If you think the only way to appeal to customers is to compete with everyone else in the digital arena, you’re mistaken. No matter what the gurus say, there is still a real world out there, full of people. And reaching them in conventional ways should be a part of your core strategy.
Grabbing attention via the internet might seem like the easiest way to appeal to your audience, but that’s rarely true. The level of competition is now so extreme that most businesses need professional help to get anywhere. And, even then, they struggle to make a dent.
Going offline in your marketing efforts, therefore, offers you unique opportunities. You can reach people through channels that other advertisers aren’t using. And you can create a bigger impact than any banner ad ever could.
Here are some ways to reach people quickly offline in large numbers.
Use Your Expertise To Leverage Local Media
Journalists are always on the lookout for people they can contact to get “expert opinion” on various news stories. As a local business leader, you can set yourself up as an authority on specific subjects, encouraging the media to come to you.
This tactic is actually a lot smarter than you might imagine. Here you’re leveraging the reach of the media outlet to act as a platform for your brand. You don’t even have to say anything related directly to your business. Your mere presence on a major news channel automatically gives you credibility, encouraging customers to seek you out.
Give Away Sample Products For Free
People are wary of taking a punt on new brands that they haven’t tried before. They work hard for their money, so they want assurances that you can actually deliver. If they see you have no reviews or don’t recognize your name, they’re much more likely to go with a competitor.
The solution: give away your sample products for free. Here you’re introducing customers to what you do, without making them feel like they have to give anything up. Once they try them out, you’re much likelier to make a sale. You instantly overcome their resistance while simultaneously introducing them to the value you can give them.
Send Them Automated Texts And Voicemail
Very few people trawl through their promotional emails, reading each one individually. Instead, they dip in and out, ignoring the vast majority of them. Open rates for even the best email campaigns are shocking.
The opposite, however, is true for text and voicemail communication. People seem to love receiving texts on their phones, and don’t associate them with marketing, boosting open rates.
Drop Cowboy is a company that provides businesses with a platform for sending texts and ringless voicemails to large groups of customers. The company says that 5 to 20 percent response rates are possible using this method. So if you’re a tradesperson or setting up a new company, you might want to consider using it.
Set Yourself Up As A Thought Leader
Being a thought leader in an industry offers substantial advantages. The more people see you as a source of verifiable information, the more money you’ll make. It’s as simple as that.
You can set yourself up as a thought leader by attending trade shows, forming partnerships with other firms, or becoming a member of an association. Prospective customers generally respect brands with formal affiliations more than those that don’t have them.
Give Your Business Card To Everyone You Meet
Business cards have had a bad rap of late. They’re seen as a bit of a gimmick that won’t make much difference to your firm’s overall performance. You never know, however, where your most valuable clients will come from. Handing out your business card to everyone you meet could open up new opportunities that propel your enterprise forwards.
If you’re attending an event, then make sure that you stuff your pockets with business cards. Hand them out to people in context and explain how your services have helped other people with similar problems.
Create Real-Life Photos Of Your Business
Real-life photos are a rarity these days, so when people see them, they create a great first impression. Take pictures of your business in action, show people what you do, and then strategically place them around your premises. Deploy them at events too for maximum effect. Using them strategically can even boost your appeal to online audiences.
Reaching customers offline is still a great strategy. If you’re struggling to gain traction online, it’s well worth a try.
I wouldn’t say that, digital tools like SEO and email marketing are very effective. For example, Email marketing is the promotion of a company’s products using emails. The marketer collects a subscriber base, prepares mailing lists, personalizes them, and monitors their effectiveness. And in the right hands or with a good email agency, you can achieve good results