How To Market Your Business Outside Of *Just* Social Media

Do you remember life before social media? 

I know some of you haven’t had that experience, and I am putting a ‘date’ on myself here, but I didn’t have social media in school, and in college we were just getting cell phones.

Life wasn’t ‘technically’ driven back when I was younger, and it is sometimes hard to even remember. 

Our social game was actually having to call and talk with friends 🗣️ and you wrote letters to those who lived outside your area code otherwise you were charged long-distance fees, happy mail was an actual thing then. 

Email was also slowly coming around in my college years when the internet connection was ‘that sound’ … eeeeeeaaaaahhhhhhhh … meaning the actual snail mail letter was quicker. 😄

We watched TV shows that only had new episodes each week and listened to a radio station when in the car, no playlists. 

When I think about it all now, it really was a different life, was more ‘in-person’ back then. 

Social media is now the new “social”, which can be read in many different ways, a lot of real life and not-real life, some funny, some honest, but regardless we all love to scroll and see what’s going on.

13 Ways To Market Your Business Outside of Social Media 

I believe a successful and growing business depends on the relationships you build. 

Talking to customers, clients, and partners outside of a text or social DM is really important.

When you walk into a business, doesn’t it feel good when they greet you by your name? And sometimes through a few small conversations they know a little more about you, and you know more about them. 

It connects you to what they offer and sell and builds loyalty between you and the business, and the business to you. 

Sometimes it can be tough if you work with people out-of-state or even out of the country. But you can still connect with phone conversations and Zoom meetings. 

Stepping outside the text and DM messages can really bring your business to life. 

And yes, I know you can build relationships through text and socials, but it is not the same as a person-to-person connection, the relationship is not as strong and can easily be ignored. 

So how can you build those relationships and do more business marketing?

It is always great to brainstorm new ideas and things you would like to try as you move forward in business, so my best advice is to keep an ongoing list and add to it as you get another new idea. 

I’ve personally done this for myself and for my clients overtime! Below you’ll find some ideas that can serve as a starting point for you if you’re looking to market your business in new ways. Keep in mind, some of the ideas might work for you and some may not. Every business is unique which is why I encourage you to brainstorm a list of your own based on what makes the most sense for YOUR business!

And I know some of you may say  “are you kidding me?” when reading some of these suggestions. 😄

Keep an open mind, these are ideas outside of the tech world and I have the experience to know when you work outside your comfort zone, things happen. 

It is about not only advertising and marketing your business but also talking and sharing about it with new connections. 

Chamber of Commerce

Becoming a Chamber member can bring a lot of opportunities to you and your business. You can work with them on a ribbon-cutting event, attend their local events, and host a Chamber event at your business location. This connects you not only with the Chamber members but with other businesses and their customers and, audience.

Donations

There are many charity events that often need donations. If you have a charity you would love to support, it is not only great to donate for their cause but to include your business and contact information within that donation to make a new connection. 

Sponsorships

If there are events looking for sponsors, you can support them with a sponsorship that gets your name on many flyers, banners, websites and more. Your brand is seen by many and starts to be recognized. 

Mail marketing

While it will have a small cost to it, doing a local mailing about your business can be beneficial when targeted correctly. You can include what you offer and a coupon or special to have them reach out to you. This could also be something they take door to door and leave. 

Booth event

If there is an open house at a business or a pop-up opportunity offering a table/booth opportunity, you can set up what you have to offer or sell and work on new connections with those that attend. Hand out flyers and other logo items. Local farmer markets are also good events to be at. 

Brand merch

A great way to advertise your business is to wear it. Get your logo on some t-shirts, bags, water bottles and more and wear them when out and about. You can be in the line at Target and someone will say  “what is that on your shirt?” and the conversation is now open for you to share about your business. 

Gift your brand

It is great to give out logo merch as a freebie to people. Maybe you have logo t-shirts and can give some out for gifts, or pens, notebooks and more. You can go to some businesses in your area and give them a free, small merch bag with your business and contact information. Thank you gifts to clients and customers are great too. Circulate your logo so people start to see it and recognize it, and what you offer. 

Paid advertising

You can do ads on Google, TV/streaming, radio, magazines, newspapers and more. These can be beneficial, but they can come with a high cost so something to research on if they would be a benefit to your business. 

Podcasts

Be a guest on a local podcast. This is a great opportunity to share your business with your voice and get into the details of what you offer. Reach out to your favorite local podcasts and introduce yourself.

Blogging

Starting a blog and sharing content about your business is a great way to not only help your SEO, but also provide long-term content that people can find months down the road.

I personally started blogging in my business in 2023 and it’s been such a fun and different way to expand on various topics that add value to my audience AND promote my services simultaneously. I am thankful for the Writer’s Room, a done-with-you writing membership with Natty Writes. I joined this group and have found it so helpful. I encourage you to check it out if you look to blogging to provide content. 

Parades
Ok, some may think this is a corky idea to include but if you have local parades, jump in and join them. You just need a logo banner, put it on a vehicle, or carry it through the parade, wearing your logo t-shirt and tossing out a freebie with your contact information. 

Emails

If you know me and have read my other blog posts, you know I would never have a list without email marketing. If you have not started this for your business, I am giving you the sign that now is the time. It is the direct connection to your audience that you own and control. 

Google Listing

And a favorite I have is the Google Listing, I feel this is a MUST for all businesses. This platform is a free resource not only to share and showcase your business on Google but to help get your business found, bringing you new customers and business. Check out this blog post for all the Google Listing details.

How To Start Marketing Your Business Outside of Social Media 

Overall, it is important to not only rely on social media to market and share your business but to work your marketing in many ways so you are reaching more new business and customers. 

While some marketing can feel out of your comfort zone, it is important to try new things, especially those that are low or non-costly options. 

There are many great ways to showcase your business so keep your brainstorming list going and start marketing your business outside of social media by picking at least ONE new thing to try! And remember: this doesn’t mean you’re giving up social media altogether. It is a great tool to have in your business. You can DO BOTH. 

At the end of the day, building a business works when you build your connections, in social media and out.

I am curious, what are your thoughts on marketing outside of social media?  Is there one new idea you will try? I would love for you to let me know.

And if you need help getting started with marketing your business offline, I’d love to help you out! CLICK HERE to get in touch.