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8 Offline Marketing Ideas that Won't Break the Bank

Marketing your small business really doesn't have to be a dire expense. There are many ways to spread the word offline about your products and services that are both effective and inexpensive. Here are 8 to get you started:

1. Your car: If you drive your car further than just around the block or park it out in public view for any length of time, then you have a potential mobile billboard just waiting for you to take advantage of it. There are magnetic signs, ready-to-apply letters and decals, as well as signwriting that will get you noticed while on the move. Most sign suppliers have a range of budget options so they are well worth a look.

2. Invoice insert: Putting a small message inside the envelope with your invoice makes good sense. After all, the recipient is already a customer, so why not offer them something else or ask for referrals? You could sweeten the offer by giving them a special customer discount for repeat business.

(Heads up - keep it short and simple so that your customer can digest it in a minute or two, otherwise it's more likely to end up in the bin without being read at all)

3. Voicemail/answering machine: Your voicemail greeting should be working for you as a sales tool as well as a message taker. Let your callers know they have the right number and the right person/business for the job.

4. Speaking engagements: Throw your hat into the ring as a guest speaker at networking functions or seminars. This will demonstrate your expertise to a wider audience and expand your reach. While not everyone's 'cup of tea', if you have a flair for public speaking this is ideal.

5. Charity Sponsorship: While not cheap, sponsoring a charity is a way to both get your name out there and demonstrate a level of community spirit. (Plus, it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy.)

6. Business card: Make sure your business cards are a part of your marketing arsenal. If they don't display who you are, what you do and why someone should do business with you, they're not working hard enough.                                                       (For more tips on making the most out of your business card click here.)

7. Postcards: Postcards are really cool because with the right design they can give their recipients a quick buzz about your latest promotion or event. The key is making the postcard appealing enough that the recipient can't resist reading what it has to say. This is where design and copywriting have to go hand-in-hand to work well.

8. Networking function: Have a chat, have a feed, listen to some interesting information and make a stack of new contacts. What could be easier? Okay, it's not always easy to be in a room full of strangers but hey, after the first conversation with a person, they're a stranger no more.                                                                                          

(Heads up - If you spend more time listening than talking you'll be considered a more valuable contact!)

So there you have it - offline marketing for the budget conscious. Business cards at the ready? GO!

© Carol Dorman Quill Writing Services  2009

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Carol Dorman, owner of Quill Writing Services, also publishes Communicate, the monthly newsletter for small business owners who want to raise their profiles and increase their profits by harnessing the power of words. Subscribe today at http://www.quillwritingservices.com.au and receive a free copy of her report: How to Convince your Target Market to Buy from You.