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Your favorite offline method

by CPAPJason
29 replies
What is your favorite offline marketing method?

I've used a lot of different methods and found that I like door hangers the most. I get some great ROIs from them and know a lot of unemployed people that work for cheap, so it is pretty painless to get them out.

I've noticed a lot of boring ass yard signs posted in my area, so I've avoided those completely. While cheap the message sucks. I've avoided boring ones, I've used nice looking signs to achieve some great results.

I put up a few banners for some gigs, and they did alright, not what I had hoped in the areas that they were in. The yard signs with the same info and all did better in another area.

Anyway, what are your favs?
#favorite #method #offline
  • Profile picture of the author cabaybrown
    Hi Friend, your idea is nice, in my offline method i do Add posting, data entry methods to get extra money for my family. Thanks for sharing your method.
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  • Profile picture of the author bob ross
    I'm all for doorhangers (I use them myself) but hiring people under the table can lead to a lot of problems. Someone gets bit by a dog or trips and falls and you're f****d.
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  • Profile picture of the author CPAPJason
    I 1099 all of the people that work, so they are technically working for themselves. As long as all the paperwork is done before they start, w-9 and your state's -9 form, you are covered for any issues.
    This way I do not have to worry about taking heat for them doing stupid things like putting them on mail boxes, and I have a rule paying attention to "no soliciting" signs, and if they ignore the sign I don't have issues. I listen to the home owner/renter bitch and inform them that each person is self employed, but, I will educate the contractors on the rules or let them go if need be.
    Just do not set times for working and create an employer/employee relationship with them.
    I assign areas/blocks and set a deadline to completion, when completed they can come in to get another assignment.
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    • Profile picture of the author bob ross
      Originally Posted by CPAPJason View Post

      I 1099 all of the people that work, so they are technically working for themselves. As long as all the paperwork is done before they start, w-9 and your state's -9 form, you are covered for any issues.
      This way I do not have to worry about taking heat for them doing stupid things like putting them on mail boxes, and I have a rule paying attention to "no soliciting" signs, and if they ignore the sign I don't have issues. I listen to the home owner/renter bitch and inform them that each person is self employed, but, I will educate the contractors on the rules or let them go if need be.
      Just do not set times for working and create an employer/employee relationship with them.
      I assign areas/blocks and set a deadline to completion, when completed they can come in to get another assignment.
      Actually you're not covered against any issues. Are they really in business for themselves? Do they have an LLC, Corp, or even a DBA? Are you writing checks to them personally or their Business name?

      Are they also doing this service for other people or just working for you? Are you telling them when to pass these out? Are they using your doorhangers to pass out or are they using their own doorhangers to pass out?

      These are the things that the IRS and your state's department of labor will look at should they check.

      By you having a 'rule', you automatically make them look like an employee.

      I know this because I have hired 1099's and tried to protect myself in every way possible, and have suffered the consequences. I've also seen large operations who have every legal precaution in place, suffer the consequences by the state and/or IRS.

      All it takes is someone to apply for unemployment and mention their work history, or an injury happens, and believe me the state and fed will classify them as employees if there's even the most remotest chance possible to.
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      • Profile picture of the author OnlineStoreHelp
        Originally Posted by bob ross View Post

        Actually you're not covered against any issues. Are they really in business for themselves? Do they have an LLC, Corp, or even a DBA? Are you writing checks to them personally or their Business name?

        Are they also doing this service for other people or just working for you? Are you telling them when to pass these out? Are they using your doorhangers to pass out or are they using their own doorhangers to pass out?

        These are the things that the IRS and your state's department of labor will look at should they check.

        By you having a 'rule', you automatically make them look like an employee.

        I know this because I have hired 1099's and tried to protect myself in every way possible, and have suffered the consequences. I've also seen large operations who have every legal precaution in place, suffer the consequences by the state and/or IRS.

        All it takes is someone to apply for unemployment and mention their work history, or an injury happens, and believe me the state and fed will classify them as employees if there's even the most remotest chance possible to.
        I had this happen to a friend of mine. She runs a mystery shopping business and one of her "shoppers" did on the side. Well she lost her job, UE said she had to list all of her income so she put that down and they proceeded to spend 14 dollars in mailings, took her to court to make her pay 2.35 cents of UE insurance.

        Curious, what services you are advertising with door hangers?
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        • Profile picture of the author bob ross
          Originally Posted by OnlineStoreHelp View Post

          I had this happen to a friend of mine. She runs a mystery shopping business and one of her "shoppers" did on the side. Well she lost her job, UE said she had to list all of her income so she put that down and they proceeded to spend 14 dollars in mailings, took her to court to make her pay 2.35 cents of UE insurance.

          Curious, what services you are advertising with door hangers?
          I own an exterior remodeling business and generate a large portion of my leads through canvassing. The canvassers leave a doorhanger when no one answers.
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          • Profile picture of the author grant writer
            I have given free training workshops (live, in-person) that have gotten me some consulting leads. But, the quality of the referrals are a bit suspect. I need to be more thoughtful with this kind of marketing.
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          • Profile picture of the author SirThomas
            Originally Posted by bob ross View Post

            I own an exterior remodeling business and generate a large portion of my leads through canvassing. The canvassers leave a doorhanger when no one answers.
            Nice! Are you using some local canvassing company or hiring directly? I wonder how that would work for an "interior" remodeling company? kitchen cabinets, countertops or bathroom remodels?
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            • Profile picture of the author bob ross
              Originally Posted by SirThomas View Post

              Nice! Are you using some local canvassing company or hiring directly? I wonder how that would work for an "interior" remodeling company? kitchen cabinets, countertops or bathroom remodels?
              I employ a team of canvassers, which include a manager and a few 'field trainers' who supervise the canvassers and work alongside them.

              Canvassing is a goldmine, seriously. I have no doubt at all that it would work for interior remodeling. There are two really good canvassing trainers online and you can learn a lot just from their free articles and youtube videos. Look up tony hoty and chris thompson.
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            • Profile picture of the author fasteasysuccess
              Hey Sir Thomas. It definitely works in that niche and if done right, almost any niche. I helped a client in chicago with his remodeling company. I set up a two-step.

              You start out with the canvasing and generate the lead and if not home, leave the flyer/hanger but not just saying you were there. You need to use direct response for them to call for the appointment/consultation.

              Then when they go, they do the inspection and or project specs-present the bid and then if not closed, they are taken into step 3 and beyond.

              I gave this idea to my friend as well who started doing door to door for a remodeling company (he got a percentage of the project closed) and he told me if he did exactly what I told him to do and it works, he'd buy me lunch.

              Let's just say...he owes me lunches for most likely the rest of my life considering he made so much money that he quit 2 1/2 months later and started his own biz.

              That new biz he startred is another story for another time considering he just wants to "try" this new biz on his own.
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  • Profile picture of the author MarketMaster13
    My offline marketing method is majorly Door hangers,Banners and Posters.I get people do it for me
    It has worked a great deal for me.
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  • Profile picture of the author CPAPJason
    I've not had any major issues, but you have given me a bit more to think about. The rule I mention is a rule of thumb, I give them warning on what not to do and to follow all laws.
    I don't set anything for them, just assign areas, no hours of operations, no certain days, nothing that could directly indicate that they are employees.
    A few do it for others, and some others have their own businesses entities.
    A lot of what causes issues is the scheduling of people, if you create a schedule you create an employee. That is the most violated one that differentiates between a sub contractor and and employee.
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    • Profile picture of the author bob ross
      Originally Posted by CPAPJason View Post

      I've not had any major issues, but you have given me a bit more to think about. The rule I mention is a rule of thumb, I give them warning on what not to do and to follow all laws.
      I don't set anything for them, just assign areas, no hours of operations, no certain days, nothing that could directly indicate that they are employees.
      A few do it for others, and some others have their own businesses entities.
      A lot of what causes issues is the scheduling of people, if you create a schedule you create an employee. That is the most violated one that differentiates between a sub contractor and and employee.
      Man I thought the same at one time. I had 1099's working for me and I covered everything I could. Then I got audited and you are literally at their mercy, where they simply find anything they can to bang you with.

      The state dept of labor is where you'll likely find the most problem because if you're 1099'ing someone most likely they are not getting any workers comp, so they want to find you at fault so that you have to pay comp.

      The really big issue is if someone gets injured. Even though your 1099's are probably totally cool with the way you're setting things up for them to get paid, when the sh** hits the fan and they get injured, their lawyer is going to go right after you.



      Obviously employee payroll isn't an option for 95% of all marketers, so if you're subbing people out or paying under the table, make sure you're at least protected by LLC or Corp so at least you have some protection if a $100,000 injury lawsuit comes your way.
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  • Profile picture of the author SirThomas
    Originally Posted by CPAPJason View Post

    What is your favorite offline marketing method?
    I guess, it depends on what type of business you're promoting. It even differs within some industries. In construction, house painters might have great success with door hangers, but granite counter tops guys will more likely not succeed. Too many upper end properties would have "no soliciting" signs... :-)

    For my construction biz, I'd use mostly my industry "connections" - wholesalers, suppliers, architects, contractors, designers etc. Also, local home shows and targeted mail delivered results, but you absolutely need to follow up on every lead or your dollars are thrown to the garbage.

    I've run many different offline businesses and they all have some ways similar or absolutely different way for promotions. If you're an accountant or financial advisor, door hangers will have very little or no impact at all, but if you're a local pizza place or a car mechanic, you will get results.
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  • Profile picture of the author CPAPJason
    I always have a nice Inc. after the name, lol.
    Never leave home without it.

    I guess it would also depend on the state, and thinking about it, my state is not overly business friendly. I may have to create an account to pop some money in to just in case.
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    • Profile picture of the author midasman09
      Banned
      I've always tried to use "Funnelized-Marketing" where I can Separate Suspects from Prospects.

      Ex: One of my businesses was "Re-Newing" Wood Decks. A buddy found a product that would make a wood deck look like new and STAY THAT WAY for 7 years.

      So....I bought some of the product (I will reveal it here and now. It's called "One-Time")

      Tried it out on my decks and WALLA....the stuff works. So....I found 2 "construction labor guys" .....who were outa work.....got them to do the jobs I sold and....I was off and running to sell Deck Re-Nu jobs.

      However.....I set up my "Sales Funnel" with a Voice Mail Service that gave a 2 min outgoing sales message that "captured" Names & Addresses of HomeOwners who'd like a FREE Estimate for this "New Fangled" product that would INSTANTLY make their Wood Deck look like New....and Stay That Way for SEVEN YEARS!

      I them made up 1,000 flyers that had before & after pictures and Text that said; FREE RECORDED MESSAGE REVEALS HOW YOUR WOOD DECK CAN LOOK LIKE NEW....INSTANTLY, AND, STAY LOOKING LIKE NEW FOR THE NEXT 7 YEARS!
      Phone.....555-1234 x 123 anytime

      My Flyer separated the "Prospects from the Suspects" and my new biz was off and running.

      Instead of having a handful of people phone for every 1,000 flyers...I had over 200.....simply by "getting Prospects into my Funnel!"

      Note: I Did have an "incentive" for Prospects to Phone my Recording and leave their Contact info HOWEVER....I won't divulge it here. (Hey! I gave you the Name of the Product. I usually don't give that out!)

      So.....think of a way to "Separate Prospects from Suspects"!

      Don Alm....entroopeneer
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  • Profile picture of the author internetmarketer1
    Each business is different. Each method I like will usually be something I like for a couple weeks, and then I will find something else that beats it.

    Of course, nothing ever beats the traditional marketing that is done via offline hangers and regular flyers. The Internet is just one place to advertise, but we all know it is where the future of marketing is headed.

    The key is to help a business owner gain customers via all avenues; offline, online, etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jonwebb
    direct mail works well for me.
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  • Profile picture of the author CPAPJason
    Midas, I seen people do that same type of thing have it do no better than a regular flyer. A lot is in the pitch I know, and their pitch looked good.

    IMer1, true, as mentioned by SirTom, things vary within industries themselves, to a point.

    Jon, maybe my pitched sucked, but I found DM to not work well for me. I know a lot of people that just toss DM postcards without a first glance so that may have tainted the effort I put in to it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jonwebb
      Originally Posted by CPAPJason View Post

      Midas, I seen people do that same type of thing have it do no better than a regular flyer. A lot is in the pitch I know, and their pitch looked good.

      IMer1, true, as mentioned by SirTom, things vary within industries themselves, to a point.

      Jon, maybe my pitched sucked, but I found DM to not work well for me. I know a lot of people that just toss DM postcards without a first glance so that may have tainted the effort I put in to it.
      well post cards dont convert as well as letters ( generally) and mailing sequences perfom far better than both.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ashwin kumar k v
    Local classified website works well for me!
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  • Profile picture of the author CPAPJason
    OnlineStore, I a lot of work for local businesses, well regional ones I should say. I did a campaign for a clock maker recently that went well.

    Ashwin, they can work well.

    Sandy, I've never considered such a method, that is interesting.
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  • Profile picture of the author recruitlikedale
    I mainly use 100 dollar dropcards its kinda played out but beleive it are not they still work
    plus i get a kick out of people sneak and pick them lol
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  • Profile picture of the author Fernando Veloso
    Best one, by far, is a good circle of trust with relevant business in your area - and grow from there. Most business owners are friends with another business owners and so on. Once you get into their circle of trust, work flow is steady. If you need something more, a billboard or two in some critic areas (near supermarkets works wonders round here) builds lot's of credibility among potential customers, but be ready to attend meetings and have a staff or freelancers to keep it going.
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  • Profile picture of the author SirThomas
    How are you dealing with "no solicitation" signs? What neighborhoods are better - upper end or middle class type? In Seattle area, I found over the years that "up and coming" neighborhoods were the most responsive to ads. What's your experience?

    I hope my questions are not highjacking the thread. It just felt natural to ask :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author CPAPJason
    Nope, it isn't. It's a good question.

    I find the middle income neighborhoods are the best for most of what I do, lower income areas work good for some of the other stuff. The higher income people I've not had good luck with, but not a lot could be aimed at them. Newer homes and all slows down things. The shelving guy I did some work for had a great turn out in the higher end neighborhoods though.
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  • Profile picture of the author webprogramzone
    Distributing pamphlets in local news paper is one of the best and worked fine for me in local market So i think it is the best method for me another method for me which works is advertisement on backside of local public vehicles
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  • Profile picture of the author Brad Hodge
    When people talk about offline method of advertisement, these things come in the mind banners, distributing pamphlets, ads in the newspaper etc which cause heavy amount of advertisement. The best offline method ever is to post your ads in the newspaper or live commercial on television.
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  • Profile picture of the author CPAPJason
    TV, radio, newspapers......
    They are hit and miss, cheap per ad, but when I have businesses figure it out to cost per customer coming in they noticed that it was far more pricey than they thought. Even taking the LTVs of the customers in to consideration they didn't overly like the ROI.
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