subject: Market Your Business For Free: Offline Marketing [print this page] There are about as many offline marketing techniques as there are people. It really depends on you and your imagination. Although I would recommend that you take the time to brainstorm your own ideas here, there are a couple things you can do from the beginning that will get you results.
Although this first technique isn't completely free, it is the first technique you should do. Buy business cards. For just a few dollars you can buy a huge box of business cards to give away. To make this technique effective, make sure that you keep your business cards simple. Include the most important information on your card: your name, website address, and exactly what you do. Make it catchy. You want to grab attention with what you say.
You're probably wondering what to do with all those cards once you have them. Simple. Give them away but don't just give them to anybody. You want to give them to those who will want what you have to offer. The easiest way to do this is to use a website called Meetup. This site allows you to search for meetings on every topic you can imagine, from business to church. There are all types of niche groups you can join and connect with others.
To get started, choose meetups in your area, relevant to your niche. Don't be pushy when giving your business cards away, but make sure you take them with you. The results could be far more than you expect, especially if you connect with someone who could become a potential business partner for you. You never know how that person could possibly help you, so don't discount this technique. It can be very effective. Keep business cards with you all the time as you never know when you might meet someone who can help you.
Another technique you may want to consider is flyers and signs. Flyers can be very effective, especially if you deliver them to the right places.
Here's an example: Let's say that you sell a product that shows college students how to get more financial aid. Consider putting these types of products on bulletin boards on a college campus. If you're not near a college campus, you may be able to outsource this type of task. What's most important is that you make sure you distribute your flyers and signs where they are appropriate.
Offline marketing techniques are only limited by your imagination. What's most important is to go where your customers are, and then give them what they want.
