Do you have a small business that could use a revenue boost?
Most marketing strategies are crafted around costly advertising campaigns, but there are many free or affordable tactics you can use to grow your business at any stage.
Here are a few offline marketing fundamentals to get you started, no matter how small your budget!
1. Take part in local events.
Sales are based on relationships, and relationships require connection.
Network in proactive ways by attending or taking part in local events. Get to know other small business owners and have your business card or flyer ready; you never know when the opportunity will present itself!
2. Create customized stickers or labels.
It's not just a kid thing – people truly enjoy stickers!
Create a colorful custom sticker and pass them out anywhere your target users might be. Stickers and labels can be used on car windows, water bottles, notebooks, and more.
3. Start a simple rewards system.
One of the easiest ways to boost your profits is by offering current customers a loyalty incentive.
If you have repeat customers or need subscription/service renewals to succeed, you can print loyalty punch cards, start a digital point-tracking system, or mail coupons to customers who make a baseline purchase with your business.
4. Offer demonstrations.
Life is more fun when you try new things.
If you wanted to learn yoga, woodworking, or the violin, would you learn by watching or by trying? Participation is an essential way to engage the body, mind, and emotions of your prospects.
Brainstorm ways you can combine learning and doing through presentations. Whether it's giving samples, making online teaching videos, or offering live demonstrations at an industry event, engage your customers by getting them involved.
5. Launch cross promotions.
Is there some way you can build rapport between your business and another firm?
Work with another entrepreneur to offer giveaways, contests, or product discounts. During one holiday, GameStop and PayLess shoes partnered on a cross-promotional campaign. Shoppers at the video game retailer received register coupons for the shoe store, while shoppers at PayLess got discount coupons for GameStop. Because many of their stores are in close proximity, it was a winning strategy for both retailers. Cross promotions can include joint mailings, coupon partnerships, shared booth space, or promoting each other through social media.
6. Spread the word.
Got flyers? Door hangers and sell sheets? Looking to share the love? Go classic and canvas your area.
Pound the pavement and leave your print materials on porches, doorknobs, windows, cars, and more. Leave your business cards on restaurant tables, at coffee shops, in libraries, or even on mirrors. If you're feeling brave, do some cold calling after you canvas and ask if you can share some follow up info.
7. Perfect your pitch.
What do you sell? What problem can you solve? If you can't explain yourself in a single sentence, then you have a problem.
Like a great campaign slogan, an elevator pitch should summarize your business, product, or service in a concise, convincing fashion. YOU are your best advertisement, so have a short, convincing statement ready to introduce your business to new customers or colleagues any moment the opportunity is at hand!
A Building Block for the Future
Most of these tactics are inexpensive, but they do take time and effort.
Remember, results won't come immediately, but boosting your name now can increase your revenue and enable you to cast a larger net in the future. Give us a call or visit our website to chat about affordable printed resources you can add to your offline marketing arsenal today.
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