We get so caught up with internet marketing and web building that most of us tend to forget the olden days of marketing; offline marketing. Years ago, the web did not exist, yet, people still made millions!
Why is it that all of a sudden most of us think that offline marketing is not worth the investment If anything, the lesser the people that promote offline, the more the opportunity for you to slide in.
Even if you are just promoting an affiliate website, offline marketing can still be an incredibly profitable means to drive traffic. However, as with all marketing, do it slowly, track meticulously and learn as you go.
Here are 5 of the cheapest ways you can start getting your hands into offline marketing:
1. Inexpensive Business Cards
There used to be a day when business cards were expensive, but today, companies such as www.vistaprint.com are giving away business cards for free!
You run into hundreds, if not thousands of people everyday just during your normal daily tasks; restaurants, neighborhood, grocery store, clubs, works, etc
Simply have a business card on you and ready to go as you meet someone and they ask what you do Refer them to your new start-up business and build their curiosity.
So what if this technique wont have you boasting thousands of visitors in a month, over time you can build very targeted visitors all while you also brand your company!
2. Press Releases
Everyone who knows me, knows that I am very big on publishing articles and content and then distributing them online. I have scored BIG traffic by doing this and so have those who learned from me.
Well lets take the concept one step further and spread press releases. Press releases and content are similar in nature, just written differently. Press releases can spread like wild-fire and if picked up by any form of media, youre set!
This strategy may take some time, but be patient. With great, easy-to-use services like www.prweb.com, its a shame to not use this strategy!
3. Bumper Stickers!
Honestly, dont lie you know youve been intrigued by the messages you see written on cars. You may have even called a few of those companies.
When youre sitting a red light, theres nothing better to do than to read the message on the car in front of you. A simple bumper sticker with an enticing offer and web address can slowly work charms.
More on those here: www.speedysigns.com
4. Speak your way to stardom
One of my latest strategies that has been getting me A LOT of business is to make myself available as a speaker at local events. I have been speaking at business events, schools, colleges and anywhere else where someone wants me to speak.
By speaking publicly, I am quickly being recognized as an expert. This strategy works so well that listeners dont even wait to see my website, they buy on the spot!
5. Direct mail
I saved this strategy for last because its not for everyone. If you have some money and are willing to take a small risk, this is the strategy for you. Remember, highest risk equals high potential reward.
Sending direct mail (offline) to prospects still works as long as it is done correctly. You need to research this topic more and make sure you gather a targeted list of prospects.
The latest trend seems to be in sending postcards because they are short, to the point and the least expensive to prepare and send.
No matter what, if you decide to try this strategy, I highly recommend researching in depth.
There you go, now there is absolutely no reason for you to only market yourself and your business on the internet. I have only revealed 5 of the many ways to market offline, there are still many other techniques.
The main suggestion I want to give is that marketing offline typically costs more money than online and that you should always thoroughly research before you try (and make sure you can stomach the potential risk).
Copyright 2005 Kurma Group
This article has been authored by Anik Singal, the founder of The Affiliate Classroom.
If you want to learn his system that helped him make over $10,466 in 60 days please visit the following link:
Many people miss out on some very valuable promotion opportunities by confining themselves to marketing their business online.If you run a business that is confined to one country or area then offline marketing is a must.
Some of the ideas below may be obvious to you but if you overlook just one idea then you are losing business.
Business cards- yes it may be an obvious one but many people overlook it. Every person you meet is a potential client or at least visitor to your site. There are many places to get business cards printed both online and in your local high street or mall.
Printed Balloons- Everyone loves balloons, young and old alike, get a thousand printed up with your web site address on, give them out at partys, send them as gifts in with your packages, put them on your car if you want to.
Vinyl Decal /Magnetic Signs get a vinyl decal printed up with your website name on and put it in your rear car window. Everyone who is behind you in the traffic jam will see it. Ask your family if they will put one in their car for you.
T-Shirts- How many people see your T-shirt while you are out walking in your local shopping centre or even at work Everyone likes a free T-Shirt so get a few made up and give them away as prizes for a competition on your site. Give them to friends and family (especially members who are in the age group that you want to attract).If your t-shirts look good you can even offer them for sale on your site and possibly they will pay for themselves.
Coffee Mugs If your site is aimed at office workers this is a good one, while drinking out of your cup they may well type in your site address just to look at it.
Flyers- put a flyer in with every order you send out, offering them a 10% discount code for their next order.
If you sell socks, go to a shoe shop and see if he will give one of your flyers to everyone who buys his shoes. He will get a % of each sale that uses his code.
If you sell ring tones go and see some shops that sell phones.
Charity- Giving an item to charity for them to raffle or auction will get your site mentioned in their booklet/leaflets. It should also be tax deductible and you are genuinely helping a good cause.
Paul is involved with as a method of offline promotion.
Visit the website to buy balloons and start promoting your business today.