There is no “either/or” answer to the question of whether or not you should be marketing your blog online or offline. Unless you’re trying to keep your blog a secret (which would be weird), you should be utilizing both types wherever they are appropriate.
Of course there are some common sense considerations that need to be made. Your promotional efforts should fit in naturally and shouldn’t seem odd to people.
If you want to do some quick offline marketing without pounding the pavement like a door to door salesman, find a local business networking event to attend in your area. These types of events are great because they’ll put you in contact with lots of business-minded people. The other benefit to these types of events, is that you’re usually allowed to do brief elevator speeches in front of the whole audience.
So when you attend an event like this, go well-prepared with:
- Some business cards that have your web address, email and Twitter profiles in addition to your other contact information.
- A brief description of your blog or website, making sure to highlight how it helps others and makes life easier.
- Go in, appropriately dressed in business attire and don’t just wait for your turn at the mic – the minute you step in, start networking by kindly introducing yourself to as many people as you can. I’m a bit shy, so I have to give myself a quota of about 15 – 20 people. I usually end up talking to more, but to reduce the anxiety and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the crowd, I give myself permission to quit after I’ve satisfied my quota.
- When you’re talking to people, it’s very important that you avoid hitting them with a salespitch. It works so much better if you just aim to get to know the people you meet – find out what they do, and when the conversation naturally turns to what you do, be ready with your brief description or your blog or website and whatever services you offer. Don’t try to close any deals, just exchange business cards or other information and keep going.
This may seem like a whimpy approach, but if you annoy people right off by appearing like a money hungry salesman, they’ll toss your card immediately after you leave their presence and may even warn others to avoid you as well.
Approaching people in a friendly manner, genuinely interested in how you can help them, usually generates better results.
In the few days after I’ve attended an event, I often receive several emails or calls with questions, requests for quotes, and even referrals. Often the people I’ve met will know someone who needs my help, and because I presented myself as a trustworthy individual, they felt comfortable sending business my way.
So give it a try, find out when the next local business networking event will be in your area and get out promote your blog or website.
What other tips could we add here that will make this type of offline marketing more effective?
Kiesha is the author of A Step by Step Guide to a Better Blog. She’s blogs at We Blog Better, is a blog consultant for small business owners. If you’d like to know more, read her extended bio. Connect with her on Twitter, Google and subscribe to her newsletter for blogging tips & tricks.
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Sounds like a plan Kiesha!
I wonder thought, and would like your input, how well do you think a person my age would be received at these networking events. I know there are some larger ones a few hours away but there are also some local ones – seems the general crowd is 40+ business people.
I guess it could be good cause I could bring in a breath of fresh air to traditional business models, especially bringing in my internet knowledge.
As an addition to the post – and related to the this comment – there are many smaller networking groups right around the corner. Many towns and cities have business organizations that would be a great start and perfect to network because they’re pretty much your neighbors.
Start local and move your way up, yeh?
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Hi Murlu,
Use your age to your advantage. As long as you present yourself as a knowledgeable professional, you’ll be fine. And yes, my suggestion would definitely be to start small and locally and then move outward.
-Kiesha
Murray, I thought you were 40+!!!
(Only Joking)
Seriously though, I’ve been to these events previously and I’ve never found anyone to be discriminatory in terms of age. But what does matter is if you’ve got something important to say.
Start by asking questions about them and their business and work out ways to solve the problems or connect people.
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Nice Kiesha!
Now that’s thinking outside the square! I never would have considered that but it is definitely something I need to consider as I build my brand and my online skills. Something I can leverage to an offline business would be the ultimate of finishing touches, so thankyou for the tips, and for getting me into that headspace!
Awesome
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Hi Alex,
As always, I’m glad I could help. I’d love to hear about how this works out for you if you decide to give it a try.
Hey Kiesha,
Great Post, as always.
I think doing offline promotion is really a good idea.
Thanks for the awesome tips kiesha.
~Dev
Dev | Technshare´s last [type] ..The Problem With Google Analytics
Great post Keisha.
I once went to a very formal dinner and during pre dinner drinks a guy came over to me, introduced himself, gave me his card then moved on….
I remember the incident, I sure as hell don’t remember his name or his card…!
Matthew Needham´s last [type] ..Accelerate your growth with a business audit
Kiesha
Awesome post. Networking in person is certainly something that I need to do more of in the future. Your method of making yourself approach 15-20 people seems very viable. Thanks
Steve
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Very interesting idea, Keisha – I must confess I did not give offline promotion much thought.
One idea that came to my mind as I read your post – I should rank my blog locally for all keywords I am optimizing for globally. Picking up some local business this way might give me a huge boost.
Thanks for helping be arrive to this idea, Keisha.
Have a great weekend!
Ana Hoffman
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This is a very interesting idea. I’ve actually thought about marketing my blog offline before, but never quite knew how to do it. Thanks for laying everything out so clearly!
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I have attended a bloggers meet in our city,thats the best thing I have done for my site
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Local networking events are awesome places to hone your “elevator pitch”.
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