Traditional Business Promotion Techniques that still Work

These days, whenever you are reading something about business promotion and advertising your business it is all about online marketing, using social media and doing your promotion on the web. Everyone is saying that traditional promotion techniques don’t work and that they are a waste of money.

In reality, however, things are much different. It is true that more and more people are online and that more and more business is being done online. However, there are still plenty of people who do not use internet that much and who do not believe that internet can be a place where they learn about new businesses. In short, traditional business promotion techniques still work very well and we would like to talk about a few of them that still get great results.

1. Advertising in local media

Regardless of what you hear from “experts” who say that local media are dead and that everything is online today, there is still a huge number of people who rely on their local media to find out about new businesses, especially local ones. Taking out an ad in the local papers or airing something on local radio and TV (if you have the budget) will still reach a huge number of people who may become your new customers or client.

2. Networking in person

Networking with people from your industry and the related industries is definitely something that has become easier to do online, with so many social networks that were designed specifically for this purpose. However, online interaction will never be quite able to completely replace networking in person. When you form relationships in person, it is more personal and it is much easier to give a good impression if you take a potential partner or a big client to lunch, for example. It is also much easier to use your charm in person and sort of “bend” the truth if it is needed. This is something you cannot do online.

3. Interacting with local community

Your local community can easily become your foundation on which you will build your business, but only if you know how to interact with them in a smart way. They need to know that you are not just there to take their money. You are there to be the part of the community. Get involved in local events and charities. If your financial situation can handle it, provide scholarships for a few local students who do not have the means to pay for their education themselves. Offer deals for repeat customers and clients that have been with you from the start.

4. Exhibiting at trade shows

Trade shows are an excellent place to promote your business, for any number of reasons. For instance, they are still attended mostly by people who are interested in a certain industry and who come with the intention to make a purchase or at least with the intention to learn more about your business. In order to properly promote your business at a trade show, you will need a great team, the perfect display stands for your needs and the ability to attract people and charm them once they come to visit.

5. Organizing local events

We have talked about getting involved with local community and events and this is something of a continuation of this. Namely, we will be talking about organizing events yourself. This is actually much easier than you think because it does not have to be anything too huge. You can organize a barbeque at the local park; or a race where the winners will get your products. You can organize small movie nights at your premises, for example. It is important that people learn about you and that they become aware of your business and your services/products.