Image via WikipediaAdvertising opportunities in the real world, offline, are really endless, and only limited by your imagination. So let me give you just a few to get your mind in gear.

1. Get yourself some business cards.

I have a friend that is always creating business cards for all the ventures he gets into. I wonder why he does that? Oh wait I know, it’s because it works.

The business card idea may seem like a no brainer, but trust me when I say, many people, especially those with online businesses, skip this basic step. You don’t need anything extremely fancy and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune either. You can get decent business cards printed at VistaPrint.com and only pay the shipping cost on your first order.

I don’t know how many times I have been impressed with people’s business idea and asked them for their business card so I would have their phone number and website but they just didn’t have one at the moment. In more than one instance that probably cost them business, over and over.

Here are just a couple of places you can leave your business cards:

Your local post office.

Local merchants whose customers may require, or be interested in, your products or services.
Grocery/Convenience store bulleting boards.

2. Create one page flyers.

My friend Ken is a master at creating one page flyers and he has pretty basic computer skills, so really there is no excuse for not creating flyers.

You can do this with basic word processing software, but if you have, and know how to use, more detailed software, you can easily create compelling flyers or pamphlets.

3. Write, or have written, a press release.

Once you have a quality press release written, submit it to local television and radio stations along with any local magazines and other publications. Remember however, that there are specific guidelines in how you submit them so be sure to do your homework and send it in the way they ask in order to get better results.

4. Join your local Chamber of Commerce.

Yes, you will more than likely have to pay an annual fee, but it can be worth it. The networking opportunities alone in some areas will help drum up business. There are also various publications that go out to new members of the community, businesses, etc. with a list of all the businesses in the Chamber.

5. Word of Mouth

Sometimes, the best form of advertising, especially for those in service based businesses is word of mouth advertising. Be sure to offer your customers a discount or other special when they refer others to your business. Don’t forget to hand out a few extra cards to your current clients and ask them to give them away to anyone they feel may benefit from your business. When you do a good job, others will naturally refer you. But, remember on the flip side of the coin is if you do a horrible job, they’ll be more apt to tell people about it as well. So, give your current customers the best service!

6. Direct Mailing

Don’t be afraid to mail information about your business to potential customers.

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