Many new online business owners are under the impression that since they have an online business, they need to focus strictly on marketing online. This couldn’t be further from the truth. When it comes to marketing your business there are many different means available. Not every avenue is going to bring the same results for every business. What works, or doesn’t, is going to vary based upon who your target market is.
I will give you two very different ends of the spectrum, as these are businesses that I have and am familiar with the day-to-day marketing of. For my blog, my marketing is strictly online. My readers come from forums, email signatures, twitter, facebook and blogging groups. While my family reads my blog, most of my Return on Invest isn’t coming from offline marketing. I know bloggers that do have business cards, but I can’t speak for them as to what that method brings in for readers.
Opposite end of the spectrum is my Virtual Assistant business. My Virtual Assistant clients have come primarily from networking. This has been both online and offline networking. I talk about what I do when people I know ask. I have my little elevator speech when I am introduced to a new entrepreneur. I have yet to land a client through facebook or twitter, though I hear it on occasion does happen. I still use those methods, but it is not where I focus a majority of my time because I know it doesn’t bring the best returns.
I know some business owners in direct sales that stick solely to offline marketing. They network, send direct mailers, usually a monthly newsletter, but their primary return comes from getting out there and talking to people about what they do and what they offer.
What means work best for you is going to depend on your business and your target market. Feel free to try them all, but if something is not working focus your time, energy and money on those methods that bring the results. Don’t keep trying to squeeze blood out of turnip.
What crazy situation has landed you a new client or customer?
About Angie
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