There’s no question that online marketing is a growing force that is unlikely to be disrupted anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean that offline marketing methodologies are going away either.
Offline strategies for marketing, advertising, and selling are engrained in the culture of the way that the world does business, so it’s important to find ways to continue being involved in offline marketing, while still funneling people into your online channels.
We have outlined the best offline marketing strategies for moving people online from offline tactics.
1. Find relevant offline networking events
Networking is a great way to meet new people and uncover great opportunities. By networking with new people in person, you create connections and stand out in people’s minds. Plus, it gives you the credibility and benefit of the doubt because you are a real person.
During the event, be sure to grab business cards from everyone that you meet and connect with them on LinkedIn when you are back at your computer. This is key because it will connect the offline you with the online you. From there, you can share resources from your website and around the web, personalized to that person.
2. Invest in quality print materials
One of the greatest tools that our team has at networking events (aside from our charming personalities, that is) is the fact that we invested time and money into our business cards and greeting cards. We used Moo.com to create high-quality cards that almost always get a compliment from the people they are handed to. After the event, we send equally impressive thank you notes that are sure to make an impression.
A great way to take people from an offline engagement to an online one is to print a link on your business card that refers the individual to a complementary offer on your website. It may be a free eBook, webinar, or slideshare presentation that is just too good to pass up.
3. Teach a Free or Paid Class
Whether you do it for free or for a fee, teaching a class is a great way to educate people and establish yourself as a thought-leader in your field. Local organizations, clubs, and societies are always looking for ways to enrich their members, so look to partner with one of these organizations to tap into their contact base. These events give you the opportunity to make a case for your product, service, and/or methodology and can open a great dialogue between you and the attendees.
The opportunity, however, goes beyond the classroom. When preparing to teach the class, think of ways that you can re-purpose the content for online use. For example, if you are using a visual aid like a powerpoint with your presentation, take time to upload the slides to slideshare after the class and write a blog post to accompany it on your website. If you are feeling extra ambitious, film the session or re-record the presentation with a voice-over and share it on your website in video format.
Whatever you plan to do, be sure to inform your class where the content will be re-shared and when.
Always be referencing your online resources
The bottom line here is that you should always be pointing your prospects to your website for more information. Your website should be a hub of helpful content that will educate your prospects for the better.
How do you use offline marketing strategies to benefit your online marketing? Give us a shout in the comments below.