If I wanted to promote my graphics design business offline, how would I do so? How would I be able to receive offline clients? Approach businesses with proposals personally? What about etablishing the business and letting the clients come to us instead of to them?
I would advertise in my local newspapers, pass out flyers to local business, put a bumper sticker on your car advertising your biz, etc...
I see that a dead-end, at least in my country. You're probably better off working in a large communication company that works with big brands. You're gonna have less headache and make more money.
As said above, post in your local newspaper. Hand flyers out where you can, and maybe go round local businesses asking etc.
That's quite the tough market as there are a lot of these companies here I guess it's best to partner up with another business instead?
Its an oversaturated business but as far as advertising and getting offline clients you need to advertise in local paper, do a small direct mailing campaign finding local businesses that may need your work and sending them a letter even printed from your home printer that is professional just telling your services and prices.
Sorry to bother but why would you want to take the design business offline? Everything seems a lot easier if you go through the internet. But if you wanted to go about it I guess it would be sort of a "sign" company. I personally have never seen a "graphic design" company, but rather companies that design graphics and then produce them on goods (signs, shirts, mugs, etc.)
There are graphics design agencies around.. but you're right it is easier via the internet but I think it would be quite a good experience getting out there and meeting clients, etc.
im suprised that no one has mentioned business cards. go into other businesses and ask if you can leave a coupl eon the counter. most will ablige. advertise in the news paper. have some vinyl graphics printed out for the rear windshield of your car or truck or even a full body vinyl (though that is a bit pricey). do a mailing list. print up some flyers, take out an ad in the yellow pages (or local phone book) not just your number in there but an actual ad. pass out some smaller free vinyl graphics around custom car shops and stuff. (people love free things) when it comes to promoting, you may be giving away "free" stuff but as word gets around your business will grow and it will pay for itself. hope some of these tips help you out. though i would personally do on and offline business. let your local customers order through an online interface or something as well. it's much easier to shop from home.
I love the idea of business cards I haven't gotten some printed in a while! Should definitely revive that!
Business Post Cards? I think this is a creative way to get people interested in your business. I think doing a competition here for a post card design and have a company print them out... then mail them... would be good... but be good with your marketing and in deciding who you will mail them out too... Business cards always work... my business seems to get real slow when I don't hand any out... Lhlalyam