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What do you think is the hottest topic offline right now?

by Daniel LaRusso
43 replies
There are a lot of things going on right now, and I'm wondering what you think is the hottest topic in offline marketing right now.

In other words, what's the biggest pain that, when you talk to business owners, their eyes light up?
#hottest #offline #topic
  • Profile picture of the author ZachWaldman
    All they care about is their bottom line. If you can make them money, they don't care how you're doing it. Assuming it's legal, that is.
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel LaRusso
      I understand your point, Zach, but that's not what I'm asking. I'm talking about what specific topic gets the most enthusiastic response right now. Making them money is a given.

      Originally Posted by ZachWaldman View Post

      All they care about is their bottom line. If you can make them money, they don't care how you're doing it. Assuming it's legal, that is.
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      It is unwise to trust all you read on the internet.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Clough
    I would have to say SEO and coming up fast is Mobile Text Marketing!
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  • Profile picture of the author JimMichael
    Groupon rocks my small walleted world!
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    .

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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel LaRusso
      Originally Posted by OfferTrunk View Post

      Groupon rocks my small walleted world!
      This is sort of what I was thinking, and this falls in line with what Zach pointed out earlier. The one thing that really MAKES a business money out of all these things is Groupon. The others may help with the image or with drawing customers, but Groupon is a true revenue machine.

      I'd still like to hear what some others say.
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      • Profile picture of the author WillDL
        Originally Posted by Daniel LaRusso View Post

        This is sort of what I was thinking, and this falls in line with what Zach pointed out earlier. The one thing that really MAKES a business money out of all these things is Groupon. The others may help with the image or with drawing customers, but Groupon is a true revenue machine.

        I'd still like to hear what some others say.
        I hear a whole lot of grumbling from many a business about how much they lost doing groupon and how many of the people were bargain seekers who never came back.

        For most business owners there is no hottest trend. It's whatever their problem is at that moment. For many it's people cutting back on discretionary spending because of the recession. For a lot more it's inadequate (or non-existent) customer retention strategies.

        I have to say the big buzz word among consultants are SMS and mobile marketing.
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        • Profile picture of the author Charles Jones
          Originally Posted by WillDL View Post

          I hear a whole lot of grumbling from many a business about how much they lost doing groupon and how many of the people were bargain seekers who never came back.

          The problem with those statements about Groupon being a losing proposition ect is that the business do not know WTF they are doing. They just run the MASSIVELY discounted coupon and it is magically supposed to bring in revenue. Yes, IT IS a great way to bring in short term revenue....but these guys have no idea about how to retain customers NOR even collect their info in order to keep those customers. That is where all the whiners about "groupon sucks" comes into play.

          Why do I say and know this? I own a deal of the day website. Groupon and others have some blame here...they are only customer oriented and do not help the business in any way to mitigate their losses on the front end. They also provide NO tools to help the business retail those customers (here's a secret, they want to keep the list where you will run a coupon again). It doesn't have to be that way. There is SO much opportunity in showing "business owners" how to do the stuff they have no idea how to do...retain and market to customers. They know how to make food, or provide a service, not market most of the time.

          In a word, offline ways to retain customers is the #1 thing....can be SMS, a simple squeeze page to get info before the customer comes in, or even, god forbid, we ask for some basic info when they use the coupon.

          I just always have to put the other side of the coin on all things bashing Groupon and all of the other sites. It is not the concept nor what they charge that sucks....it is the fact that business owner has no idea how to do the other side of their businesses.....that is where we can and should step in....plus you get paid for what you know right??
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          • Profile picture of the author WillDL
            Originally Posted by Charles Jones View Post

            The problem with those statements about Groupon being a losing proposition ect is that the business do not know WTF they are doing. They just run the MASSIVELY discounted coupon and it is magically supposed to bring in revenue. Yes, IT IS a great way to bring in short term revenue....but these guys have no idea about how to retain customers NOR even collect their info in order to keep those customers. That is where all the whiners about "groupon sucks" comes into play.
            Shenanigans.

            With very few exceptions these business owners know exactly what they are doing. They might not know how to use all the most recent tools, i.e. SMS marketing, but no business crossed the 5 year mark, much less the decade mark if they don't know what they are doing. I know business owners who gave very modest (by groupon standards) discounts, have excellent customer retention and tracking strategies, and have shown me the numbers. The groupon customers never came back.

            I'm not saying that no one benefits from Groupon. I'm not saying that there aren't businesses that lost an opportunity to increase their customer base through lack of retention strategies. But your assertion that all the businesses that saw no benefit from Groupon didn't know what they are doing is absurd.

            Regular Groupon users (I mean those who regularly buy and use the deals, not just those signed up for the mailing list) are pretty serious bargain hunters. There is honestly a very narrow range of businesses for whom that is a demographic they want to court.
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            • Profile picture of the author jrobconsult
              Originally Posted by WillDL View Post

              Shenanigans.

              With very few exceptions these business owners know exactly what they are doing. They might not know how to use all the most recent tools, i.e. SMS marketing, but no business crossed the 5 year mark, much less the decade mark if they don't know what they are doing..
              I would have to strongly disagree with your statement. I worked with many business owners thru the United States with decades of being in business, and they were poorly managed. The owners were resistant to change and what worked just as few years ago is not effective now.

              As for Groupon, I have purchased over 20 offers and you know how many have attempted to collect my contact info? That would be zero.

              Groupon is not for all businesses and it takes a lot of creativity and planning to be successful. Most small business owners will not put in the work needed or hire a professional to help them.

              I hope the bad rap continues for Groupon. That means more easy money for me.
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              • Profile picture of the author Norbi
                Originally Posted by jrobconsult View Post

                I would have to strongly disagree with your statement. I worked with many business owners thru the United States with decades of being in business, and they were poorly managed. The owners were resistant to change and what worked just as few years ago is not effective now.

                As for Groupon, I have purchased over 20 offers and you know how many have attempted to collect my contact info? That would be zero.

                Groupon is not for all businesses and it takes a lot of creativity and planning to be successful. Most small business owners will not put in the work needed or hire a professional to help them.

                I hope the bad rap continues for Groupon. That means more easy money for me.
                Being in the industry as well, I would have to agree with you. After running over 200 promotions, do you know how many actually do something to collect data? 1! It actually shocked my company what this lady was doing. She had over 75% RETENTION rate on deals, incredible. She also is a very intelligent business owner.
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      • Profile picture of the author thehypnoguy
        Originally Posted by Daniel LaRusso View Post

        This is sort of what I was thinking, and this falls in line with what Zach pointed out earlier. The one thing that really MAKES a business money out of all these things is Groupon. The others may help with the image or with drawing customers, but Groupon is a true revenue machine.

        I'd still like to hear what some others say.
        Groupon is not a revenue generator for anyone but Groupon. Groupon is a bank buster and company killer. With the amount left over for the business owner and the payout system that Groupon has it is a wonder any business is able to fulfill the sales after they are made.

        I know as a business owner I would say you want me to what. Yeah, when !@&; freezes over

        Martin Blakley
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  • Profile picture of the author jrod014
    Mobile apps + mobile websites.
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  • Profile picture of the author Doran Peck
    Offline?

    All of those choices require a computer and an Internet connection.

    Really it would be more appropriate to call marketing to/for brick and mortar businesses "real marketing" which can include "Internet" venues.

    Everything else is just affiliate marketing...which isn't anywhere close to being real marketing.
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  • Profile picture of the author MsMotivation1
    mobile has been the thing that gets the most excitement out of my prospects... they think it's cool and they always say "EVERYBODY is on their cell phones all the time... "

    even though some of them still haven't committed to anything, their eyes do light up when i say "mobile"....

    when i first started in this business, i would try to go in to sell SEO services and as soon as I said "SEO" and start talking about it, their eyes gloss over and they get this confused look on their faces... lol
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  • Profile picture of the author stefalex
    Mobile apps!!!
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    • Profile picture of the author jrod014
      Originally Posted by stefalex View Post

      Mobile apps!!!
      Yup, I would have to agree. I just developed a app for a flooring client and he really likes it.

      I used a simple online, point and click app builder.

      Now, I'll be going after restaurants. I think they will be able to benefit most from mobile apps.

      Jerry
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      • Profile picture of the author ltplenus
        Originally Posted by jrod014 View Post

        Yup, I would have to agree. I just developed a app for a flooring client and he really likes it.

        I used a simple online, point and click app builder.

        Now, I'll be going after restaurants. I think they will be able to benefit most from mobile apps.

        Jerry
        Which one are you using Jerry ?
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        • Profile picture of the author jrod014
          Originally Posted by ltplenus View Post

          Which one are you using Jerry ?

          Hey,

          PM sent with the info!

          They have great pricing plus, no start up fees(like the other app builders have).

          Good luck!

          Jerry
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          • Profile picture of the author MoneyMagnetMagnate
            Originally Posted by jrod014 View Post

            Hey,

            PM sent with the info!

            They have great pricing plus, no start up fees(like the other app builders have).

            Good luck!

            Jerry
            Hi Jerry - would you mind sending me that info link too? PM me! Thanks much!
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            • Profile picture of the author jrod014
              Originally Posted by MoneyMagnetMagnate View Post

              Hi Jerry - would you mind sending me that info link too? PM me! Thanks much!

              Sure,

              PM sent with the details.

              Jerry
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            • Profile picture of the author MoneyMagnetMagnate
              Ah LaRusso, "Waxing" again I see...,?

              All in all, I think the hottest idea would be ways to easily incorporate ALL these platforms into 1 big social media package.

              I mean, people already get their Twits and Fans going to mobile...and apps will get them there easier...plus there is now recognition software coming out that allows a user to just "take a picture" of a building or street sign (for example)and the phone goes right to a link or map!
              we just need to find a "worm hole"
              as far as mobile goes, Japan is WAY ahead of us on this - are there any Warriors in Japan who can update us on any new tech advancements ?
              Cheers,
              3M

              (now show me... "sand the floor" & "paint the fence" :rolleyes: )

              btw...I saw an app the other day where you can fill your bath and have it ready when you get home? Crazy!
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          • Profile picture of the author advancedyn
            Jerry, could you PM me with it too, please?

            Thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author SubUrbanHype
    I think mobile apps, and in app ads (something I think will be HUGE soon) are going to be things to really focus on. Google+ also, trying to find a way to use that for businesses and marketing purposes, especially since the "circles" feature really censers a lot of content if they don't want to see it.
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  • Profile picture of the author nareshsaini
    I think Mobile apps

    mobile websites

    Thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author ltplenus
    Yep,got it and replied to it ;-)
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  • Profile picture of the author Tiduslite8
    I'm going to throw in my thoughts here and say that Google Places is the king.

    Let me explain: aside from all of the people that are now more inclined to search online for local goods and services, we now have a ton of people with smart phones. The Android powered phones (Google) are seeing over 400,000 activations per day.

    So, here you are, out for the evening and with your trusty smart phone in your pocket. You come out and find that your car won't start (or some other vehicular inconvenience). You pull out your phone and do a search for "Towing". Groupon and Facebook aren't going to be of use for you in this instance.

    You're at home and your central AC is starting to act weird. You pull out your phone (or use your desktop or laptop) and look up "air conditioning service". Mobile websites aren't going to be of use there. You want a local business that will quickly come out and handle the problem, so you're not looking for who is #1 for the term, but who is top of the charts for local.
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  • Profile picture of the author cbest
    I agree, what is really biting business owners is Groupon and not using it effectively ie generating their own list from their Groupon deal and then being able to market repeatedly to those customers.

    Christine
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  • Profile picture of the author TrumpiaTim
    In my humble opinion, I believe SMS Mobile Marketing is the hottest topic in offline marketing currently.
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    • Profile picture of the author DazedandConfused
      Originally Posted by TrumpiaTim View Post

      In my humble opinion, I believe SMS Mobile Marketing is the hottest topic in offline marketing currently.
      While I agree SMS is hot,
      Are you not a little biased, TrumpiaTim?
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      • Profile picture of the author boorn
        Hmmm, very interesting thread indeed. I have spent over 20 years in business. Offline. Online and in-between.

        Where I see a lot of business owners is they're very pressed for time. After a couple of tough years staff levels are down and so forth.

        So if you can come to them and say "I can handle your marketing" they will listen (assuming you have credentials). I don't think there's a point looking for a fad. As some posters have already pointed out, it's about offering a solution. Mobile, Twitter, Google Places, FB and more. And if you start by helping them you don't even need to sell them on the idea.
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  • Profile picture of the author Richard Britton
    I agree with jrod014, definitely mobile websites and apps.. google places business listings and SEO services are also hot right now..
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  • Profile picture of the author MVF
    Yeah, Groupon doesn't help any with customer retention in the long run, many are complaining about that and I do agree with many of the above comments.

    Also, the answer to your question kinda depends on what businesses you want to help out and what you can offer. Truth be told, many don't even know what SMS or Mobile marketing is, so when you bring it up to them they get really excited at the possibilities.

    Honestly, the best way to find out what the client is interested in is just asking what they're biggest challenge has been in the past year, hear them out and then provide multiple solutions.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark_Austin
    Another vote for mobile websites here!
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  • Profile picture of the author furniture4kids
    Mobile websites are more commonly used in these days.
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  • Profile picture of the author nagendrabandi1980
    facebook and direct mailing is good option.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mary Wilhite
    In some way all five are important,cause everything leads to business.cheers.
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    • Profile picture of the author jrod014
      Originally Posted by Mary Wilhite View Post

      In some way all five are important,cause everything leads to business.cheers.
      Very true.

      I just went to a local pizza joint with my wife last night and while I waited for my pizza I asked if I could leave some business cards by the register.

      This sparked some conversation (I'm sure because I purchased a pie) about what I do etc.

      I told them about mobile apps and how I can make an app for their pizza shop that allows customers to "check in" and share it on facebook/twitter and how it can also "unlock" a coupon to the customer once "checked in".

      Also, how you can send in app messages to their customers for free about deals and it doesnt cost them any text messages or rates!

      They were super excited and I have an appointment with them this week!

      So I would agree all are important but mobile apps/websites are on the rise.

      Jerry
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  • Profile picture of the author jrod014
    I think the OP should include mobile apps in the pole.

    Here is a simple app I built for my flooring guy. Customers can even upload a pic of their current flooring for my client to see and offer suggestions via the app!

    https://market.android.com/details?i...etwagon.layout

    It was made with a simple online point and click app builder.

    Jerry
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  • Profile picture of the author brett301005
    Groupon is a very expensive way to generate a sale.

    Groupon want a heavy discount to start with, often you will see a 50% discount, then Groupon wants 50% of the sale, so that leaves 25% left for the business owner.

    That's a cost per client of 75%, thats one expensive way to get a client.

    Groupon keep the clients contact details, so its up to the business owner to capture the clients details for a followup sale.

    Groupon would be better off teaching the Business Owner to use an in-expensive product to get clients to enter the businesses sales funnel for future sale.

    It appears to be another one of those Marketing Companies that call small businesses with no marketing plan, who don't know their numbers and promising the world.

    The biggest pain for a client?

    Not knowing how all this stuff fits together!!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel LaRusso
    It's been interesting to me to see this thread evolve. I probably should have put apps as a choice, but didn't really think about that, and I don't know if I can now add to the poll.

    Basically, mobile websites (and probably apps) are getting about as many votes as everything else combined. I would have thought that Groupon and Facebook are the big hitters, but that goes to show that you can't go into any discussion assuming the results.

    This is actually good for me, and I guess I need to not worry about being a jack of all trades, and get out there and continue to get in front of people. Lead with questions, deliver solutions, and be a specialist in one area (like mobile).

    Not every business is a good fit for this, but that's what prospecting is for.
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  • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
    Ummmm...a 1. website and 2. a decent website they are not afraid to send people too. Do u realize how many businesses still do not have even a most basic site or know how to integrate their print marketing with it? To us it's baby talk but to them, it's magic. Once Im in with that I show them customer relationship building with free info and they thing Im a miracle worker.

    Think of it, 95% of websites are not working for small business owners. Show them how it can and their ears listen!

    Btw, I can name maybe 10 businesses that would really benefit from mobile and 9 are ones that cant afford it (in my city). Yet I can name thousands and thousands that can benefit from a better site that collects customers and builds relationships with them automatically.
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    I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
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    • Profile picture of the author WhyGuy
      It may not be the hottest topic around the country, but Google Places is certainly getting some focus here in Portland. Google has put employees out on the street visiting businesses to get them to claim their Google Places page. The guy who visited me at a non-profit was at a dog washing place before me and was then heading out to a restaurant. He wasn't trying to sell me anything, just getting our Google Places page filled out, and left me with some free stuff.

      --DjA
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