Offline marketing strategies are important, too.
If you’re like me, you think the Internet is the greatest thing since sliced bread. With its invention came the creation of Internet marketing techniques like:
- Using social media to build relationships with customers around the world
- Creating and maintaining a blog for SEO
- Sending regular newsletters via email to stay in touch with consumers in a much more cost effective way
But as wonderful as Internet marketing techniques can be, it’s also important to remember to include effective offline marketing strategies in your marketing plan. After all, talking to someone face-to-face is going to leave a stronger impression than a brief email. Here are three offline marketing tips to integrate into your business’ marketing plan.
Offline Marketing Tip 1: Take Advantage of Where You Already Are
Are you involved in your kids’ school or soccer team? Or maybe in a class at the local gym? When appropriate, talk about your business or offer an exclusive deal (this can even be integrated with your Internet marketing techniques). For example, if you own a local restaurant, you can host a fundraiser night where you donate a certain percentage of everything bought that night to the school or team. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Offline Marketing Tip 2: Join a Networking Group
Is there a local Chamber of Commerce or networking group you can join? Get involved! In addition to providing a place to meet new people and support each others’ businesses, colleagues you meet in groups like these can even become friends over time, and can give you new ideas for both offline strategies and Internet marketing techniques.
Offline Marketing Tip 3: Give a Gift
Invest a little bit of money and create some sort of branded tchotchke you can hand out to people. It doesn’t have to be big, but try to make it something useful and make sure there’s room for your website. For example, at Three Girls we like to hand out packs of post-its with our logo and website on them. Unlike digital items, physical knick-knacks don’t disappear quite as easily and serve as a reminder for the recipient every time they come across it.
Of course, these ideas should complement your Internet marketing techniques instead of replacing them. Have you had any success getting the word out about your business offline? What strategies do you like to include in your marketing plan every year?
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Three Girls Media, Inc. is a public relations and social media management agency with teams in Silicon Valley and the Seattle area. We love working with small and emerging companies across the nation to raise their brand awareness and name recognition. We offer a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation with our CEO and can answer your questions and discuss your specific marketing needs. Call 408-218-2391 or Contact us today to arrange yours!
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