Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

To those that have set up an online business, how did you go about advertising your product or service offline?

Hi, Im E'Lisa.  First I would like to say that I think its important to do both. Even if the product or service that you sell is specific to your area "dry cleaning, pet sitting, etc", you would want to do some local online advertising. That being said I do lots of networking. I am an active member of several chambers in my area, I try to attend as many ribbon cuttings, luncheons, mixers and B2B events as my very busy schedule will allow. I advertise in local publications and local business directories. I will attend or work any business expo in a 50 mile radius. I collect lots of business cards and meet lots of people who I try to remain in contact with via email and nice meeting you cards. I hope this helps, you can spend lots of time getting involved with chambers so good luck!

Hi -  this is something that is really difficult to get right I find - when you advertise of line often people ask for a brochure - as they are not actually on-line! Does anyone have any suggestions?

Like ELisa, I do a mix of online and offline advertising. Blogging and social networking seem impossible to go without anymore. As far as offline, I believe networking is definitely the biggest thing. Gotta be connected. Chamber events, business expos, phone book listings, and similar tactics are a necessity.

Be sure to get business cards and bring them with you everywhere. Drop them off at every coffee shop, gym or other place with a billboard.

Creative marketing is also another helpful tool. I think the key to this is to not necessarily give away too much about what you are. A lot of movies do this nowadays. Just putting the web address or glimpses of your product give the "What the heck is this? I gotta find out." reaction. Builds some interest. Just some ideas.

www.anvilhammer.com

I usually give out fliers every time I'll have a booth set up in an event 2-3 days before the actual date.  Whenever we have promo online we usually distribute posters to announce it to our market. Of course having your business card ready is still important especially when attending conferences and networking events.

Large format Posters | Viny Banners

You can give out double sided flyers around town that are high gloss uv coated and describe the company on 1 side and on the other your main product or services.

Google Rush Flyers and they can get you like 5000 flyers for $100 bucks.

Low cost offline marketing

i have a friend who uses drop cards

these cards look like money and

leaves them an the resturants, library

airports etc... Doing that is bring him

leads and making a decent amount of

sales....remember it is also free to

do

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Using Imprinted Promotional Giveaways at tradeshows and seminars is the best offline advertising practice. Promotional Giveaways are usually reasonable products and at the same time customizable.

They are usually consumer products therefore it generates a high impact creating a brand awareness and thus increasing your sales & revenue

I pass out business card with a magnetic back.  I'm hoping people will not just toss them into the trash but use them as memo, picture, etc.. holders.    I also use my cell phones signature with my company name.   Every bit counts, right?  

Its a great post. Thanks for sharing info!