Offline Marketing

There are several ways you can advertise offline. You will want to include your business information on everything you do.You can choose whatever information you want people to know. Examples are: your business name, slogan, address, website address, phone number, fax number, and email address. Don’t use your personal address on anything. If you don’t have a business address, consider getting a PO Box.

You may want to offer coupons, discount codes, or free stuff with your advertising. Sometimes people are more interested in checking you out if you have something special to offer them.

If you are advertising your online business, you will want a URL that is short and easy to remember. If your website address is long, get a shorter one and redirect it to your website. You can purchase domain names at GoDaddy.

1. Promotional Materials – You can purchase and distribute items with your business information or logo on them. There are tons of different items you can do this with, but the most popular ones are pens, pencils, t-shirts, calendars, keychains, magnets, etc. You should offer items that will interest your target audience. Include these with everything you send out, even to your existing customers. It may result in a repeat sale! These can be handed out almost anywhere. They are also great for tradeshows or for use in fillers. The website I use is WAHM Promos because I like the prices and the customer service. Click here for more information on Promotional Materials.
2. Products you already give out – Have your business information printed on your stationary, envelopes, checks, address labels, product packaging, invoices, faxes, etc. Everytime you send something out or make a payment, the person on the other end will see your business information and may be interested. Tip: You may want to consider getting a self-inking or rubber stamp with your business information. That way, you can just stamp your information on anything that doesn’t have it printed on it.
3. Business Cards – Business cards are a widely used promotional item. They are usually inexpensive and can be given away anywhere. For information on where to get business cards and what to do with them, click here.
4. Flyers or Posters – These are popular because, like business cards, they can be used almost anywhere. One widely used method for flyers is to have little tabs at the bottom of the page with your info that people can rip off. You can hand them out, post them to boards, mail them out, use them as fillers, and more! For ideas, check out our places to leave your ads page.
5. Postcards – Postcards are the preferred method for mailing advertisements because your information will be seen right away. Since there is nothing to open or unfold, the message is ready to read. People tend to throw out things they have to open. Plus, you will save time by not stuffing envelopes.
6. Catalogs – Catalogs can be handed out or mailed out. You can make catalogs yourself on your computer or you can have them professionally made.
7. Trade / Swap Advertising – You can arrange to swap advertising materials with other businesses either online or off. There are online communities you can join that give members the opportunity to exchange advertising materials with eachother. For example, MomPack has created a large group of members that exchange fillers with eachother. Offline, you can go to several businesses and offer to pass out their promotional material in exchange for them passing out yours.
8. Word of Mouth – People often ignore word of mouth as an advertising opportunity. Mention what you do to everyone you meet. Leave them with enough information so that they can pass it on too! You may even want to consider offering a discount to people who refer others.
9. Wear Your Ads – Get some shirts, hats, etc. printed with your company name/website on them. You can do this in bulk like in the Promotional Items discussed earlier at WAHM Promos, or you can just get a few for yourself. You can have them printed up somewhere like ShirtCity USA, Spread Shirt Designer, Cafe Press, or iPrint. Wear your shirt everywhere, especially whne you go to events or other crowded places.
10. Vehicle Ads – You can get a sticker or magnet for your car with your business information on it. I personally like this form of advertising because it is unintrusive and it really does get your message out. If your business is website based, make sure your URL is large. Also, you want this look good, so you should consider using a professional designer for it. You can find these in your local business directory.
11. Create a Contests and Promotions – This is a very popular idea because people love to win things. Plus, since your contest/promotion is free, getting advertising for it can be as simple as asking. You can place drawing jars in various locations if the owner allows it. Also, you can contact television and radio stations about it. There should be a program director that takes care of these things. The exposure you receive from the contest/promotion will be huge!
12. Create a Charity Drive – This is similar to creating a contest or promotion. You may even be able to get more advertising for it. Request donations for a charity… used toys, canned goods, used clothes, etc. and offer to round it all up and bring it to the appropriate places. Or, sponsor a walk or run. Make sure you put your business info on everything!
13. Make a Speech – There are tons of places that look for guest speakers. Television and radio stations often have time slots dedicated to guest speakers. Groups, clubs, and classes also have occasional guest speakers. Some of these include the Chamber of Commerce, breastfeeding groups, Lamaze classes, etc. Just call around and see who would be willing to let you speak at their meetings.
14. Become a Sponsor – You can sponsor local sporting events, expos, etc. You can become a sponsor by donating money or by helping to run the event. Ask if you can have a banner put up or if your website URL can be printed up in any catalogs/pamphlets.
15. Event Promotion – There are always events going on. You can set up a booth at tradeshows, conventions, fairs, etc. with your business information. If you are out of town, contact the facility where the event is being held. They will sometimes help promote materials for a small fee.
16. Newsletter Ads – Many organizations send out newsletters or other types of publications. Ask about getting your ad in one of these. Places to check include: schools, directories, local clubs, etc.
17. Write your Own Newsletter – You can create your own newsletter to send out to people. Include information that readers may be interested in such as household tips, recipes, kid’s activities, etc. Also make sure you include things about your business such as new products, sales, services, events, etc.
18. Become a Guest Writer/Author – Newspapers, local publications, business magazines, association newsletters, etc. are occasionally have spots for guest columns. Your contact information/website address will be provided you’re your article. You can also offer to write a monthly or weekly column for even more exposure.
19. Directory Advertising – Placing your company information in directories, such as the Yellow Pages, is a great advertising tool. Many people still look to their phonebooks for information.
20. Newspaper Advertising – It is cheaper to advertise locally. Also, most newspapers have places within them that are cheaper than others, such as the classified ad section.  Google now has Print Campaigns.  This allows you to create ads that Google will submit to newspapers for you.



21. Radio Advertisng – As with newspapers, it is cheaper to advertise locally. You should create a short script about your business. Be sure to include your business name, address (or URL), etc. If you have an online business, make sure your URL is easy for people to remember. Most stations will have the DJ read your ad on the air, so you don’t have to record anything yourself. Google Adsense also has radio advertising.  Follow the link from above for more information.
22. Press Releases – You can send press releases or news releases to the media. They will print it if they think your message is newsworthy. This includes things like grand openings, new services, etc. You may want to hire a professional to write your press release for you. Poorly written press releases are never published. Also, a professional will sometimes submit the release to the media for you.
23. Go Big – While it is usually more expensive, you can advertise on places like billboards, the sides of busses, and on movie screens.

Really, you can advertise almost anywhere. Don’t be afraid to ask if you see anywhere you would like to place your ad. You’d be surprised at how many people will let you advertise for free or for a low fee.