Offline Advertising for Online
Businesses
by Sharon Housley
Internet marketing has become so successful that many web marketers neglect
other marketing opportunities. Offline channels can boost your online
traffic and business. Used effectively, traditional advertising vehicles
remind customers to visit your site. Even better, promoting your website
offline can drive new clientele to your web business. Below are ideas every
marketer should consider:
URL Return Address
Include your domain address on the bottom line of your return address on all
company mailings.
URL on Packaging
Retails should include their URL on packaging. Existing customers who
purchase through retail may not realize that your business has an online
presence. If you ship products, invest in labeling that will include the
company URL.
Business Cards
Insert a business card that details the web address in all product
shipments. A coupon or discount code toward web-based purchases further
increases the likelihood customers will visit the site. Nothing drives
customers online better than discount!
Presentations/Handouts
Include the web address on each page of a presentation or conference
handout. As the presentation is passed on, the company brand and web address
will be reinforced.
Promotional Materials
Promotional materials and giveaways are still an effective method of
advertising. Promotional items have a long shelf life and may bring in
traffic over time. In addition to your logo and company name, and be sure to
brand your promotional item with your web address.
Vehicles
Display
the address of your web site prominently on all company vehicles.
The text should be readable from a distance, so be sure to use a font that
is easy to read and well-proportioned.
Help Wanted
Include your URL in any employment ads.
Uniforms
Include the company's web address on any branded clothing or uniforms worn
by staff or employees. This reinforces your online presence.
Internet marketing is becoming more competitive. It is not enough anymore to
simply advertise online, you must be creative to attract traffic to your
website.
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll
http://www.feedforall.com
software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In
addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll
http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.
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