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An online business can grow if you plan, target keywords, and participate in various social networking platforms. But, don’t forget to market your service offline too!
Offline marketing used to be the only way to market a service business, or any other business. Face-to-face marketing seems to be something that has been cast aside with so much technology at out finger tips. So, go back to basics, chances are that the people you connect with will be so surprised at your effort that you’ll stand out…in a good way.
Here are 10 ways to market your knowledge offline.
1. Be an Expert
Make sure everyone knows your expertise so that you can be a resource to them. Do not keep your online business a secret from your offline friends, family, and contacts. Talk about it, educate them, and before you know it you’ll be the expert that they come to when they realize having an online business is real.
2. Be a Speaker
Find your local speakers bureaus, sometimes maintained by your local library, your chamber of commerce, local businesses, nonprofits and universities and find out how to offer your speaking services. Create a “one sheet” which is just what it says, one sheet of paper that gives information about you as a speaker including your photograph, what you talk about, your fees, and products. Do a search on “one sheet” to discover what should be on this important marketing document.
3. Teach a Class
If you have a college degree you can usually teach at your local college or university on an adjunct or part-time basis. Being a college professor will definitely give you “street cred” in your local community, and out of your local community. This is something you can add to your websites immediately. If you do not have a degree, you can still become a Lecturer when you own a successful business. Call your local university, college, community college, or the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in your area for more information on how to get started.
4. Contact the Press
If you have a good story to tell, send the press a tip. If you have certain news people that cover different types of news on your local channels, send them a brief summary of your story. Have friends send links to your story that you’ve told online. You might be surprised that sometimes they have slow news days and need to fill the space. In addition, make sure the press knows your expertise too, and make sure they know you have an open door policy to make comments on issues surrounding your expertise.
5. Network
Go to after 5 chamber of commerce meetings, business women meetings, meet ups that are in your area and rub elbows with a lot of people, making sure that they know your business, your expertise and your name.
6. Send Out Press Releases
Whenever you have something wonderful to announce send out a press release and make sure it gets into the right hands. Target your press release blast to the right people, because otherwise, they will just toss it. If it gets to the right people, you’ll be surprised at how many will be printed.
7. Advertise Locally
There are many local advertising and marketing opportunities for the online business to use off line. There are local magazines, local papers, placemats, bathroom ads, grocery cart ads, local “coffee news”, and more. Find these opportunities and use them. Usually the cost is minimal. Additionally, many of these local venues need content, you may be able to get free advertising by offering local content. Your info will be in the byline, much like online article marketing.
8. Business Cards
Buy them, make them look great, and use them. So many online business owners purchase business cards and never give them out. Probably because they often never leave the house. So order some, and get out of the house and network.
9. Volunteer
Helping others is an excellent way to market your online business offline. Many organizations need volunteers, board members, sponsors, and participants. Leave no stone unturned. Volunteering locally will establish good will and trust both online and offline.
10. Advertise on Your Car
You can purchase either magnetic signs for the side of your car or window decals that give a website or phone number for people to call for more information. This is a great way to market your online business offline and get the word out wherever you go.
Have you tried any of these methods? Which ones have work really well for you? Please, share below.
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That expert one is really a perception issue but makes a good idea for impact
Roberta,
I hear you. I don’t, by any means, believe you should call yourself an “expert”, if you just did some research on a topic over the weekend.
Being an expert means knowing your subject matter and being able to discuss it with anyone who is interested. A lot of people are good at restating what they read, someone who really knows a topic will be able to “educate” others.
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! – T
Nice list Theresa! It really a low threshold to get started and your list made it even easier. Thank you. I’m going to aim for our local speaker’s bureau once I finish my ebook.
Keep up the great work and awesome marketing.
Al,
Hey, thanks for stopping by. It’s really amazing how some simple, proven strategies can really boost your business.
Please, keep me posted with your progress with your speakers bureau. Maybe we can do a case study to help others with the process.
Thank you for your comments – T