Today, the majority of people are focusing so much on online marketing that they seem to forget, or fail to bother with, many of the brilliant offline options to connect with prospective customers.

The truth is that traditional offline marketing, such as putting up flyers or giving out pamphlets can be a very helpful and effective touchpoint to your marketing campaign, and can integrate with your online campaigns – acting as a lead generation tool, in the same way that an advert on Facebook or Google.

In the most part, the offline marketing tools of today should integrate with more digital campaigns – for instance, they could include a QR code or encourage people to visit your website to find out more information or claim their special offer.  Though, sometimes standalone items such as custom buttons you or your customers can wear (you can read more here) or business cards are standalone tools that don’t have to feed into an online marketing funnel.

Here are some offline marketing ideas to consider:

 

1. Business Cards

Business cards tend to be essential in business, even if you run an online business, for anytime you meet someone in a commercial context there is an expectation that business cards will be traded.   Business cards offer a concise touch point providing a way to get in touch with you.

Of course, today, fewer people are carrying business cards, and instead directing people to their website – either to be environmentally conscious or more frugal, yet business cards are not superfluous They assume that, because they have an online presence, a business card is superfluous.  Indeed, relying on someone to remember your website address or search for you in Google can be a naive approach, given the convenience most people crave.

 

2. Create Pamphlets

If you have a small local business, such as a personal training company, hairdresser, dentist, veterinary practice or counselling service, creating a good looking pamphlet can be a very effective approach.  There’s something more tangible and “real” about a business that has offline tools such as flyers and pamphlets, and if they are well designed, it can boost your brand credibility – in a similar way to how a well designed website can.

The best strategy with regards to distributing pamphlets is to leave them in place where relevant people will see them, for instance, and in this sense it can be good to partner up with other local businesses.  For instance, leaving flyers advertising a veterinary practice in a pet food store, would make sense, and you can often engage in a reciprocal agreement where you leave their flyers in your business in return.

 

3. Speak at Events

Today, everyone seems to be getting on YouTube or Facebook Live with a view to broadcasting their message and positioning themselves as an expert authority within the marketplace – yet, there’s no more effective and profound way to create status than getting on a stage and speaking in front of people, live.

Whether you have a weight loss product you would like to discuss at a weight loss event held in the local village hall, with a small audience, or an innovative concept you would like to discuss at a prestigious trade show, the end result is the same.

Speaking can seriously boost your visibility, credibility, and long-term brand awareness with regard to people looking into what you offer and respecting your authority.  It’s easy when you’re creating value to an audience to then syphon them toward your marketing funnel – which is where business cards, pamphlets and special offer flyers can play a helping hand in nudging them in the the right direction.

 

4. Letters

Today, people’s inboxes are full to bursting with emails vying to capture the reader’s attention with captivating headlines… yet, it’s such a crowded space, that unless you are already well known and liked by the person, chances are they won’t be opening your email let alone reading it.

A letter, however, sent through the post – is something different.  It’s something people value more and have to interact with, in the sense that they have to at least pick it up and open it.  A letter has a sense of novelty when compared to the barrage of emails sent out on a daily basis… meaning it is more likely to be noticed and responded to than an email.

 

5. Offer Coupons

Whilst there are many online coupon websites, and special deals sent through email, sending out a paper-based coupon can feel more tangible and therefore valuable… whether this is something you offer people after visiting you, or something you send out, coupons are a great way to attract repeat business and stimulate people to buy from you.

 

6. Get in the Newspaper

Admittedly, many newspapers are focusing their attention much more online today than offline, with print sales down at an all time low, but don’t misunderestimate the power of being featured in the paper.  Many people, such as commuters, pick up a paper as part of their daily routine and being featured within editorial content is a great way to boost your visibility and credibility.

In the alternative, you can always run an ad in your local newspaper.  Today, this type of advertising has been reduced due to supply and demand, meaning the space that newspapers have to fill is often sold off at a bargain price as most people are choosing to invest their marketing budget into digital options.

 

7. Sponsor a Community Event

Sponsoring a community event such as a fun run is a way to ensure others feel good about your brand, as a company that is supporting the local community, and it engages the principle of reciprocation wherein people tend to give back to those they feel are giving something first.

The god news about sponsoring a community event, is not only do you get seen, you get a positive brand association – meaning people view you in a good light, which tends to be more effective than simply putting out an advert.