Digital marketing is life. But, non-digital marketing can still be effective. Because social media and other digital channels are so easily accessible, we forget. Here are 20 non-digital marketing tips for your 2020 marketing strategy.
1. Mail is still powerful.
So many of us associate mail with bills. So, receiving something from a company or brand we love amongst the pile of bills is magical. If it makes sense, find a way to thank or connect with your customers in their mailbox. It’s effective because it’s unexpected.
2. Pick up the phone.
Similar to mail, we forget that hearing a voice is rare. Don’t use the phone simply to sell. Try using phone calls to thank your customers, check and see how their experience was, offer a discount, or simply say hi. Likely, they won’t answer your call. So, be prepared to leave a short message and leave it there. It can still be effective.
3. Have an event.
This option may seem like a daunting suggestion. But, I’d suggest trying to keep it simple. Schedule a meetup amongst your customers. Host a meet & greet with your team. Invite your audience to a celebration. You don’t have to go from zero to a 3-day conference. Seeing your customers face-to-face if you usually sell online can be incredibly refreshing for all involved.
4. Attend other’s events.
This tip can vary from merely registering yourself and some team members to attend a conference to being a vendor at the event. Be present and in support of other events in your industry or area. If it makes sense for your business, attend a customer’s event. Let them see that you appreciate them by supporting their efforts.
5. Use publication media.
People do still buy magazines and newspapers. If your audience likes to flip the pages, you should be there. It may not be the bulk of your marketing strategy, but don’t overlook this traditional marketing channel. Industry publications are extremely effective marketing channels if you have a niche market.
6. Sponsor events.
From professional teams and conferences to little league games, sponsorship is a fantastic brand awareness option. If every time a 6-year old sends one into the outfield, your brand name or logo is the backdrop, you are sending your message home in pictures, videos, and more! Look around your community for ways to sponsor. It’s also a great way to be connected in your area.
7. Join membership organizations.
Have you ever been to one of your area’s chamber of commerce meetings or events? Organizations are a great way to network, grow brand awareness, and find new customers.
8. Volunteer.
In the lane of community connection, volunteering is both helpful and great for brand awareness. Imagine your team in branded t-shirts helping feed the homeless or cleaning a community. The great part is that volunteering can only benefit all involved. Your community is better, and your brand awareness grows for free.
9. Use billboards.
Though there are now digital billboards, we will still put this in the non-digital category. Know your audience well enough to know if driving by and seeing your brand could be effective. If you have a physical location, this could be a great way to remind consumers that you’re nearby. Pay attention to the billboards you pass over the next few days. Then, decide if you’re missing an opportunity.
10. Post flyers.
Coffee shop and college campus marketing still work. Don’t underestimate the power of paper presence. If you know of places your audience may find themselves waiting or sitting for a while, see if you can post a flyer to inform them of what you have going on.
11. Collaborate with pop-ups.
If there are brands in your area that share a customer segment, see if doing a “pop-up” in their location makes sense for both of you. You get the opportunity to cross-market and grow both audiences.
12. Use your vehicles.
In some industries, this idea can be a full car wrap. For others, this tip can be as simple as a bumper sticker. While your company vehicles are in traffic, could you be raising your brand awareness? With a vehicle magnet, you may even decide only to use it when you’re attending certain types of events where you know your audience will be in attendance. If it makes sense for your brand, give it a try.
13. Attend networking events.
There are surely hundreds a month in every city. Take a scroll through Eventbrite or local calendar platforms and find where industry professionals or your target audience is gathering. Shake hands, exchange contact information, and follow up to build new relationships.
14. Wear company paraphernalia.
While you’re out networking, don’t simply depend on the “Hello, my name is ____.” nametag. Get company nametags for yourself and your team members. Wear company shirts, hats, etc. Be sure you brand your physical presence while you’re in the company of potential customers or connections.
15. Be a speaker.
Your business or brand becomes elevated when you or a team member is a speaker at an event. Encourage your team to look for opportunities to represent your business as a speaker if they are interested. When you send them off, see number 14.
16. Use printed collateral.
Having a rack card, brochure, or folder to give out as you meet people can be very effective marketing. Encourage your team to always keep a few copies of your printed collateral available just in case an opportunity presents itself. We often only think of having our business cards. How can you be sure the new contact understands what you offer? Put it in their hands.
17. Use your building.
For those with physical locations, your windows and walls are often an overlooked opportunity for marketing. If you have lots of walking traffic, be sure you are capturing attention. Remember, if those passing by can see into your space, your decor is also a form of marketing. Be sure it’s inviting and intereting.
18. Give tours.
If you have a physical location, offer people a tour where the magic happens. If you have a plant or warehouse, this can be great for potential customers and loyal clients alike. People often want to know how your product or service is created. Be transparent by letting them see. Offer them something special (a discount or offer) for visiting and send them away with some swag.
19. Brand on public transportation.
If you’re company or brand is in an area where public transportation is utilized heavily, look into putting your company logo on bikes, buses, train, signs in terminals, and more. Follow your own commuting journey for a week. Take note of where you see marketing and decide if your business or brand should be seen in that space.
20. Have fun.
Stage a takeover of a fun place with yourself and team decked out on company gear. Take a company field trip to a mall and shop around. Find out-of-the-box ways to remind people that you are here, approachable, and may be their next favorite brand.
Marketing your business, brand, or organization in 2020 has plenty of space offline to thrive! Take what applies best and try something new.
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