Without a doubt, online marketing is crucial for startups and SMEs. Not only will online channels give your brand exposure, but it will also help build your authority in your particular niche. However, for a growing business, you should never completely put offline marketing off the table.
Keep in mind that some of the biggest brands known to man today are built with offline marketing tactics. However, unlike before, you do not need a big marketing budget to give your brand a big boost.
Here are five unique offline marketing strategies you need to consider:
1. Drop Business Cards Everywhere
Using business cards to lure in prospects is probably one of the most cost-effective offline marketing tactics. Of course, you probably already have a box of them lying around your office somewhere. However, to make the most out of them, you need to drop them anywhere you can.
For example, in a public library, you can leave a business card within the pages of a book that’s related to your industry. You can also pin a business card on a public bulletin board or a local announcement.
To spice up your business card, you can include a QR code that leads to your website when scanned with a mobile device. Simply use a free QR code generator and copy the image to your business card design.
2. Go to Trade Shows
Trade shows are great opportunities to build your network and attract prospects. It does not matter if you are displaying or just attending. There are plenty of business relationships to be made; you just have to be there.
If you are planning to invest in your booth, be sure to specify your objectives first. A good strategy is to specify the number of leads you want to generate during your display. To start looking for trade shows in your industry, you can refer to a website like ExpoDatabase.com.
3. Use Unique Packaging
Most companies that sell physical goods overlook the importance of packaging when it comes to raising brand awareness. Keep in mind that you can make your products stand out on the shelves just by using a unique packaging. However, coming up with your design requires a ton of research and creativity.
For inspiration, you can refer to the eye-catching packaging designs of brands who did it right. Also consider adding freebies and accessories such as stickers, badges, and reusable boxes that contain company details; such as your corporate address, website URL, and phone number. In addition to increasing the product’s overall value, you are also leaving breadcrumbs to your brand.
4. Don’t Forget Branded Merchandise
Aside from the packaging, there are countless other ways to use branded merchandise to promote your brand. You can put your brand in bookmarks, pencils, mugs, mouse pads, phone cases, or anything else that people use every day. To get them out, you can consider donating them to charities or giving them away after events.
Although they not exactly “merchandise,” you can also wrap your business information on vans or other vehicles to gain extra publicity on the road. It is a cost-effective way to get the attention of customers who prefer a local brand. Moreover, as an added perk, it gives you a reason to be more appreciative of traffic.
5. Offer Free Help
People love getting free stuff, but it does not always have to be a tangible object. Just like in online marketing, providing free and useful information will get the attention of a broad audience. It will also build your credibility and win the audience’s trust.
That said, you should be on the lookout for offline opportunities such as local radio shows and seminars. You can also offer a free consultation day at your office or leave bits of useful information in flyers, posters, and your branded merchandise.
Conclusion
Offline marketing is not only for established brands with millions of revenue. With a little creativity, small businesses can also leverage offline marketing channels to raise brand awareness.