4 Great Offline Marketing Tips to Get Your Brick-and-Mortar Business Noticed

When it comes to affordable, high-impact marketing ideas, most advice is targeted towards the online world -- and with good reason. Having a dynamic digital footprint is not just essential for short term success, but it’s necessary for long term survival.

However, let’s not forget that numerous businesses still strive to meet, serve and satisfy customers in brick-and-mortar locations. If your business is among them, here are four proven, practical and profitable ways to stand out and get noticed in the offline world:

1. Window Lettering 

Window lettering is an excellent way to get your business noticed. You can feature your logo, custom graphics, a QR code -- the possibilities are virtually limitless. Plus, you can easily change any aspect of your lettering or graphics to showcase special promotions, milestones, seasonal themes, and so on.

2.  Car Wraps

Car wraps are another effective and affordable way to boost visibility. According to research by the Outdoor Advertising Association of America, car wraps (and other forms of mobile advertising) reach more customers at a lower cost per thousand impressions (CPM) than any other kind of outdoor advertising. In fact, a single car wrap can generate up to 70,000 impressions each day!

3. Cross-Promotions

One of the most lucrative marketing strategies is to borrow a page from the “Blue Ocean” strategy playbook, and launch cross-promotions with local businesses, so that you can reach prospective customers who might not otherwise be included in your traditional target market. For example, if you’re an independent pharmacy, you can partner with a local café and offer your customers a free coffee coupon if they purchase $20 or more.

4.  Geo-Fencing and Geo-Targeting

Geo-fencing allows you to target specific customers who enter a pre-defined geographic area, while geo-targeting reaches users based on their geographic location. Both of these technology-led marketing tactics can help generate foot traffic and boost sales.

The Bottom Line

Yes, when it comes to marketing, the bulk of advice will continue to focus on online strategies and programs, such as inbound marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, SEO and PPC, and so on. However, this certainly doesn’t mean that brick-and-mortar stores and shops are headed for the dustbin of history. There’s something of an offline resurgence taking place, and visionary businesses are taking advantage of the opportunity to deliver exceptional in-store experiences – and drive sales, loyalty and referrals. But to reap these rewards, you first need to stand out and get noticed in a crowded marketplace. The tips above will help you do that now, and into what will hopefully be your thriving future.