Right, it seems many of you guys are also setting up new offline businesses aswell as online versions. So in response to some of your emails I’m creating a simple and straight forward list of promotion basics that you can (and should) be working on.
Lets get to it..
Business cards. Yes, you need them. There’s a reason why they are so popular. Don’t forget to put your website address on it.
Use your cards. You wouldn’t believe how many businesses forget to hand out their card to EVERYONE they meet. It doesn’t matter who you’re dealing with, give them your card. Place your cards in supermarkets, hairdressers, on notice boards etc - people do read these and it’s free promotion for your business.
Join groups & network. A good place to start is the Chamber of Commerce or Rotary Club.
Find your unique selling point (USP) and publicize it through press releases to real world papers, yes I mean offline like your local newspapers, local radio stations, TV stattions. Don’t forget to include your picture with the press release when sending to visual media formats.
Share your expertise. Write articles and ‘how to’ guides for magazines and websites, some will take advantage of the free content and publish it. Make sure you include your name, business name, mention your product or service, phone number and website address at the end of your articles.
Use your new found credibility. Once your name is in print, photocopy the magazine article and send it along with a sales letter or promotional material (including business card) to potential vendors. In today’s world a personalized snail-mail letter has more impact than an email.
Speak. Offer to be a speaker about your area of expertise, libraries and volunteer organizations are often looking for people to share their knowledge. You can eventually speak at seminars, giving away free information in exchange for promotion.
Offer discounts. Schools, colleges and nonprofit organizations love a bargin. Get in touch with these and offer them a special rate.
Give away freebies. Sending out free samples of your product to as many people as possible can lead to some interesting results. No obligation consultations also work very well.
Mail shots. Ask all your customers if they would like to be included on your mailing list, this could be an email list or a real mail shot, or both.
Host a contest. Make the prize something good that people want and related to your business.
OK there’s just a few quick ideas for you, but remember the best way to promote and offline business is via word of mouth, so tell people what you’re doing and how it can benefit them.
Good luck.
[...] some interesting stuff on my site that I should really be sharing with you guys too Taken from Offline promotion - Back to basics Business cards. Yes, you need them. There?s a reason why they are so popular. Don?t forget to put [...]