Today, marketing is mostly focused on online efforts. So much that people tend to forget how powerful and engaging offline marketing can be even now. Yes, most of the people today spend a great amount of time in front of their PCs or on their mobile phones, but it doesn't mean that it's the only way that you can get to them. Offline marketing techniques are a great way to attract attention, and draw traffic to your website. This is why your online and offline marketing efforts need to be intertwined. In this article, we are going to discuss some offline tactics that will surely improve your reputation.
Business cards
Business cards are still very much a tangible and effective way of marketing. Therefore, you and everyone who works for your company need to carry one along with them. Of course, next to the usual contact information, there needs to be a link to your website. So, every time you or your employees come in contact with someone who can benefit your business (a prospective customer or a potential employee), you can give out your business card, and they will carry it around and remember you.
Print ads
While they cost more than Google ads, print advertisements, placed in magazines, newspapers, and other publications, still have a strong effect, particularly if you are aiming at the people who still subscribe to such publications and enjoy to have something as tangible in their hands to flip through. In order for you to find the publications that are just right for your print ads, you need to think about the characteristics of the readership, frequency and volume of distribution, and the price. Furthermore, your ad needs to be professionally designed.
Guerrilla marketing
Guerrilla marketing is a term that covers all the uncongenial marketing techniques. It is certainly one of the most creative and engaging forms of offline marketing. Basically, forget all that you know about common marketing channels, and get the creative juices flowing. You can go big and organize a street festival or stunt that will draw attention to your brand. Or, you can go smaller, and leave sticky notes in various places, such as coffee shops and bars, give away branded bookmarks to a local library, or use chalk to create temporary ads on the sidewalk.
Sponsoring an event
Generally, most businesses can associate their products or services with a particular event. Let's say that you are running a cycling shop. Your perfect opportunity to market your business would be to sponsor a local bicycle race. This way you can put up signs that everyone will be able to see, and your employees can be there to show off your products and engage with people attending the race. Basically, look for the kinds of events in your area where you can find your target audience in a large number. It's the perfect way to generate leads offline.
Displays
You can make great use of display items such as display boards in a variety of situations. They will do a great job in your office and lobby, so that people who come to you are bound to notice them and develop a stronger opinion about your business. You can use them at events such as speaking arrangements or trade shows, so that they attract the attention of the attendees. By prominently presenting your website address, people will be interested in visiting your business online and learning more about what you have to offer.
Branding promotional items
Another great offline marketing tactic is promotional giveaways. They boost the exposure of your business by constantly reminding your customers of your product or business. The main advantage is their tangibility, which is a trait that makes offline tactics stand out from their online counterparts. Therefore, every promotional item that you give to your current and prospective customers needs to have your company's main information, your logo, and a link to your website. A branded pen is a common item used for promotion. It is often used and spread around, so people easily get to learn about your business.
In today's digital world, it is important that you don't overlook the power of offline marketing tactics. The best marketing strategy makes use of both worlds. There is still a great number of people who prefer more tangible forms of marketing, which is why offline tactics are a great way to attract attention, and eventually bring people to your website.