Most small business owners I know try to grow their business online to reach a global audience and to utilize technology to get their message out and help more people in different ways. For me, doing business online, means more flexibility in the way I can do business. It also means more flexibility in terms of how I spend my time.
There is value in promoting your online based offline as well. You can generate new leads and business from local offline sources and build your credibility. Implement some of the tactics below, give it some time and watch your business grow.
Offline Marketing Tactics
- Business Cards Get some business cards printed whether locally at your favorite printing solutions store or online via vistaprint.com for free. On one side, print your information like your name, website address, tag line, phone number. On the other side, print the headline for your opt-in/squeeze page or the page on your website with a lead generating report. For example, “Free Report: The 10 things you need to know about starting a profitable online business” Download your copy now @ www.yourwebsite.com Get in the habit of giving out your business cards at the bank, grocery store, doctor’s office, networking events, live seminars and more.
- Friends and Family Network Tell your friends and family about your new business venture. Give them your business cards too and ask them to help you spread the word.
- Promotional I think this is a fun way to promote your online business. Print pens, pencils, t-shirts, key chains or any related giveaways to your website niche. Give them away and watch viral advertising go to work. These can be relatively inexpensive to do, especially if done in volume. You can also check Vista Print for deals on these promotional gift items.
- Design and print a 1 or 2 page brochure Give some to family and friends, distribute at networking events. Send them with proposals, invoices or other correspondence.
- Write articles for Newspapers Submit quality articles to your local newspaper with a brief bio about you or your services and a link to your website. The key is to write objective, non-salesy content in the article that is useful to the reader. Get in touch with the editor for your section and send a proposal with a few sample articles, follow-up and ask for a meeting and take it from there.
- Join your local Chamber of Commerce Once you join, be sure to get involved by attending their events. Give out your brochures and any promotional gift items you have, like pens, pencils or key chains. Submit your business name, website and contact information to their database and any publications they publish or sponsor.
- Advertise your online business in offline print media Invest in classified or small display ads in local newspapers and niche magazines depending on your budget. Offer a freebie for visiting your website.
- Secure speaking engagements This is a great way to promote your business offline. It also has the dual effect of positioning you as a leader and an expert in your field. First, go back online, to your blog that is and include in your about me and services page that you are available for speaking engagements. List a few topics that you can speak about as it relates to your industry or niche. Then keep your eyes and ears open for annual business events like seminars. Get in touch with the organizer and ask how you can send a proposal for to speak at their next event. Offer to speak for free at first and build up your portfolio before charging for it. This gets you exposure in the seminar program and you may be allowed to share your website during your presentation. Even if you are not allowed to include it in the presentation, people usually ask during your Q and A segment.
- TestimonialsSecure written testimonials from happy clients and customers and add this to your print brochure, press releases and other print marketing materials where possible.
- Press ReleasesSend press releases to local newspapers and magazines. Try to include an angle, an interesting story about how you started your business, something newsworthy. The idea is not to let your press release read like an advertisement.
Have you utlized offline marketing to promote your online business? I would love to hear your success stories. Share them by leaving a comment below.
Pay it forward & share:
Speak Your Mind