60 offline Marketing ideas for Start-up

All through the world, people are talking about online and Social Media Marketing but as of now in India where  India has achieved a 10.2% internet penetration at 12.1 crore users as of December 2011, you can’t think of marketing your business only online.

If you are a Local Business it doesn’t make sense in putting too much time and effort in online marketing and building Facebook Fans.

Whatever business you may be in here are some marketing techniques you can use to build popularity about you product/service

1. Make a small pamphlet or just a brochure. Make lot of them!
2. Register yourself in Just dial
3. Join your local chamber of commerce. It’s a perfect place for networking with the local community members.
4. Create unique business cards and hand them out whenever you can.Give people two business cards, one to keep and one to give out.
5. Speak on panels related to your subject area.
6. Pitch story ideas to local newspaper and magazine reporters.
7. Appear as a guest host on radio.
8. Make sure all your friends and family know EXACTLY what it is you do.
9. Have a creative and clear answer to “What do you do?”
10. Offer to teach a course at your local community college in your area of expertise. Host a free conference call. Give out free, practical advice.
11. Ask for referrals from past clients.
12. Register with local associations that are related to your profession.
13. Write letters to editors on topics or subjects related to your industry.
14. Attend industry conventions and seminars.
15. Staff an event. Sign on as a staff member or volunteer at a public event and network away!
16. Post your business cards on bulletin boards.
17. Donate magazines and books to libraries. Write in your firm’s information on the inside cover.
18. Remind clients of important dates. If you are an accounting firm, be sure to remind your clients when their taxes are due!
19. Ask current clients how you can improve. Then, Implement their suggestions.
20. Never apologize about what you cannot change. Example, If you are a small firm, there is no need for an apology. Play up your strengths! Tell your clients about the one-on-one attention they will receive.
21. Look for free listings in as many as various directories. Get listed in many as possible.
22. Give out key-chains or pens with your company name on it.
23. Mentor newcomers in the field. You never know where they will be tomorrow!
24. Volunteer at a favorite charity. Network with fellow volunteers.
25. Give away t-shirts with your business name and website on it.
26. Create a mastermind group with fellow business owners.
27. Join a Rotary Club or a Lion’s club.
28. Re-connect with old friends from college and let them know what you are up to.
29. Be a matchmaker, introduce people to others who might be able to help them.
30. Follow up with potential clients.
31. Hand write thank-you notes.
32. Get on the phone and call potential leads!
33. Focus on specific clients and specific projects. Carve out a specialty niche for yourself.
34. Get a .com or .org website address.
35. Collect testimonials whenever you can.
36. Offer complimentary introductory sessions to those who may not be familiar with your work.
37. Host a party for current clients. Ask them to invite a guest!
38. Offer a money back guarantee.
39. Create a short, simple quiz for your business.
40. Write a book!
41. Learn to think like your clients. What is their greatest need?
42. Know your competition. Even if you think that we all have something unique to offer and there is no competition, remember that your clients always have a choice. Why should they choose you over another?
43. Anticipate objections and have some answers ready!
44. Network locally through Meetup.
45. Network outside of your industry.
46. Offer free help.
47. Create and learn to tell the “captivating” story behind your business. People love (and remember!) stories more than anything else.
48. Talk about the benefits of your service, not the features.
49. Sponsor small events happening around.
50. Lots of festivals in India. Give lot of festive offers.
51. Be open to learning new things. Like how someone markets their business? Borrow the technique!
52. Don’t make assumptions about your clients, ask them!
53. Get a professional photo taken. Use it with all your materials.
54. Believe in yourself! Marketing is a lot about confidence.
55. Cross promote your business with someone who offers services that complement your own.
56. Create a marketing plan and FOLLOW it.
57. Create a powerful self introduction.
58. Keep in touch with people you meet. You never know where a lead can stem from!
59. Don’t discredit any encounter. Treat everyone with respect.
60. Dress for Success! You are the physical representation of your business.