Don’t be fooled! Even though you are operating an online business, don’t think that the only place you can market your business is through online methods. Many people fall into this trap and end up leaving plenty of money on the table because there are many, many ways you can effectively and easily market your business in the offline world.
Although there are a whole lot more ways to advertise your business offline, my top 9 methods include:
1. Business Cards
Sure, this sounds pretty basic. But how many people actually use business cards to generate sales? Not many. Most simply give out a card when someone asks for one. Anytime you engage someone in a conversation, be sure to work your business into it and get a business card into their hands. Ensure that your cards have your web site address as well as your email address. If you can fit it in, include a slogan for your web site as well.
2. Company Letterhead and or Stationery
Anytime you send a letter out for any reason, be sure you use company stationery that has your web site address and your email at the bottom of the correspondence. Again, a simple idea, but one that many don’t even think about.
3. Business flyers and brochures
Anytime you distribute any type of flyer or brochure, you’ve got to make sure that it has your web site and email address on it. But more than that, include a blurb that discusses why a customer should visit your web site. What makes your web site special, even if it is only a customer support web site?
4. Catalogs
OK, so these aren’t all that inexpensive. But they are a great tool to market your web site with. People love getting catalogs in the mail. And they do a great job in reinforcing your web site.
5. Invoices & Purchase Orders
Be sure to put your web site and email address on all purchase orders and invoices. If space permits, add in a mention of what your web site can do for your customers and vendors.
6. Voice Mail
If you use voice mail, include your web site address along with features your customers and vendors will find on it. If your customer is calling for support, they may actually hang up and go there for an answer, saving you the telephone time.
7. Company Vehicles
If you’ve got company vehicles out on the road, be sure that they all have your web site on them. You’ll be shocked at how many people mention they found your web site only because they saw your address on a passing delivery van.
8. Shipping Boxes
Again, a no brainer, but one that many don’t think about it. All of your boxes should have your web site and a blip about what you sell on them. Not only will your customer know that their order has arrived, but anyone that see the box while on the way to your customer or at your customers location will be aware of your site and what you offer.
Without question, the mileage that you can get out of these eight tips will be well worth the time it’ll take you to implement them. Outside of the catalog idea, the rest are drop dead easy and very low cost to implement and profit from.
