materials with your logo on them. For example, if you have a brick-and-mortar store, you can hand out free and branded tote bags to every customer that spends a certain amount of money. On the other hand, you can do something similar with an online store. It can be a bag or something else that you can put your logo on. Everything from pens and key chains to caps and hoodies is an option. Think outside the box!
Spruce up your storefront
Finally, if your business has a physical location, you should think about sprucing up your curb appeal. If your storefront is in decent condition, there is no need to revamp it. All that you might need is a bit of cleaning up and a fresh coat of paint. However, if people cannot find your business in the sea of others that surround it, you need to work on your signage. Make the signs big, bold, and colorful so that they grab the attention of passers-by.
Sponsor local events
If you are a new business, it can be hard to attract the locals. To interest them, you can organize an event where you will give out free samples, demonstrate your skills, or even hold educational talks and workshops. Something else to consider is sponsoring local events. Depending on what you do, you can invest money or volunteer in a community event. Businesses that are involved with their communities are often cared for by the people and have many returning customers.
While it might seem like digital marketing is all you need nowadays, it is simply not true. Implement these offline methods into your marketing strategy as well if you want to reach as many people as possible.
- Nina Simons
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Nina is a digital nomad, yoga aficionado and a travel enthusiast with a distinctive taste for home decor. She's passionate about learning new things and sharing meaningful ideas.
- https://twitter.com/NinArtSimons
