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Website Marketing Strategies to
Promote Your Website Offline
By Bill Walters
Plum River Marketing
If you have an internet
based business, you are probably aware of the various ways to promote it online.
What is often overlooked are the various ways to promote an internet based
business offline. Here are a few things to consider.
Promotional Materials
Include your web address
on business cards, brochures, letterhead, invoices, packing lists, bags, boxes
and anything else that you have printed. If you have literature and packaging
that does not have your web address, print labels that can be placed on these
items. There are also a large variety of promotional items available, such
as pens, magnets, bookmarks, and notepads that can be imprinted with your
web address and company information. Your customers and prospects are likely
to keep and use these items.
Hangtags
and Labels
Include a label or hangtag
with your web address on every one of your products. Remember that often your
work will be given as a gift. The recipient may be interested in contacting
you to buy more – make sure they know where to find you.
Magazine
Ads
There are over 10 thousand
different magazines in publication in the US alone. They target every niche
imaginable. Take a look at magazines that your target audience is most likely
to read and consider placing a small ad in one of them. Your goal is to drive
TARGETED traffic to your website. Don’t forget to mention on your website
that you can be seen in this magazine. You will gain credibility from being
associated with a well respected publication.
Press
Releases
Press releases are a
great way to get free exposure for your online business. Local newspapers
are always looking for interesting stories to publish. What is there about
your business that would interest readers? What makes you and your art or
craft unique? Remember, your press release must be more than a simple advertisement
for your business; it must provide benefit to the newspaper and its readers.
Direct
Mail
Direct mail can be a very good way to promote your online business. Mail postcards
to your customer list to announce a new product line, or just to remind them
about you. You can also reach new customers with direct mail. Very targeted
mailing lists are available from companies such as InfoUSA. Don’t forget
to include a special offer or discount code on your card. This will increase
your response and also provide you with the means to measure your results.
Networking
In my opinion, networking is the best way to promote ANY kind of business.
Discuss your business with friends, family, associates, and anyone else that
will listen. Look for ways both online and off. We all network online through
link exchanges, newsletters and forums. Even if you conduct all of your business
online, do not overlook opportunities to network with people in the real world.
Seek out relationships with other businesses that compliment your own. Think
about businesses in your area that attract your target customer. How can you
get them to promote your business for you? What can you offer them in return?
Be creative - often the connection is not obvious. Above all else - always
be honest and make sure you establish relationships that are mutually beneficial
– this way everyone wins.
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