IRL or in real life is increasingly becoming the term used to differentiate between things in the real, physical world, and stuff that happens online or in the virtual world.
Now, it may seem that everything to do with marketing business is happening in the real world right now, but that isn’t actually the case. In fact, there are still plenty of companies that have an IRL physical presence, and as such, can benefit from marketing strategies that operate in the same realm. A topic you can read all about in the post below.
Advertisements
Contrary to most posts on the internet, PPC is not the only form of advertising that it is worth investing in. In fact, many types of IRL adverts can be useful for your business. In particular, TV adverts can be used to reach a geographically diverse demographic, specifically by sandwiching them in between shows that appeal to those types of people.
Other forms of IRL advertising can be powerful too. These include printed advertisements, something that can feature in and on a range of media including vehicles like buses. One of the most popular forms of printed advertisement is those that you see in newspapers. Although space in the national press can be prohibitively expensive for smaller businesses.
Then there are flyers. A form of marketing that may seem throwaway but can actually produce a worthwhile return on your investment. Particularly, if you are a business that depends on local custom, and you distribute the flyers in the area that you serve.
Additionally, some businesses have the most success with adverts placed in magazines. Of course, doing this in national publications will be more expensive, just as it is with newspapers. Although buying advertising space in niche magazines related to your product can be an excellent way of using IRL marketing to reach a targeted audience. Something that, in turn, can help your efforts to be a great deal more effective.
Signage
If you are under the impression that your business’s signage has no role to play in its IRL marketing strategy, then you are mistaken. In fact, signage is a handy marketing tool. The reason being that it can not only help customers to find your business geographically but can be used to inform them of offers and deals as well.
Another benefit of using signage as an IRL marketing medium is that there are so many different types on offer. In fact, you can now even get IRL signage that is digital too. This being something that provides the convenience of being able to quickly and easily change the message, or colors depending on the offers you are running.
Digital signs, are, however, not the only option to consider for your business. In fact, often using something simple like A frame signs outside on the street to mark where your business is located can be particularly useful. Especially if your shop or restaurant entrance is not immediately visible to customers, or you wish to indicate whether you are open or closed easily to those passing by.
Become newsworthy
Another IRL marketing technique that you can use is to do things to become newsworthy. Something that means you will be featured in the local press, but won’t have to pay for advertising space.
Now, they do say that there is no such thing as bad press. However, when it comes to being newsworthy for marketing purposes being reported on for positive things is always better. Of course, that does mean you need to get your business involved in activities that reflect positively on your image.
Happily, this is not difficult to do at all. In fact, becoming involved in a popular social or environmental cause may be just the ticket to get your business noticed. To that end, consider sponsoring an event, a local sports team, or even a venue that is popular in your area. Then you will not only create a positive news story, but people will begin to associate your business with those things as well.
Additionally, partnering with a charity can be an excellent way of drumming up some positive press. You can even start small and organize a sponsored event, or do a day with 5% of profits go to a particular charity. Then you can develop things as you go along and become an official sponsor with events and contributions throughout the year. In fact, doing so can work in your favor in two ways when it comes to marketing.
The first being that you will get your brand in front of all of those that support the charity. While the second is even those that aren’t actively involved can see that you are socially aware and doing a good thing. Something that is bound to create some positive regard for your business.
Rewards
If you are looking for an effective IRL marketing strategy for your business, then using a reward scheme may be helpful. Of course, such things can be used both online and IRL. However, a simple card and stamp scheme for a free product or money off can do wonders to bring people into your store.
You can even run special events that provide customers with bonus points or rewards from time to time. Something that will encourage them to visit more often and spend more money too!
Events
Speaking of events, organizing one is the final IRL marketing technique we will cover in this post. In fact, such things are becoming very popular for B2B markets, as well as individual customers. They can even be used to connect with bloggers and vloggers as well. This being something that means they are a great choice if you want to combine online and offline approaches to your marketing.
Of course, the critical thing with any type of marketing event you run is to make sure that anyone attending has a great time. With that in mind, a focus on visitor experience, free products, and hospitality is vital for success. In fact, if you do these three things right, you will have a compelling IRL marketing technique you can use to promote your business.