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promoting a website offline, what is your take on this approach?

by ryansjones
3 replies
You know, a new strategy that I am kicking around when it comes to promoting my websites is that I am thinking about trying some offline strategies. Here are some methods I am thinking of:

1. printing out flyers to put by my mailbox, at public buliten boards, etc.
2. showing my sites off with friends and family.
3. get business cards when I can afford them
4. when I get the money, I might start posting ads in the local newspapers (such as the Seattle times and Everett Herald).

Have any of you used offline advertising methods? If so, what is your experience with them?
#approach #offline #promoting #website
  • Profile picture of the author GuerrillaIM
    classified advertising is a good way to drive traffic but its not cheap. What product are you selling?
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  • Profile picture of the author artwebster
    Have a look round at main line newspapers and local newspapers - many of them have an online issue nowadays where you can place classified ads for free.

    I have been using these for several years and they are more responsive than paid classifieds for my specialty.
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    • Profile picture of the author wbakhos
      Hi,

      One of my first jobs in the online world came for a major online directory. We did a whole load of advertising in newspapers, magazines etc. However what we found is that people tend to flick through especially if they see an advertisement. Even if they did see an advertisement the % that saw the ad, remembered it, then went on their computer and looked it up was minimal.

      Also never bother with flyers... you will never cover the costs as the ROI is terrible on those things. So I would strongly recommend avoiding that option.

      However what I do think works, and has worked for me, is to get a little bit creative offline. For example see if you could get a cheap advertorial in the local paper which is more of a write up about your site/products rather than an ad. People look at these and will be more likely to be 'referred' to your site by the paper than simply referred to the site by an advertiser. One way you can get this done cheap is to give them some advertising space on you site in return for a discount on the advertorial or possibly even a full swap for advertising. This would be money far better spent than printing out flyers.

      Also send out press releases to the papers as they may just check out your site and write about it. Just find out the contacts for press releases (should be on their website) give them a call to say you are sending them a press release (they get thousands on unsolicited emails so your one will stand out if you have already spoken to them... handy technique) and send away. It may take time and a bit of effort, but you could get some great free exposure this way.

      All the best

      Cheers
      Will
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