It is likely that this will be the new norm. We will adapt to an ever increasing use of digital technology for both professional and personal reasons. Could we see a demise in face to face connection? On researching this topic there are pages and pages of articles geared toward why your business needs to be seen online, and how to stand out in the Internet ocean.
But what if social media did not exist? What if for whatever reason, platforms were banned or stopped. What if the internet just couldn’t withstand any more data upload [never likely to happen] and buckled. How would you continue to promote your without social media? As someone who works within the world of social media, I am responsible for managing and creating content that enables clients to have a consistent presence, I cannot imagine a world without social media. Those clients also have a healthy mix of activity that support and weave with their digital efforts.
Many business owners create profiles and then struggle to maintain their presence on them. And not all businesses need or want to grow massively via social media. And not everyone uses social media. The reality is that social media is here to stay. But a well rounded healthy mix of activity and not just relying on digital methods means that your business is seen offline and on. Should the insane ever happen and social media was not accessible, the suggestions below will serve your business well.
By far the best method is actively working your word of mouth activity. If you have a product or service that others can rave about, let them. And then support those ravers by introducing loyalty or referral programs so that these ambassadors can continue to support you.
“Advertising brings in customers, but word-of-mouth brings in the best customers.” - Jonah Berger
Which blends nicely into picking up the phone to speak directly to your customers personally. In a world where communicating is done online, your customers will appreciate the human connection via this medium.
“The best marketing strategy ever: CARE.” - Gary Vaynerchuck
You yourself have to get out there and use opportunities to talk about your business fluently [and hand out your business cards] whether that is professional or social networking [of course, be covid conscious].
A business card is a time served favourite, so don’t leave home without them. Plus well curated succinct flyer with a bonus discount to boot always goes down well too.
Stay at the forefront of your customers minds by sending a freebie now and then. You don’t have to spend a fortune in putting a smile on a client’s face.
Remember there are guidelines and protocols around using client data, but when used properly and regularly, connecting via email marketing and newsletters enriches the relationship that you have with your client.
Advertising your business through a reputable and regular magazines create communities, that become a source of advice. Ads in magazines are not as intrusive as ads that pop up on your computer screen and people still love to flick through at their leisure and take their time reading a magazine as opposed to reading something online.
“Doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark. You know what you are doing, but nobody else does.” - Steuart Henderson Britt
Never underestimate the power of visual reach of a sign written/wrapped vehicle, it’s a moving advert!
Yours socially
Micala