How to Take Your Online Business to the Streets

Some businesses make way too much of a distinction between the “online world” and the “real world.” While there is, of course, different approaches and techniques needed for both, it’s important to remember that the world isn’t divided up into real people and online people. It’s all just people, and the folks who are using your online business are also out there in public, too. As such, it can be a good idea to periodically take your online presence out of the digital space and hit the streets. It’s an excellent way to reach a new audience who may not have heard of your business before, plus it can be fun.
Pick Your Area
If you’re going to make an effort to hit the streets, then it makes sense to visit an area populated with people who are likely to be interested in your product. When you started your business, you should have conducted some market research to figure out who it is that you’re targeting your company at. For example, it might be socially conscious people in the 25 – 35 age bracket. In that instance, it wouldn’t make much sense to visit an area with older families. Hit up the young, hip district of the city instead.
Select a Team
It’s not so important what it is you’re doing on the streets, but how you do it. Let us explain. You could have a brilliant idea, but if the team members who are going out to the streets don’t have any enthusiasm for the project, then it’s not going to work. You’ll want to ensure that you’re picking a group of employees who know how to interact with others and who can make everything fun. It won’t matter what it is they’re doing, exactly, but how they’re doing it.
Logistical Issues
You’re not just going to turn up onto the streets with branded t-shirts and hope everything comes together. It’ll all require a little bit more planning than that. For starters, you’ll want to have a stand with your company logo on there, and permission from the authorities to put it up, if it’s required. You’ll also need to think about how you’re going to get your belongings to the street. Here, jockey wheels can help. Hook up a trailer to your car, load it up the day supplies, and park nearby to where you’ll be setting up.
Freebies and Interaction
As much as you’d like to think otherwise, people aren’t going to be as interested in your company as you are. You need to give them a reason to stop and chat with you. And what makes people stop? Freebies! Have some swag made up, and give them away to people who come up to your stand. Once they’re there, you’ll be able to explain more about your venture and how it can improve their life.
Make it Worth Your While
For all your effort, make it worth your while! You can collect email addresses from interested parties, and also check how many more website hits you received in the following days.