These days, most consumers are online—and no surprise there. As active internet users grow, marketing strategies are increasingly digital-focused.
But small biz owners know that many opportunities to connect with consumers lie beyond social media ads, promoted emails, and SEO. Offline marketing lets you go back to the basics. It also has unique benefits, like targeting local markets, creating a more authentic customer experience, and bolstering your online efforts.
The best marketing combines both online and offline activities. Here are some great offline marketing tips for small businesses to consider.
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1. Don’t underestimate the power of a business card
This may be the most basic tip on this list—after all, what better way to make a good first impression than with a top-notch business card?
A business card is one of the first ways to introduce your brand, so it must represent you well. While you don’t want to overload it, your contact info should be clear and complete. And don’t be afraid to experiment! Pick a unique business card design that will help people remember you.
2. Hand out standout flyers
Flyers, pamphlets, and leaflets may be old-school, but they can still be very effective. In a study, around 4% of door-drop flyers resulted in a purchase, and nearly nine in 10 people remember receiving door-drops. You can also harness the power of direct mail or distribute flyers in high-traffic areas.
Make your message pop, whether advertising a promo or wanting to create buzz around your biz. And it doesn’t have to be completely old school. Consider adding a QR code that links to your website if people want to know more.
3. Send out special tokens
Lots of businesses now provide personalised experiences for customers. One simple way to let customers know you care is by sending them a small token: a greeting, coupon, discount, or seasonal card. In a world where your inbox is nearly always brimming with promotional “personalised” emails, a handwritten note or a special discount on your birthday will go a long way. Preparing for the holidays? This is a perfect time to take action.
4. Up your packaging game
Packaging is another area where your branding can truly shine! Creative and eye-catching packaging design will help differentiate your brand; think of the customer’s unboxing experience and aim to make it seamless and memorable. Highlight your products well and include thoughtful inserts, like a personalised card, coupon, or more information on your business. Another plus is using sustainable packaging—a key consideration for sustainability-minded shoppers.
5. Offer product samples
Speaking of small tokens, everybody loves a freebie. And there are plenty of ways to do this if you’re a small business. A shop selling cosmetics can reward customers with product samples with a minimum purchase. Selling at a farmer’s market? Let passersby have a free taste of your new offering.
6. Use eye-catching signage & posters
Brick-and-mortar businesses can benefit from out-of-home marketing strategies like signage, posters, and billboards that catch people’s attention. Your signage is often the first thing people learn about your biz—one study found that nearly three-quarters of respondents believe a business’ signage to be more important than social media or newspaper advertisements.
7. Plan your event
Planning an event is a great way to connect with your community and introduce your biz. Think of it as a way to reach potential partners and customers. It is also an opportunity to work in a few other marketing techniques—offer exclusive promos, hand out promotional materials, and display your branding throughout.
Capitalise on the upcoming holidays and set up an event for the season! Consider pop-up events or collaborating with other small businesses, which we discuss further below.
8. Nurture loyalty
Once you have acquired a customer, focus on keeping them. Customer loyalty programs incentivise people to return to your business, products, or services. You can choose from various rewards—exclusive offers, discounts, gifts, store credit, or a boost in their membership tier if you have a subscription program. If you have an in-store point-of-sale (POS) system, this will likely be an easier task for you.
9. Collab with other small businesses
Support other local businesses by initiating a collaboration. You can co-develop a product or deal, co-sponsor events, or even create an all-new event. Pick a brand with values similar to yours or one that offers complementary products or services. For example, if you’re in real estate, partner with a local landscaping or interior designer. You can also collaborate to support a common cause. It’s a great joint effort to introduce what your businesses stand for.
10. Network!
One of the simplest ways to drum up support for your business is to advocate for it in networking opportunities. While lots of networking is done online nowadays, don’t discount the power of showing up and letting people know more about your biz. Join speaking engagements, attend trade fairs, and join professional associations.
Need help marketing your biz? There’s a Tasker for that!
Successfully marketing your business takes both online and offline efforts. These small business marketing tips for offline strategies should help you bolster your promotions, especially in time for the holidays!
If you’re looking to delegate some tasks, Airtasker is the perfect place for experienced professionals. Tap into a pool of highly skilled freelancers ready to take some work off your hands so you can focus on growing your business. Explore the platform and find a Tasker today!
