With the rise in popularity of online marketing, many proven offline methods are simply forgotten. Of course, online marketing is hugely important in today’s digital age, but offline engagement with customers still has unique and distinct value that shouldn’t be bypassed.

Very little can replace the power of human interaction such as touching and feeling a product and delivering the right offline experience can allow you to set yourself apart from the competition.

Even though the arrival of the Internet appeared to be the end for print-based and other “dated” mediums, marketing campaigns using offline channels are still a fundamental aspect of many company’s marketing mixes. In fact, according to a recent study conducted by Google in partnership with Ipsos MediCT, traditional offline media such as TV, radio, and print still plays a leading role in online searches for products and services

Here are five forgotten offline marketing tactics that don’t require a big marketing budget.

1. Guerrilla marketing

Guerrilla marketing is a generic term for the use of unconventional marketing strategies, and because online marketing channels are so narrowly structured, offline might be the best arena to flex your small business’s marketing muscle. So, starting now, ignore what you know about marketing channels, and let your inner child out to play. This is your time to be creative, you can do pretty much anything, from “accidentally” leaving a branded pen at the bank, donating bookmarks with your logo to the local library to leaving sticky notes and business cards in random places.

2. Business cards

Handing over a business card still has a significant value to people. A well designed business card will not end up in trash for sure. Even today, people keep a bunch of business cards in their wallets, just in case they might need that particular service. Investing in well made business cards is one of the most effective ways to get your business out there. Set your brand apart by choosing a unique design that reflects your brand values and creativity.

3. Printed ads

Besides printing business cards, sending out eye-catching catalogues,making poster display stands, billboards or handing down well designed flayers and even door hangers with your logo printed can bring your offline marketing game to a higher stand. Your brand’s name needs to be heard off to get you more sales and investing in different forms of printed ads will do the trick. Creating and editing great photos for your print ads plays a major role in offline marketing. Photos as well as textul prints needs to be not just visually appealing, but also engaging.

4. Events and Showrooms

Attending networking events will increase your visibility, help you start and build new relationships with other small business owners and help you stay up-to-date with the latest and greatest in your industry. Also making showrooms to show off your products will attract more buyers for sure. Events are very engaging, you have the chance to tell your potential buyers all about the product you are offering and show it at the same time. Seeing a product live will have a greater effect on customers then when seeing it online, it’s the greatest advantage of offline marketing.

5. Donate gift certificates or products as prizes

By offering your product or service as the prize for a local contest, you can build visibility for your business while showing your commitment to the community. Also giving away free t-shirts with your logo is a proven offline strategy that will boost your sales. People love free stuff and after a small sign of affection in form of a freebie you will gain their trust and loyalty and spread the word about your business at the same time.

Most of us believe that these days, digital marketing is the only way to get results. While this may be true for a specific target market, some of the best marketing ideas happen offline. The best marketing strategies are those that combine both online and offline ideas seamlessly, in one complete package.

If you want to give your business a real marketing boost this year, start looking outside the digital box and combine your online marketing with offline to really boost your sales and generate more leads.

The post Offline Marketing: 5 Ways To Generate Leads And Boost Sales appeared first on Digital Media News & Training.