Friday, March 14, 2014

Where to Promote Your Online Business in the Offline World

If you run an online business or conduct sales through the Internet, you may forget to market your business offline. While you may be search engine savvy, you'll miss many marketing opportunities if you fail to use off-line strategies to promote your online presence.

Don't miss the marketing potential of tried and true offline media and methods -- from business cards to bumper stickers -- to supplement your online strategy. After all, your customers live in the "real world" as well.

Follow these strategies to promote your online presence offline:

Business Cards

Your business card should have not only your email address but your company's full URL. Don't stop there -- make sure anything that goes out to your customers includes your website address: invoices, sales sheets, print advertising, business forms, direct mail, letterheads, fax cover sheets and product packaging and shipping. A good rule of thumb is if your phone number is on it, your website address should be on it as well.

Voicemail Greeting

You may have a lot of information on your voicemail greeting, but do you have "Don't forget to visit us at [www.yourcompanyweb.com]? If not, add it today.

Traditional Advertising

If you're advertising in any traditional media like print, TV, radio or billboards, make sure you slip in your web site URL in the ad. That goes for any classified ads you may place, business directory listings and Yellow Pages ads or listings.

Displays and Signage
Add your Web site URL to your logo and company name on signs and displays you create for events, trade shows or association gatherings. Have a brick-and-mortar location? Make sure that your URL is printed prominently in your window or directly on your sign. If you have company vehicles, get some tastefully designed car magnets with your company name and website on them.

Sponsorships and Events

If you sponsor any events or team sports, stick your website on any promotional materials like T-shirts, jerseys, hats, bumper stickers and beach or golf umbrellas.

Public Relations Materials
Use your website on any press releases, media kids and articles. If you are interviewed by the media, give them your website address along with your other contact information.

Source: http://www.nfib.com

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