As an entrepreneur, you know the value of marketing.

The trick becomes knowing where you should invest your marketing dollars and time.

In this day and age, when it comes to marketing, the emphasis tends to be on online marketing.

While online marketing tactics – such as a website, a social media presence, email blasting, and blogging – are all very important to your business efforts, do not forget about the importance of offline marketing.

Offline marketing is still relevant, even in a digital era.

Here are 5 offline marketing strategies that will help you take your business to the next level…

Business card

Don’t be fooled by its simplicity or small size.

A business card is a powerful marketing device.

In fact, probably the first thing you should do when you launch a business is get professional business cards made.

It is a small investment that can yield big results.

Think of your business card as a mini billboard that has to sell you or your business in a few split seconds.

And, it’s what you leave behind so that people remember you.

Keep the design simple and on-brand.

Clearly state who you are, what it is you do, how you can help your ideal client, and how you can be contacted.

Invest a few extra dollars in a durable card stock that feels high quality.

Keep your business cards on you at all times and in a business card holder, so that when the opportunity strikes, you are ready to hand one over and it looks and feels fresh.

A crumply, moist business card reflects poorly on you and your brand, even if at a subconscious level.

Write a business book

There was a time when only authors wrote books.

Now, every business owner should write a book.

Writing a book takes both your personal brand and your business brand to the next level.

It builds your credibility as a respected and reliable expert in your industry, while building rapport and trust with your intended target audience.

Nothing says “expert” like a published book under your belt.

You might be able to make a profit over you book sales, but the real value in publishing a book is in how it improves your visibility in the marketplace.

Think of the book as an extended business card – something to make you memorable and keep you on top of mind.

Take out a newspaper or magazine ad

Print advertising in magazines and newspapers is not dead.

The strategies you might want to use might be different now, though.

Because readers are less impacted by traditional “sales pitch” advertising these days, consider publishing advertorials.

Advertorials are ads disguised as helpful stories and advice for your intended audience.

By offering value up front, you are more likely to engage an audience, and convert leads into clients.

Direct Mail

When we receive something in the mail (that isn’t a bill) it often feels good.

Like getting a gift.

It feels personal and meaningful, especially if it was addressed to us.

It’s harder to dismiss than something we come across online.

For these reasons, direct mail still has an impact.

However, you must make sure that the design and branding of your direct mail piece is sufficient enough to stand out from all the rest.

Think about all the “junk mail” you get in your mail box every day. Most of it ends up in the recycling bin, doesn’t it?

It is important – once again – to offer immediate and obvious value to the recipient if you want someone to open and hold onto your direct mail piece.

Offer a coupon, advice, a useful item like a magnet or bookmark, and wrap it up in brilliant, eye-catching design that not only looks great but also feels great to the touch.

When in doubt, test run your direct mail on a small scale first, producing and delivering only a few pieces at a time.

Then, adjust your approach and try again. When you get a satisfying response, you can feel confident to do a massive direct mail campaign.

Banners

If you are participating in tradeshows or conferences, you will want to make sure you grab people’s attentions with an eye-popping banner.

Once again, it is important that your banner makes a big impact in very little time. Therefore, design and branding are key.

Invest a little extra so that you can use your banner again and again, if you think you will take part in many events.

Offline marketing might seem old fashioned in a digital era, but it is still very effective. Invest in well- designed business cards. Consider publishing a book in order to establish your credibility as an expert in your industry. Strategically take out magazine and newspaper ads to promote your business, and invest in direct mail and tradeshow banners.