In an age where online marketing is king, there are of course instances where offline marketing is the only option, and a good option at that. When it comes to smaller businesses or home businesses, sometimes offline marketing can in fact make a bigger impact. Some of the best marketing strategies consist of a mix of both offline and online ideas.
Ignoring some of the tried and trusted offline marketing techniques is a common mistake that most small businesses make. Despite the obvious shift to mobile and internet marketing, practicing a balanced and well thought out combination of on and offline is a proven path to success. This is especially important to home businesses – whether existing exclusively online or with a shop front. Below are our top five offline marketing strategies to keep you on your toes:
Posters, flyers, brochures
Whether you have a shop front or if you provide services locally or even afar, sometimes physical reminders that use your company branding can be a great way to keep your business name, logo, or appearance on people’s lips. Such items can be produced easily and at a minimal cost. Take poster printers Saxoprint for example, an online company that allows you to customize your own posters and have them delivered. Try to get that little bit extra out of printed materials by coming up with your own design for them rather than the template provided.
Networking
Networking is possibly one of the oldest tricks in the book, and its value will never disappear. Truthfully speaking, it is difficult to really connect with a business associate digitally without ever meeting. Marketing a product or service when it is right in front of the customer can prove extremely successful. Also, regardless of the location of your home business – whether it’s big town or small city – there are countless opportunities for you to meet like-minded people or people that may be interested in what you’re selling. With all your business being based at home and things perhaps getting a bit lonely, it is important to make an effort to meet others in your industry.
Attend and participate in events
With so many conferences, training days, trade shows and educational events, there are a large number of possibilities for you to represent your business, make a strong impression, and make new contacts. Participating in events related to your industry can be a very rewarding way to not only sell your product and gather feedback, but also to attach a face to your business. Perhaps you could also try creating partnerships with some local businesses that you meet at events.
