ThomasSignorello.com : 10 Ways to Promote Your Small Business Offline

By: Yvonne A. Jones, CPS December 5, 2014

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Many small businesses and entrepreneurs find it challenging to get the word out about their business in their local community because they may be operating on a shoestring budget. They may not be able to invest in large promotions and take advantage of advertising channels like running newspaper ads and radio promotions.

The good news is that your message can reach others by far less expensive methods. The following are just 10 ways to promote your small business offline.These are tried and true methods that are still being used effectively by many.

The reality is that even if you're an Internet Marketer, with a highly-optimized online presence, there is value in sharing what you do with other businesses in your local area. So the methods mentioned should not be considered as being limited to local businesses with a brick and mortar businesses.

An effective way to get more exposure for your business is to sponsor local events. This can be as simple as donating money to a local Cause. Or you might be at a point where you could provide shirts for one of the local children’s Sports Team.
If sponsoring is not in your budget, then try helping out by raising funds or awareness for a local Cause or project. Is there a local charity that is always in need of funds or supplies? You may be able to participate in that, or just help advertise a local event.
Tradeshows and even local fairs can be great ways for small businesses to connect with the local community. You can rent a table or booth and promote your products or services.
Meetups are great for exposure. In the first place you can become known through your attendance and building relationships with other business owners at Meetups organized by other people. Another option is to create a Meetup group of your own in your area. This allows you to determine the format and build your own platform and following.
There are seasonal events and events that may be connected to popular holidays in the community. Find some way to get involved so that your business can be listed as a sponsor at the event, or even as a contributor.
Using signs and logos on your vehicle. This can help draw attention to your business and get more visitors to your store. Having a well-placed phone number will allow people to contact you even if your business does not have a physical store.
Small business Flyers still work; otherwise your mail box wouldn't be filled with them each week. Try to use this idea and come up with a concept that will make your Flyer stand out more.
A good practice is to suggest to your customers that they sign up to your mailing list once you have a way for them to do so, on your website. This way they can get your Flyer, or Newsletter, delivered electronically. This also builds a mailing list that which can use when you come out with new products, run a special offer or have something that you want to share with your customers.
Many Chambers of Commerce offer buckets or packages for visitors. Getting your Flyers and marketing materials in those packages would be a good way to get the word out about your business.
How about creating opportunities to help visitors while promoting your business at the same time? An example of this would be to create a local map that depicts places to visit, local restaurants, taxi services and other helpful resources. At the bottom of the Flyer or map you want to have a “Provided By” section with your address, phone number and website.

You now have 10 ways to market your small business offline. Which of these will you use? Perhaps you’re already using one or more of these methods. Which one/s have worked and given you great results?

Yvonne A Jones is an Online Marketing Strategist | Speaker | Business Mentor and Coach. Her clients call her “The Queen of Business Breakthroughs” because she helps them get clarity in their marketing message so they attract their ideal clients and build strong business relationships to retain the customers and clients they attract. Visit her at www.YvonneAJones.com to schedule a complimentary Breakthrough Strategy Session. You can read more of her articles at www.YvonneAJones.com/blog.