Letís face it, advertising costs way too much for a business
thatís just starting, but exposure is something that shouldnít
be passed off, after all, how would consumers and viewers know
you exist if they donít hear or read of you from somewhere.
Since the internet is all too crowded, and TV and radio is too
expensive, how else can you promote your website? Well the
answer is offline promotion. Offline promotions donít have to be
expensive commercials, all you need is a little ingenuity and a
watchful eye.
Here are seven tips to get you started
Use unusual items for promotion
An oddly shaped Christmas bauble with your website printed on it
or an intensely colorful shirt brandishing your URL should get
everybodyís attention. Make sure that the print is readable.
If you have the budget, you can have one of those birds that
shout out sentences when thereís too much noise. You can have
the birds shout out your web address.
CDs containing a few trial games and other interesting features
like a free demonstration of your program, plus a link to your
website should be cheap enough for frugal marketing.
Button Pins and brooches have never lost their touch through the
times. They are durable, and if the color is stylish enough you
might get a few pins forever pinned on someoneís back pack, that
right there, is priceless marketing.
Letterheads should boast you URL
Letterheads, business cards, brochures, compliment slips, all
should contain your URL, this way everyone you come in contact
with will know your web address. Make the font big and readable,
donít let it get lost in the fine print.
A 24 hour sign should do
Not all businesses can go on for 24 hours, so why not post a
sign that says youíre open on the web for 24 hours? This is
especially beneficial for restaurants. This way, bookings can be
done even during hours when your closed.
You can also pitch in a few other features on your sign like,
ìwe accept online ordersî, or ìfree delivery when you order
online.î Telling your potential clients that they can have extra
perks when they view your site could make them dashing for the
PC in no time. Articles
Contributing articles to the local newspaper regularly should
give you place for a plug about your website. Your website can
appear on the ìabout the authorî section of the article, or if
youíre asked to write something related to your business, you
can even insert your companyís web address right in the middle
of an article. Not only does the article promote your web site,
it also promotes you as the owner and may add credibility to
your company.
A newsletter will also be for great help. Publish a few
newsletters containing updates on your area of business and
distribute it in strategic places. Have your web address printed
in large font to make sure that your potential clients can spot
them easily.
Put your Web address in your Products
For companies that sell tangible products like soap, chocolates
etc., if you havenít already done so, put your web URL in the
packaging of your product. A good place is right under the brand
name so they see it right after they see your brand.
Every one of your staff should know your web address
Aside from the office phone number and the street address, you
staff should know your web address. Put it in the screensavers,
and in the computer wallpapers so that even the temporary staff
knows about it. The word of mouth is the most powerful tool of
advertising, and what better place to start than your staff.
Use your phone
Instead of putting in just a short message, plug in your web
address in your answer-phone. And during holds, make sure that
the holding message contains your web address. Give the callers
the idea that they can get more information faster if they log
on to your website.
And when clients call your landline number for information about
your company, entertain their question and suggest that they get
information thru the internet should they have any other
questions in the future.
Offline promotions arenít all that hard to do, but successful
marketing doesnít end offline. Make sure you have a good plan
for online promotions as well.
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