Must have tools for the offline marketer

[marishal]

I like your approach already

1) I don't have a website, I was thinking about buying this template: Live preview for WordPress theme #40241
2) No business card either, working on that this weekend. Where can I get a bad ass business card?

No problems for the hard work. I'm already working hard for someone else and I'm super motivated to get out.

 

[netmoney1]

I like your approach already

1) I don't have a website, I was thinking about buying this template: http://www.templatemonster.com/demo/40241.html
2) No business card either, working on that this weekend. Where can I get a bad ass business card?

No problems for the hard work. I'm already working hard for someone else and I'm super motivated to get out.

Yeah, def make sure your site is fully set up before you approach these people. As far as cards it depends on what you want to spend. Just starting off I would get some basic ones - find a local printer or go the vista print route - then once $$ is rolling in you can get all kinds of crazy with the cards...carbon fiber...metal...bottle opener, etc

Also, do you have a logo? Don't go cheap on the logo - get one that stands out - don't do a fiverr $5 crap logo - spend $99 and get a great one - after all that is your brand. If you don't have a logo yet let me know and I can point you to some good people here on BHW that do great design work.

 

[CEPI]

It really depends on what you are "offline" marketing. Just general web services? Social media? You didn't really mention what niche you are working within.

 

[Tunenchi]

learn conversations with different types of people and how to keep them shorter and more beneficial, keep contacts, always end up conversation like you will come back soon. Stay productive and creative everyday those should be your tools, now exploit them.

 

[Moosey]

Actually I find a good CRM system to be very helpful. Managing multiple clients can get real messy very fast, keep it organized from the beginning and it will save you in the long run. Not to mention, you'll have a system in place when you're ready to start hiring employees.

 

[thedorf]

Since I sell websites offline I love my Hostgator reseller account for < $30 month. I bank on this one.

 

[PeaceLoveSubmission1]

If you haven't got any existing clients, make your own personal "seo company" or freelancer website, make a start ranking it locally for the SEO keywords, such as "SEO cityname" also make some other local websites for niches such as accounting plumbing etc, ranking them for there keywords so at least you have some sort of previous work to show your future potential clients. Once the local sites are ranking, start looking through google places for listings in those niches that dont have a website, make sure there on page 5 or something, pitch them on the phone and tell them how you have a website in there niche at the top of google and the phone doesn't stop ringing. let them see the calls for a few days by giving them leads. They will buy it off you but on the condition that they get to have you as their seo guy. Now you have 1 client and a sale of a website and something to show in your portfolio. Next do the same to the other site while also cold calling the niches in local area who are not on page 1 of google or don't have websites. At the same time make sure your ranking your local seo company website. Now just keep working, expanding, don't stop until you have huge portfolio and client base. Work 14 hours a day if you have to. Thats exactly how i started... and it works trust me.

 

[rikketik]

Offline marketing is based on your connections and your social power.

It totally depends on what you do, but contacts are surely one of the main tools...

Biz cards, a good sense of fashion and confidence can surely take you far.

Definitely true!

I'll add the question: Why will people need me (or my product) into it?
You can't force people to want you or buy your products. But if you hand out some interests and answer your clients questions with follow questions who will eventually lead to you and/or your product; you develop a client who definitely need you.

 

[Bonaparte]

So much great information in this thread. I agree that it's best to be a gregarious person that's capable of reaching out to others, that's a great way to meet new clients.

 

[louisvu]

You must be willing to go without sleep to get things done. Just basically conditioning your body and mind for work. Outsourcing is the way to work smart also you can't do it along. When Henry Ford was put on trial for being a confidence man he responded to every question with the response. "I don't know personally but I have buttons at my desk thay can summon any questions I have about my business.

 

[fjones5757]

I'd say if you're just staring out and don't have a solid grasp on things, find a reputable source to outsource, and just start selling. Make sure the people are truly getting good results, this is key (if web design, make sure they are building great websites. If SEO getting people ranked ect). Take the confidence you have in what they are doing, and convey that to your prospects. Confidence goes a long way in making the sale.

Use the credibility they have, and use any examples of work they have done, if you can get any, to show the prospects. Go out and actively market your service in whatever way suits you best (cold call, walk ins, email, something else online), and ask for the sale.

As you figure things out, replace the outsourcer with your own product/service.