Have any of you gone into real life marketing ideas? I mean anything from handing out pamphlets, to billboards or TV ads? Getting an ad printed in the newspaper or specific newsletter for your websites topic? I am wondering if there things are far less worthwhile then internet advertising. I guess it depends on the type of site you are advertising too as well. If so, how did it go?
I am assuming you "Offline marketing" considering online measures such as PPC and other methods are "Real marketing" efforts. Anyhow, no, I haven't done much of it, I would say the extent and closest I have come is Craigslist which is similar to classified ads. I think to do offline marketing you need the right product and a local market that is passionate about what you are selling.
Depends on the type of site you have. But you can ... Distribute flyers...ie at malls and shopping centers /apartment complexes Post on bulletin boards....at laundry mats/some grocery stores and coffee shops have boards Best Wishes
I think offline marketing has more impact as it makes the company seem more real. But it's also a lot harder, more expensive, harder to track, and less targeted. Like has been stated, it depends on your site. So called "guerilla marketing" is the best for low-cost potentially viral campaigns. Also getting press coverage in newspapers/tv/magazine/radio is good plus makes you seem like an expert.
during my vacation last month i left business cards with just my url printed on it. must have left over 1500 of them laying around 14 states good results
Offline marketing can give good results provided you are in a niche that can be promoted well offline.
I have done some real marketing with restaurant and hotel. Newsletter and magazine pr..I think the best marketing strategy either online or offline is networking and building community.
I recently started a site with a friend about daily drink and bar specials in Chicago. It still needs a lot of work but we have played around with some 'offline marketing'. Since our site is targeted at a local audience and a specific niche, putting up posters at bars, cafes, laundromats and on lamp posts makes since for us to try. We just make simple fliers and copy them on a photocopier at my work basic and almost free... I have noticed a slight increase in direct traffic on the days following our hanging of the posters. Can't say that it is actually form the posters, but it can't hurt. At the very least it increases awareness of our site/brand.
I have vinyl on my vehicles, I distribute printed information through mail and locally. I do business cards, hand out jackets, t-shirts, and hats. I also sponsor local and other sporting events to help get the name recognized and in front of real people to know we aren't just a couple people sitting in a room making a website. It helps your credibility a lot in conjunction with online advertising.