Saturday 31 March 2012

7 Effective Offline Small Business Marketing Ideas

By Cliff Schubert


Because of the advent and advancement of technology, almost everyone is into social media. While they are evidently helpful, nobody can dissuade the fact that the "old school" small business marketing ideas remain effective. In fact, when used together, the online and offline marketing methods will complement each other and the results will be awesome. Below are seven effective traditional means that would keep revenues coming and best of all, budget-friendly.

Creative business card -business cards are very useful especially if you are into networking. But it will be better if you will put some creativity. This way, your card will stand out from the rest. Think out of the box. Buck the norms. Who ever said that the business cards should always be rectangle and look formal? Remember that you should still convey that you mean business even when you appear to be laidback

Reward scheme -this can take in many forms. One of which is giving out coupons. This is a useful method to reach out to both old and new clients. It can be a way to give thanks to your patrons and persuade them to refer you to their families and friends. You may give them more coupons the more referrals they would present you.

Working on customer service -others may argue that it cannot be counted in the group of small business marketing ideas. However, it is true that people love to talk about their experiences, good or bad. Your reputation may be improved or tainted depending on what your customers will tell the others. You surely wouldn't want negative feedbacks. You may not satisfy everyone but having sound work ethics and stellar customer service will pay you off in time.

Flyers and postcards - these may sound traditional but they are quite effective. Otherwise, nobody will continue to use it. You can put postcards in the windshields of parked vehicles and your flyers in the community boards. However, there is always a possibility that it will be just thrown away so you need to make sure that it catches attention and the content is precise and complete.

Partnering with community organizations -sponsoring an event is quite an expensive affair. You should tie up with other organizations in conducting activities where you can promote your products and services. The cost will be divided into two and you are more likely to achieve the same results.

Participating in trade shows -trade shows are not at all obsolete. It will allow you to get up close and maybe even personal with your market. Careful planning and hiring key people who would make that plan happen is what is needed

Volunteering to be a speaker in relevant events - you may also volunteer to be a speaker in events that are relevant to the nature of your business. For instance, if you are into selling eyewear, you may offer to speak in seminars about proper eye hygiene.

These offline small business marketing ideas, will certainly boost your sales up, if performed properly




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