Offline Marketing Methods that Still Work

If you are already overwhelmed by online marketing, and would like to do something different than your competition, you might want to make the most out of your offline branding and advertising tools. Some people will say that these methods no longer work. However, as most companies have abandoned them for the next magic button of online advertising, you can cash in on them, given that you set up your campaigns with the attention to details. Find out more below. 

Networking 

The first thing you might want to try is networking. If your customers are not coming to you on their own accord, you will have to find out where you can find them and have a chat with them. There are plenty of networking events in every major town and city, and they are less expensive than you think. You will be able to meet dozens of like minded business people, instead of just sitting down with one prospect and presenting your business. Some networking events are free, while others require you to join a club. 

Leaflets 

Leaflets still work when it comes to business to customer advertising. Just consider the number of people who are simply not competent enough to search for what you have to offer online. Not to mention that you will be able to show that you are real, unlike online. There are people who would rather pick up the phone than to submit a form online, and leaflets can cater for their needs. If your target customers belong to an older demographic group, leaflets can still work. 

Radio Advertising 

Local companies serving the general public, such as takeaway restaurants, taxi service, dry cleaners, or even gardeners can take advantage of radio advertising. The business will need to have a decent size, however, to justify the relatively high cost. Most people will need to hear your message multiple times to remember what your business does, so it is important that you start with a long term plan. 

Catalogues 

Some people would rather sit down and browse your catalogue instead of being pressured into buying on the spot. If you have multiple products and would like to showcase their features and benefits, you should produce your own catalogue that can be passed on from one business to the next. You don’t even have to break the bank to produce your own branded prospectus. There are some reputable and affordable catalogue design services that will take care of the photos, the layout, printing, and even the distribution.  

Direct Mail 

Some marketing experts say that direct mail doesn’t work any more. In its traditional sense, it will be hard to get your customers to open the envelope and read what you have to say. However, there are some great tricks companies use to get their mail noticed. You can include a gift, so people will be interested in what you sent them. You can get your envelopes branded and print call-to-actions on them. Alternatively, you can use your direct mail campaign for competitions. 

Trade Shows 

If you would like to raise the profile of your business in the local area, and find potential clients and partners, you can attend trade shows. This is a great opportunity to feature your business, make connections, and even exhibit, if you have the budget. As most companies already spent money on the tickets, you can be pretty certain that you are going to connect with companies that can afford your product or services. 

Speaking Activities 

In case you would like to appear authentic and showcase your expertise, you can secure some speaking gigs at events. You will be able to talk about what you know and your business, so those who are interested in the topic can connect with you. Being considered as the “go to” expert is a powerful way of improving your conversions. After all, You will need to get people to know, like, and trust you before they open their wallet or hand over their credit card. The more your products or services cost, the more trust you will need to create. 

Local Magazines 

Being featured in local magazines is another marketing opportunity that is often underrated. You will be present in a local reference guide for your customers. However, you will have to consider how many percent of your customers will need your service and how many of them will actually read the magazine. You can ask the company producing the print about their numbers; the distribution area and demographics, so you can make an informed decision whether or not it is a good investment to place an ad with them. 

Telemarketing 

If you are too busy working in your business instead of on your business, you might want to outsource some of your marketing. There are some professional telemarketing companies that will work with your brand and help you generate more leads. After all, you don’t want to waste your time and energy on unqualified leads. Instead, make sure that you are using a company that understands your needs and helps you connect with the right people. 

Event Sponsorship and Charity Projects 

One of the best ways to get your name out in the community is to take part in events and become a sponsor. No matter if it is a school project, a charity fundraiser, or an exhibition, you can get the local community to find out about your business. Look for sponsorship opportunities in your local community and take part in projects. Find a way to offer help with raw materials, donate money or products, or involve your staff members in fundraising. You will be able to raise your profile and brand yourself as a community based business. 

If you are currently suffering from information overload and would like to make the most out of your marketing, you might want to give some of the traditional advertising methods a second chance. Try the above offline marketing methods to maximize your return on marketing investment.