The advent of e-commerce made a massive change in the way people searched for items and shopped for the goods and services that they need. When e-shopping peaked in the early 2000s, the majority of the world thought that brick and mortar stores would soon be a thing of the past.
But now, with the abundance of retail stores, it is evident that retail shops are here to stay. In the same token, most companies, even new online startups, cannot merely rely on the internet for everything. There will always be something that needs an offline strategy. Read on below to find out what these offline approaches are:
Not everything can be digital
Not every office transaction can be digital. If you’re thinking of letting go of your printer to go the paperless route then think again. Legal documents like contracts, permits, and certificates still need hard copies. With thick sales reports and inventory lists, it would be handy to have some binding equipment in your office.
On top of that, it is also critical for your company to have a lamination machine because this handy device could laminate many essentials for you such as: advertising booklets, award certificates, brochures, table-top displays, flip charts, door signs, ID cards, a list of procedures, wall hangings, and more. Laminating these important things with sturdy USI Laminate products are cost-effective for you because they will not be easy to destroy and they will last longer.
Aside from this, 3D printers can also be handy to have in your office because it allows you to make a 3D prototype object of your product from a digital file. This is more handy and affordable than the traditional method of hand cutting. Examples of objects that can be made from a 3D printer are eyewear, braces for dentistry, movie props, architectural models, and the like.
Consider the traditional form of advertising with print
Although digital marketing with online ads is now popular, you cannot discount the value of a print campaign. This can help your e-commerce business by catering to a wider audience and building a more extensive level of trust with your clients. A company that successful covers the offline arena somehow inspires loyalty in a much better way when compared with those that only focus on digital marketing.
Studies indicate that 40% of online purchases are actually influenced by what people see when they are offline. Instead of fully migrating to a purely digital way of living, people have successfully brought the digital components into the world to enhance their way of living.
Nothing can compensate for human interaction
Not everything can be done online to grow your business. You will have to do that all-important art of networking. You can do this by joining various clubs, business groups, and professional organizations. Investing your time and effort in getting to know new people will help generate leads. Many can be potential customers, and those who are will know potential customers. You can ask to use their names when you make field calls to these prospective clients.
Another way to get this done is to attend trade shows. This is a traditional yet time and tested method of marketing your business while meeting potential suppliers and clients. Many successful entrepreneurs use tradeshows to promote and sell hundreds of products. Be sure to bring your laminated tabletop displays, flip charts, and brochures to these shows.
In addition to that, another idea is a typical free lunch. By inviting potential clients to a free luncheon, you get a captive audience to whom you can promote your products and services to. For a few hundred dollars, you get the chance of making a good impression and you get the undivided attention of possible buyers of your brand.
Attending workshops and holding them too
The only way you can grow as an entrepreneur is to attend industry workshops and conferences. Apart from learning industry trends that have made others successful, this also serves as a perfect opportunity to network and gain industry friends.
In the same token, you can also conduct and hold your own educational workshops and seminars for your potential clients. With this method, they can see with their own eyes what your offerings are. They will be able to appreciate you more when you take the time to teach them about your products and services.
Even in this digital, modern world, not everything can be done online and be left for technology to deal with. There are numerous areas that you need to work on to ensure that your business will always stay successful.