With the advent of technology, a majority of marketing plans put emphasis on using online platforms such as social media to take a business to the people in a big way. Certainly, taking advantage of the internet for reaching a vast crowd of potential consumers is a prudent marketing strategy. However, today, most companies focus solely on the online methods of business promotion, while discarding the offline marketing plans often terming them as ‘old fashioned’. According to Entreprenuer.com, the fact is that a section of some target customers does not spend a lot of time using smartphones and computers. “These people still believe in personal contacts and a human touch in building relationships. They are not a big believer of interacting and engaging with people on computers and smartphones. If you ignore the sensibilities of these people, chances are that you are losing a good chunk of your target consumers,” the study reads in part. The study adds that offline marketing has the potential to boost online marketing following a recent iProspect report, which highlighted that offline marketing influenced 40 percent of online purchasers’ buying decisions. Use branded merchandise Giving away promotional products as gifts to the public is a proven offline marketing strategy. In most cases entrepreneurs take advantage of special occasions like trade events, or workshops to distribute items with a company logo. For long, distribution of promotional commodities including pens, bags, and caps among other items, with a company’s logo is an excellent way to draw the attention of the recipients to your business. Local sponsorship Sponsoring a local community project that you feel is aligned with your own brand values helps raise the profile of your business. This not only creates recognition but helps develop trust in a company’s brand. Partnering with local businesses to create local presence Besides sponsorship and attending networking events at a company’s local business community, there are a number of other ways to create familiarity in a brand. Experts advise partnering with other businesses in the same area to increase visibility. Among ways businesses could do this is painting commercial buildings, installing garbage bins, setting up shelters in bus parks among others. Host an open house A business open house is a great way to both strengthen relationships with your customers and introduce your products and services to new prospects. When people get through the door, it is an opportunity for them to learn more about the company. In most cases, during such events there are products available for viewing, (sample products), and also various promotions. Use Flyers and Business cards According to MarketSplash.com, the power of social media often makes it easy to undervalue physical marketing materials. While it is worth thinking of a company’s potential reach, flyers and business cards are the most popular tangible tools for any sort of business. Tools like this, the study notes, are critical for building recognition.
