Did you put up a website with expectations that clients would come clamoring to buy your unique products or services? If so, consider some offline marketing to get clients online.
SEND THANK YOU NOTES
Did you know that a large percentage of new business comes from referrals? Send a personal, handwritten thank you note to anyone who refers someone to you. This will perpetuate more referrals and I bet your competition isn’t doing this! Who doesn’t love to get something in the postal mail besides bills and junk mail?
AUTO ID PLATES AND LETTERING
How often are you stuck in traffic and end up staring at the license plate in front of you? This is the perfect place to display your web site address. If you have a short slogan or tagline, it can be placed on top with your web site address on the bottom. There are also companies that offer nice lettering to place on your back or side window. Have you ever searched for a pen and paper while trying to memorize the magnetic sign on the truck for handyman services, plumbing or hardwood flooring? The person in the vehicle behind you could be your next customer!
LABELS
Use labels with your web site address and catchy slogan to seal your correspondence. This is one more way to flash your web site address in front of a potential customer. I recently purchased some products at a trade show. Luckily the vendor had placed a label on the back of the product so I could go to the website and order more for friends. Without that label she would have missed out on some sales after the event was over. Create your own labels with your website address and phone number for wine bottles to give as gifts.
POSTAL MAIL
How often do you stay in touch with your clients & business associates? At a minimum, quarterly correspondence will keep you fresh in their minds. Several online printers offer full color postcards, business cards, bookmarks and note cards. Create a one-page newsletter or tip sheet and include a promo item. I got one recently that was a message in a bottle. Very clever!
In addition to your online communications – these offline efforts will help you stand out from your competition. It’s all about being creatively unique and memorable. Have fun with these and remember, if you’re not promoting your site – who is?
