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Let's face it, advertising costs way too much for a business that's just starting, but exposure is something that shouldn't be passed off, after all, how would consumers and viewers know you exist if they don't hear or read of you from somewhere.
Since the Internet is all too crowded, and TV and radio is too expensive, how else can you promote your website? Well the answer is offline promotion. Offline promotions don't have to be expensive commercials; all you need is a little ingenuity and a watchful eye.
Here are seven tips to get you started
Use unusual items for promotion
An oddly shaped Christmas bauble with your website printed on it or an intensely colorful shirt brandishing your URL should get everybody's attention. Make sure that the print is readable.
If you have the budget, you can have one of those birds that shout out sentences when there's too much noise. You can have the birds shout out your web address.
CDs containing a few trial games and other interesting features like a free demonstration of your program, plus a link to your website should be cheap enough for frugal marketing.
Button Pins and brooches have never lost their touch through the times. They are durable, and if the color is stylish enough you might get a few pins forever pinned on someone's backpack, that right there, is priceless marketing.
Letterheads should boast you URL
Letterheads, business cards, brochures, compliment slips, all should contain your URL, this way everyone you come in contact with will know your web address. Make the font big and readable; don't let it get lost in the fine print.
A 24-hour sign should do
Not all businesses can go on for 24 hours, so why not post a sign that says you're open on the web for 24 hours? This is especially beneficial for restaurants. This way, bookings can be done even during hours when you're closed.
You can also pitch in a few other features on your sign like, "we accept online orders," or "free delivery when you order online." Telling your potential clients that they can have extra perks when they view yo
ur site could make them dashing for the PC in no time.
Articles
Contributing articles to the local newspaper regularly should give you place for a plug about your website. Your website can appear on the "about the author" section of the article, or if you're asked to write something related to your business, you can even insert your company's web address right in the middle of an article. Not only does the article promote your web site, it also promotes you as the owner and may add credibility to your company.
A newsletter will also be for great help. Publish a few newsletters containing updates on your area of business and distribute it in strategic places. Have your web address printed in large font to make sure that your potential clients can spot them easily.
Put your Web address in your Products
For companies that sell tangible products like soap, chocolates etc., if you haven't already done so, put your web URL in the packaging of your product. A good place is right under the brand name so they see it right after they see your brand.
Every one of your staff should know your web address
Aside from the office phone number and the street address, you staff should know your web address. Put it in the screensavers, and in the computer wallpapers so that even the temporary staff knows about it. The word of mouth is the most powerful tool of advertising, and what better place to start than your staff.
Use your phone
Instead of putting in just a short message, plug in your web address in your answer-phone. And during holds, make sure that the holding message contains your web address. Give the callers the idea that they can get more information faster if they log on to your website.
And when clients call your landline number for information about your company, entertain their question and suggest that they get information thru the Internet should they have any other questions in the future.
Offline promotions aren't all that hard to do, but successful marketing doesn't end offline. Make sure you have a good plan for online promotions as well.
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