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New to Offline

by safe as houses
11 replies
Being new to offline marketing, what would be the first step you would take in setting up in this niche, and after step 1 steps 2,3,4 and 5 and so on, Regards, Mick.
#offline
  • Profile picture of the author fatboy
    I have been doing offline type stuff for about a year now, and I have to say that your first step would be to build a website where you can send potential clients or customers to.

    After you have your website up and going, then you just need to drive traffic to this website. You can do this by email, cold calling, direct mail, PPC and social networking.

    Hope that helps you out.
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  • Profile picture of the author russells
    Hi,

    Welcome to the world of Offlining!

    I've been building my client base for over 12 months now.

    It all starts with a plan and a goal. If you've got an income goal then all you need is a plan to help you attain that goal.

    Firstly, try to brainstorm the various tasks you can offer local businesses.

    Things like:

    1. SEO
    2. Social Media
    3. PPC
    You get the idea. Once you know what area you're going into, you can begin coming up with a price range.

    I didn't have a clue how to price my services when I started out. When I got my first meeting with a prospect I outlined what i could do and he said 'Yes, sounds brilliant, how much?'

    SO I threw a figure at him and he accepted!

    So sometimes it is trial and error.

    I'm here for you if you need any help :-)

    Regards,

    Russ
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  • Profile picture of the author Dexx
    Start by figuring out what you have/know that could provide a true value to local businesses.

    ~Dexx
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  • Profile picture of the author Tim Hoogasian
    None of this is wrong, but have you thought about how you're setting up your own business? Have you created your LLC? Do you have your paperwork and offers set up to go? If you're winging it, they'll be able to tell quickly, and it will cost you deals.

    Businesses are going to feel more comfortable writing checks to "a 'real' business" than to individuals. In addition, you may not think a lawsuit is likely for you, but this isn't a question so much of "probability" as "stakes". (Ie, run your business through an LLC, not as a sole proprieter. As a nice bonus it'll save you big on taxes too.)
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  • Profile picture of the author johnmarshal
    There was nothing new in off page optimization. Just do
    Seo
    PPC
    Social bookmarking
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    • Profile picture of the author kangen
      Originally Posted by johnmarshal View Post

      There was nothing new in off page optimization. Just do
      Seo
      PPC
      Social bookmarking

      Totally agree to this post, i have done this when i was new to the offline.
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      kangen water
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  • Profile picture of the author PaulMark
    I like all that's mentioned. Also, a good thing to do to get you some momentum while building your site, and getting established with what you will offer, is to find some people you know... maybe some friends of friends who have businesses. Do some comp work for them first. Prove to them you got the goods and can do what you say.

    I did this in the beginning. It accomplishes two things:
    1. You get jazzed about accomplishing something in the context of working with another business, and
    2. You'll get to witness people be amazed at your magical abilities to get them found online

    THEN... it just becomes fun.
    And when it becomes fun... WATCH OUT!
    You'll become addicted!
    Signature
    Just PM questions : Paul answers questions about rapid product creation, recurring revenue and creating online training programs. Mark answers questions about SEO, organic traffic, & local business marketing.

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  • Profile picture of the author AdBankPro
    Our company has been successful by contacting small business owners and offering a FREE video profile for their business. 3 out of 10 who accept the free video become local seo clients.
    Signature

    Phil Benham

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    • Profile picture of the author jsherloc
      Originally Posted by AdBankPro View Post

      Our company has been successful by contacting small business owners and offering a FREE video profile for their business. 3 out of 10 who accept the free video become local seo clients.
      Hi AdBankPro,

      What exactly is included in your "video profile", if you don't mind me asking. I'm sure others would be curious as well. Do you do any type of promotion to the free video as well?

      - Jim
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      • Profile picture of the author AdBankPro
        Originally Posted by jsherloc View Post

        Hi AdBankPro,

        What exactly is included in your "video profile", if you don't mind me asking. I'm sure others would be curious as well. Do you do any type of promotion to the free video as well?

        - Jim
        Excellent question. I had been a professional filmmaker for a number of companies which contract with the big directory companies like AT&T, Yelp, and Citysearch...so I was doing these 'profile' videos already and had experience with them. But I just noticed how much money small businesses were paying for almost nothing online! My frustration turned into a positive business by simply telling businesses I would give them a FREE video. That is already what AT&T reps and Citysearch reps tell them they are getting; so it almost puts me at the same caliber as those big companies.

        You could really just do a graphic video with like Apple Motion or Adobe After Effects (no filming but look good...not just the powerpoint videos some are doing). Sure, you could promote it a little if you want. I don't. I just do it for free...really just for free. Then, after I put it up on Youtube with a citation, I'll call them to "get their video approved". I'll tell them how they could use it on their Google Place page as one of their videos and just get into "oh, your Place page is not really showing up in Google..." Bam! Get them to asking questions and set an appointment!

        Shoot, I could give a seminar on this technique and charge real American Dollars, huh? Nah, I just love teaching! In fact, I have a few free videos on my site...(selfish plug, sorry).
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        Phil Benham

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  • Profile picture of the author Avesel
    Here's some suggested things to look into:

    1) Look at whom your ideal customer really is. Is this person even reachable within your budget?

    2) Determine what is so special about your business (I know, sounds obvious, but just open a random page of advertising in the newspaper (E.g. plumbers) and you''ll see this clearly being violated. There's nothing that makes any of them stand out. John the Plumber Inc doesn't seem that much different than Joe The Plumber Inc).

    3) Look that what your maximum budget is, but don't just choose cheap options (I would say be more careful of not spending enough money rather than spending too much money. Some people will disagree, but from my observations, people seem to be too cheap rather than being too thrift spending. For example, I see people making their own business cards.....)

    4) Select specific tools you can use. And make sure you've got enough money and time (dont forget time) to use them WELL.

    5) Find a way to measure how effective each tool is.
    6) Remind yourself to stick with your plan and not come up with a new marketing plan everyday (important).

    Hope that is useful.
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