Offline Advertising
Many people jump into online business enterprises and neglect
real-world or offline advertising opportunities to grow their
operations. A good mix of offline ads with your online campaign
is good strategic planning. It helps present your message and
even reinforce it for those who have already spotted your online
presence. Plus you can target people who have Internet access
and email capabilities by remembering to add your URL or web
site address and / or your e-mail, autoresponder or ezine
subscription address in all of your promotions.
To make the most of your offline advertising, here are a few
tips from the pros:
1. COMPUTER RELATED - When placing print classified or display
ads targeting a website, target magazines that have a computer
related section for your ad, when possible. This will help
attract people with Internet access and email.
2. LISTS - Purchase or rent postal mailing lists and set up
regular direct mail campaigns. If you make sure the lists
include email addresses, you'll be able to cross promote via
email and know they probably have Internet access, too, to help
draw them to your site.
3. COMMERCIAL SPOTS - Check into commercial spots on local cable
television. Pricing ranges vary, and you could get a bargain
early morning spot & catch business people who are early risers.
Target your campaign around shows that feature Internet use /
computers, too, when you can. See about being in the same spot
just before or after a regularly scheduled program to target the
same readers over and over, so that they'll commit your site to
memory and click it on.
4. DECKS / MAILERS - Advertise with other businesses in card
decks or direct mail packages. Check to make sure they are
targeted for your audience.
5. EVENT MARKETING - Create a CD-ROM, disk or DVD about your
website, products and services. And distribute them at trade
shows, workshops and other special events. Note: Have your
contact information and website on the cover in case the items
do not function right when installed.
6. FREEBIES - Give away free pens, pencils, mouse pads, note
pads, yellow stickies, etc. that carry your website on them and
contact information. Put your advertising on the mouse pads and
give them away at computer or internet events.
So reach out and advertise offline to compliment your online
strategy. And remember to include your URL or web site address
and / or your e-mail, autoresponder or ezine subscription
address in all of your promotions