Following is a list of ideas you can use to promote your online business,
offline.
1. Brochures Brochures are a great marketing tool because you can
provide a lot of information about you and your business. Contact your local
Chamber of Commerce and other businesses to see of you can put out your
brochures.
2. Newspaper Ads Run classified ads in some local or not so local
newspapers. Remember these points when writing your ads: You must get the
readers attention. Once you get their attention, you must keep them
interested. Turn their interest in desire for your products. Give them a
call to action!
3. Radio Ads Check with popular radio stations to see what they charge
for a short ad and make the ad pop as much as possible.
4. Promotional Items Have your url printed on caps, t-shirts,
sweatshirts, etc. and give them to as many people as you can to wear. This
can be very effective in getting your business known.
5. Postcards Postcards are very cost effective and versatile. You can
announce new items, offer special deals, promote a special business event or
announce your website and what types of products/services you offer.
6. Offline Networking Join your local Chamber of Commerce. Get involved
in business clubs and groups and talk about your business whenever possible.
7. Car Signs These are great products because they allow you to
advertise your business wherever you go family outings, running errands,
visiting family, etc!
8. Business Cards Design your business card wisely. They are no longer
just for listing your name and address! Have your business card double as a
coupon or gift certificate. Hand them out whenever the opportunity becomes
available.
9. Flyers Distributing flyers is a very affordable way to market your
online business. Be sure to specify what service/product you offer and use
incentives to get people to ACT NOW. You can also encourage people to pass
the word if your products/services can help anyone they know. Parades and
other public events are great opportunities for handing out your flyers.
10. TV Ads TV ads are a bit more expensive but if you have the budget
it would definitely be worth looking into.
11. Coupons Print out coupons and hand them out wherever and whenever
you can. Offer special deals, sales discounts, etc. This can lead to many
sales and a larger customer base.
12. Freebies and Samples People love getting things for free. Offer
small items as free samples. You have seen grocery stores do this many
times. Give a free sample of a good product and you will get more sales!
13. Letterheads Have your business name and url on everything that gets
mailed out of your office/home. You never know who will be reading it and if
they might take an interest in your products/services/opportunity.
14. Catalogs If possible, have catalogs made and distribute them as
much as possible. Use direct mail as well, if you can. Offer x amount of
dollars off their first order or a free gift with first order.
15. The Yellow Pages Get listed in the Yellow Pages so more people can
find out who you are and what you offer!
16. Billboards/Signs We all notice billboards and signs and they can be
very effective in increasing your business.
17. Job Fairs If you offer a good business opportunity, make it known
by participating in job fairs and career days.
18. Print Magazines Purchase advertising or try submitting articles to
various print magazines. Getting an article published can do a lot for your
online business.
19. Greeting Cards Send personal greeting cards or even thank you notes
to all your customers as well as people who expressed an interest in what
you offer. This is guaranteed to make a lasting impression!
20. Gift Certificates Print out gift certificates and distribute them
as much as possible. Put them in mailings both personal and business. Work
with other businesses to distribute each others certificates (complementary
not competing businesses).
21. Community Involvement Getting involved in your community events and
activities can be one of the most effective ways to get your business
noticed. Volunteer for school activities, work for charities, attend social
functions, etc.
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Terri Seymour (also known as The eBook Lady) has over ten years online
experience and has helped many people start their own business. Visit her
site at
http://www.seymourproducts.com for resources, $1 resell ebooks &
software, free tutorials, affiliate programs, free ezine and free business
ebook with Master Resell Rights.
http://www.seymourproducts.com/free.shtml