5 Offline Marketing Strategies to Grow your Business
In this article, I am going to talk about the best offline marketing strategies to grow your business. This is because, in the modern online world, many businesses seem to overlook the power of some traditional marketing techniques. In order to reach your potential business growth, it is important that you do not overlook either physical or online media. To summarise, if you implement all marketing ideas in the correct way, your business will thrive.
It is also important to point out that 92% of retail purchases happen offline, according to ripen.com. This means that the majority of retail purchases are made in store, so it is important not to neglect traditional marketing techniques.
1. Business Networking & Trade Shows
Prior to writing this article, I reached out to some Facebook Business Networking groups to hear other businesses most effective offline marketing ideas. This was one of the first offline marketing strategies that was put forward and it is a great idea. This can be implemented in 2 different ways with both Business to Business and Business to Customer events.
Business to Business social events
This is a great way to share ideas with other local businesses and learn about their experiences in marketing their brand. Also, if you sell products directly to businesses, this is a great way to gain new clients. For example, at CustomUniforms.co.uk we sell Staff Uniforms to businesses. Therefore business networking groups have been massively successful for us, in gaining new local customers.
We would very much like to thank David Wells for putting this suggestion forward on Facebook. This was his feedback on networking social events:
"Organise a networking social event. We hosted a seminar in June that went well and 30 people attended. Our next, is a social event to bring like-minded people together. It will be an excellent opportunity for networking, learning first hand about what peoples pain points are and how we can help their companies".
Trade Shows and Events in your niche
This is an extremely effective way to gain new clients. This is because the people who attend events relevant to your niche, have already expressed an interest in topics related to your products or services. Therefore, they are more likely to be converted into a customer!
For example, if you supply Golf Equipment, it would be relevant to promote your products at an event or trade show related to Sports enthusiasts or Golfers. According to a study by ripen.com, 30.8% of people said they want to see or feel products in person before purchasing. So promoting your products in person is an effective marketing strategy.
2. Advertise with Signage
This is one of the more obvious offline marketing tools. Business adverts using this method are everywhere, you only have to drive down a busy road to see Billboards, Adverts on the back on Buses, etc. These are great paid ways of gaining exposure for your brand. But what if told you there are free ways to promote your brand with signage? Yes, there is, Here is a list of Free ways to increase brand exposure with signage:
Vehicle Signage
It is very cost effective to sign your vehicle up with company details. This should include your company name, your products or services and contact details. This is a great way to get your brand out there, especially if your vehicle is on the road for a large portion of the day.
A-Boards
A-Boards are especially effective where there is a lot of foot traffic. So if you have a lot of people walking past your shop, it is a great idea to place an A-board there. Make sure it catches the eye and maybe include a special offer like '10% off' as an incentive to enter the store!
Banners
Banners can be placed anywhere, providing you have permission. It is ideal to get them placed where they will be seen such as facing a main road, if your shop is located near a busy road. This is ideal as it will convert people passing by into customers!
3. Sponsor a Local Event
Sponsoring a local event is a great offline marketing strategy. It helps increase brand recognition with the local community which leads to an increase in sales. Getting involved and sponsoring local events also builds a positive brand image. This is because it gives the impression that your company is getting involved with the local community
Every year we sponsor the Rainhill Beer Festival which is local to us. Not only does this increase our brand recognition but the sponsorship increases our mentions on social media aswell as in person. Offline Marketing also can boost your presence online, we got a valuable backlink from their website, which increases our traffic and helps our backlink profile!
Main reasons you should consider sponsoring a local event
- Increases Brand Exposure
- Opportunity to attend the event and network
- Builds a positive image in the community
- Generates Social Media mentions
- Boosts Sales locally
4. Wear Branded Staff Uniforms
Branding is a major part of your business and it is important that your brand logo is recognised in public. Staff Uniforms provide consistent visual branding that is a cost effective way to promote your company out in public. They can also include important company details such as your products, services and website. This provides immediate call to action for potential customers who see the staff uniforms!
Reasons why Staff Uniforms are an effective offline marketing tool
- Instantly, people will recognise who the staff member works for
- Increases Brand awareness
- Staff Uniforms act as a walking billboard for your company
At CustomUniforms.co.uk, we are specialists in supplying Staff Uniforms & Promotional Clothing. Visit our online shop to browse through our wide range of products, that can be customised with your company logo.
Uniforms are trusted by industry experts. Take a look at the results of this survey about how uniforms have an impact on customers
- 56.1% of respondents stated that uniforms are more effective than internet advertising.
- 73.5% of respondents stated that uniforms are more effective than TV advertising
- 74.4% of respondents stated that uniforms are more effective than radio advertising
- 75.7% of respondents stated that uniforms are more effective than billboard advertising
- 55% of respondents stated that uniforms are more effective than the Yellow Pages
- 71.5% of respondents stated that unifoms are more effective than newspaper advertising
5. Distribute Flyers & Business Cards
Flyers are low in cost but highly effective as an offline marketing tool. Flyers get your message out to the target market. Printed Flyers might seem like a dated method but that doesn't mean the method won't work. Flyers are especially effective in gaining new clients when you distribute them at trade shows or in your local area.
Go above and beyond when designing the flyer and try to think outside the box. It is important that you catch the readers attention and appeal to them. Try to include a special offer that sets you apart from the rest!
Reasons why you should use Flyers
- Relatively Cheap option
- Doesn't require much effort
- Eye Catching
- Ideal as a direct mail tactic
Now Business Cards may seem like an obvious marketing tool, but you would be surprised by the amount of people that miss a trick. Business Cards are an extension of your company and it is vital that you obtain them because they help convert people who are interested in your services into customers!
Business cards make a good first impression for your brand. Make sure to design them with continuity in mind. This means that you shouldn't change your brand logo or fonts you use on your website and store front, if you keep everything the same people will start to recognise your brand image.
To Conclude
Offline Marketing is still a great tool and should not be ignored, it massively helps your brand get out there by word of mouth and it can work hand in hand with your online presence. Let us know what offline marketing strategies have worked best for your company in the comments below!
Business Advertising, Marketing, Offline Marketing Strategies