The internet has opened up a world of possibilities for would-be entrepreneurs, who are able to now run a business entirely online, from behind a computer screen. But it’s important to remember that the same people who will be online customers also exist in the real world. The fields and culture might be different, but people are people no matter where they are. As such, it’s worthwhile looking at marketing your digital business in the real world. We take a look at five ways to do this below.
On the Streets
If there’s one thing that people love, it’s freebies. In the online space, this is free ebooks, videos, and free trials. Why not take this idea and hit the streets? You can set up a stall, and give away free samples of your goods (if applicable) or branded swag. This gives people the chance to have a more immediate interaction with your business, and will also give your team a jolt of energy, too. There’s a couple of things to remember, however. The first is to pick your location well — it should be in a place frequented by people in your target demographic. Second, you should aim to get as many email addresses as possible. The success of the day on the streets will be how many leads you’ve got.
On the Roads
You’ve got to get around town. You’ll be delivering orders, meeting with customers, arranging business meetings, and more. Why not make your vehicle a piece of marketing, and have your company name seen by everyone you drive past? Have your car adorned with a vehicle wrap from http://www.lucentgraphicsolutions.com/, and you’ll be a moving marketing machine. It’s an excellent way to get your brand out there to people who may otherwise not have a chance to see it.
Networking Opportunities
You can connect with people online, but it’s much better to do so in the real world. This gives you a greater sense of the character of the person you’re talking with. You’re able to better communicate the ideas about your business. You can make better connections. You can make the most of this by attending trade shows and other networking events related to your industry. Have a stall at a trade show, for example, and you’ll be able to meet with people who are already interested in your type of business.
Real World Media
You’re probably spending a lot of time, money, and effort on your online marketing, which is the correct approach. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore offline marketing opportunities too. One underrated marketing method is to get into real-world newspapers. Papers, especially smaller ones, are nearly always looking for stories to fill their pages. See if they want to write something about your venture, and you’ll be seen by plenty of eyeballs.
Wherever You Are
Finally, make sure you’re carrying business cards with you. You never know when you might find an interested party when you’re just going about daily life in the real world!
