Sales on the Go: Better In-Person Advertising

In-person interactions are touted as one of the most effective marketing strategies for any small business owner. With a global marketplace, the way organizations have altered communication with vendors, colleagues, and even employees has changed. Moving away from in-person communication has made many industries much different today. As the distance between individuals has grown, it’s become increasingly important to provide in-person advertising to instill trust and rapport whenever possible. This kind of personal connection is important to build your brand, communicate with customers and spread the word about your product. Use these ideas to help as you navigate in-person advertising techniques.

Watching for Engagement

When you engage your customers online, you can’t tell how invested they are in your product, or whether your message is getting through. In-person marketing strategies allow you to stand face-to-face with your customer to gauge the level of interest, engagement, and receptivity. This makes it easier to sell products and develop a relationship that transcends into the next business transaction. One of the most expensive aspects of advertising is getting a new customer to commit. A one-time professional visit can seal the deal and create a customer for life.

Deciding on Relevance

When it comes to in-person engagements, there are certain processes that are in greater need of a one-on-one meeting. Project kick-offs, securing the initial sale, brainstorming a list of new ideas and dealing with high-profile problems all require a personal touch. Processes with a less severe need for a personal touch usually involve contact with established customers. Contract renewals, strategic planning, new client meetings, and the development of plans and agreements can help push your advertising agenda forward. Decide what you want to accomplish in your meetings and what can be left for online work.

Establish a Gathering

When you’ve settled on a plan for an in-person advertising campaign, it’s time to get out into the community, meet people, and interact with your customer base. Personal appearances can go a long way toward helping to establish your company and your reputation as a reliable beacon in the community. Some ideas for launching your in-person advertising campaign include renting a venue that is popular in your city. Invite your existing, new, and potential clients to a private party where you can mingle and talk openly about how your business can help them achieve a specific goal.

Create Marketing Materials

No matter how good of a speaker you are, you should always carry marketing materials along with you when you go to meet with a client. If you’re in the business of selling a specific, physical product, then make sure to bring a sample or road cases full of different models with you when you advertise in-person. Bring a price list with your contact information as well. Potential customers don’t always remember the specifics of your conversations, but they will remember the tone and feeling they got from their conversation with you. Advertising materials in the form of an informational brochure or business card will give them the information they need to make an informed decision later.

Practice your “stump speech” to ensure your essential message is clear and to the point. Work on your delivery, and practice your speech with your friends and family. It’s important to sound sincere when you deliver your speech, so make sure you talk about the points of the product or service you’re selling that you genuinely believe in.

Author: Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information on Road Cases for your sample marketing needs check out this site. Contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.