With more and more media competing for eyeballs than ever before, it’s a real challenge to grab people’s attention these days.
Creating a business Facebook page, tweeting about industry news, sending sale push notifications to customers… the channels we use to talk to leads and customers are evolving every day. While these platforms are remarkably effective most successful businesses practice a combination of online and offline marketing strategies to generate leads and boost sales.
Banners, flyers, posters, business cards, pavement ads, branded giveaways (like pens or shirts), and local donations are all examples of offline marketing.
Helloprint is one of the companies offering these services of online printing.
These simple actions are easy ways to spread the business name in subtle but effective ways. Below we pay tribute to the old-school marketing strategies that still do the job today.
Promotional products
The first imprinted promotional product was used by George Washington – commemorative buttons for his presidential campaign! Despite being a traditional marketing medium, promotional products have always been a trend and are the preferred brand marketing tool for start-ups, small-large businesses, institutions, organizations and non-profits alike.
This is the only advertising medium capable of engaging all five senses, which may explain its longevity in the industry After all, when you give away promotional gifts, whether that be special stationary or unique corporate products, you remind your clients and customers of your local value through a budget-friendly strategy
Roll up display banners
Roll up display banners are the easiest way of conveying relevant information in an easy-to-view format that doesn’t require you or an employee taking up time to hand out information or speak to people. For example a roll up display banner for a trade event will require more information than one you intend to use for a backdrop.
Keep in mind the size and weight of your banner, because you might have to transport it to an event and carefully consider the quality of the paper it is printed on.
Distribute business cards whenever possible
This is perhaps the easiest and cheapest option, which is why it tops the list. You can pass business cards out to neighbours and businesses, pin them to public bulletin boards, slip them into relevant books or magazines at the doctor’s office, and do just about anything else you want with them.
For such a tiny object, business cards hold huge potential.
Donate gift certificates or products as contest prizes
Is the town high school holding a silent auction? At the very least, winners will put your product or service to use, and you might even gain referrals and visibility out of them.
Speak at events
Find an event related to your industry and prepare an educational and meaningful speech. This leaves a lasting impression with peers who share a position in your industry and creates a visual representation of your business.
Flyers to promote your event or product
A brilliant flyer can do wonders to help promote an event or product and get people excited about it. Artwork and printing are key factors in its effectiveness, of course, but the overall design, especially use of colour, needs careful consideration in order for it to achieve its purpose.
Brochures
A brochure is an informative paper document (often also used for advertising), that can be folded into a template, pamphlet or leaflet. Brochures are promotional documents, primarily used to introduce a company, organization, products or services and inform prospective customers or members of the public of the benefits.
Brochures are distributed inside newspapers, handed out personally or placed in brochure racks in high traffic locations. They may be considered as grey literature.
So there it is – old-school marketing strategies that still do the job today. If we have missed anything or you want to comment write to Will Corry [Editor] on will@themarketingblog.co.uk