Thread: Need Site Traffic? Think Outside the Net

Hi, I'm new here but wanted to share some marketing tips.
Most of us don't have the budget for TV spots or radio ads, but there are ways to advertise to alot of people for a relatively low cost. Having a good SEO or paying for Adwords are great, but remember, people do go outside once in a while. So here are some low budget ways to get your site noticed outside of the internet.

-Business Cards - These are really cheap to get your hands on. Pass them out to people when your at a social event or gathering. Don't forget to include your site's name and address, any relevant phone numbers, and maybe a catchy slogan. If you package your own merchandise, be sure to include one or more in every package.

-Bulletein Boards - Many indiviually owned stores have a bulletin board where you can place ads, usually they're in the front of the store. You've probably seen them, you can post yard sale notices, apartments for rent, car sales, and even an ad for your site. It would probably be cheaper to pay Kinko's to run off copies, especially if you use color, considering the cost of ink and paper these days.

-Coasters - Find a local printing company in your yellow pages (that big yellow book that ends up on your porch every 6 months or so) and print up some cardboard coasters with your site and info. Take these to local bars and ask the manager if he'll use them (he will almost say yes, since its free product for him to use) Cardboard coasters can and do get used more then once, (a pack of 100 might get used for 150+ drinks), so more people will see them and maybe even take one home if they're enticed enough.
Cocktail napkins work too, they are cheaper, but only get used once.

-Pens & Pencils - Have some made up with your site info and pass them out. When you go to a restaurant and pay with a credit card, "accidentally" leave your pen behind. The server will take it and read it, then hand it to other customers who are using CC's. How many time do you think that pen with get noticed? Or someone asks to borrow a pen, "Here ya go, keep it. I got extra.

-Promo Codes - If your checkout software allows, use these in your various forms of advertising to not only entice customers (they love something for free or discounts) but also to track how well your strategies are working. If you are using multiple forms of advertising, use a different code on each one (coasters have XYZ, flyers have ZYX, etc)

-PostCards - Ever get a 3x5 postcard ad in the mail? You can go to your post office and have these sent out to "Resident" after postage is paid. However, given the price of a stamp these days, you might think thats will get expensive. An alternative is to have some sitting by the door at a restaurant or bar where they have the free newspapers and magazines. Most places won't have a problem with it, but remember to get permission form the manager or owner.

-Charities & Auctions - If your budget allows, donate some of your merchandise to a local charity in your site's name. You can also donate stuff to a charity auction courtesy of your site. The auctioneer will announce the product and who donated it. If possible attend the event to hobnob with people and promote yourself, hand out pens and business cards. BONUS: Donations are tax deductible, consult your CPA for more details.

Lastly
-YOU- You are the most important piece of the advertising puzzle. Promote yourself. When you meet new people, introduce yourself as "Hi, I'm John Smith with USA Shopping" Let everyone know you have a website, and talk it up (without being annoying).
Word of Mouth is the best form of advertisement (albeit the slowest). When you hear good things from a satisfied customer, it speaks volumes. In some cases you can even play the role of satisfied customer. Someone says "wow thats a nice handbag, where'd you get it?" "I stumbled across this site called USA Shopping, the price was awesome. They have alot of cool stuff there."
When to play "satisfied customer" and yourself is an art form rather than a science and will take time to learn which role is better in which situation.

A good printing company should be able to provide all of the above, if not they can point you in the direction of someone who can. Thats all I have for now. If you have any more ideas or comments, feel free to share. There are lots of more ways to market your product.