I love when I see businesses who are using social marketing to its fullest potential. I particularly love to see them incorporating their social media marketing into their offline promotions. It is fun to see things I had not yet thought of. I will typically write these strategies down and keep them in my bank of ideas that I think are cool, because I know at some point I might be using the same technique for myself or a client.
Offline Twitter Use #1
In a magazine – The whole reason for writing this post came from something I saw in one of those local free magazines that you get while eating out. What was even more pleasant for me was that my wife saw it when she was looking through the magazine and was like, “cool, check out these guys promoting their Twitter.” My wife knows the value of Twitter and understands how it can help companies. This company also had a spot for Facebook (see picture), but my only advice would have been to include a little more info for people who may be less familiar with social networks like Twitter. I might have said something like – “Follow us on Twitter for weekly coupons” or “Follow us on Twitter to know when we are having sales, rather than just stating “Follow us on Twitter.” Don’t get me wrong, I think it was awesome they were smart enough to have the ad in the magazine, but if they just took it a bit further it would be so much more powerful for their business. Additionally, I think they should have included their Twitter URL in the ad. I mean we are smart people and can probably search Twitter and find you, but why not make it easy?
Offline Twitter Use #2
On A Post Card – The other day I got a post card from someone in the mail who is following me on Twitter. The post card was sent to ask if I would follow them back and tweet about their services (once I had tried them) if I liked them. This is a great way to show people you are interested in their feedback. It’s also a super way to attract new customers if you have a quality product. Even though they were kind of spamming me, because I did not opt in, it was cool to get something in the mail that was about following on Twitter. I guess its just the geek in me! Here is an idea – If I owned a furniture store and had a Twitter account that was offered daily home decorating tips – I would work hard to get local people following me. I would then send postcards with Twitter only savings, like “bring this card on Saturday and we will take an additional 20% off your entire purchase amount.” Limit the deal/postcard to only people who follow you on Twitter. After a few rounds of post cards, the word would spread, and wow will you have a following! I saved the card for this post (so I could snap a picture of it and share), but of course when it comes time to post my blog, I can’t find the post card. So, your imagination will have to do!
Offline Twitter Use #3
Billboards – The other day I was driving (here in Phoenix) and saw a billboard with a HUGE follow us on Twitter promotion for a local radio station. Again, I love it when businesses embrace social media and unleash the power that lies therein! I didn’t take a snapshot of the billboard, because I was driving (and I am a good driver ;), so I thought I would come up with a graphic to illustrate it! Obviously, not everyone has the budget for a billboard, but if there are any large businesses out there reading this blog post with a good budget – you know what to do!
Actually, in many places billboards are not as expensive as you might think. I know of a highly trafficked area in Utah County, Utah off I-15 and while I lived there the billboards were running anywhere from $1500 – $3500/ per month. That kind of money will not kill a large corporation’s budget. I have checked in smaller trafficked areas too and the monthly budget is down to $250/ per month. Very affordable for a small business to use as another marketing option!
Offline Twitter Use #4
Twitter address on business cards – I have shared this one before, in fact I was one of the first to blog about including your Twitter URL on your business card. Other big names in the industry like Danny Sullivan have also blogged about the importance of this. It is just another great way to get more followers and help people to be interested in you. Potential customers will get to know more about your and what your like when you invite them to follow you on Twitter. I am sorry this picture is not a better one, but I think you get the point. I also think by including your Twitter URL you can create better conversations with potential clients. For instance, they may ask you what Twitter is, and you now you have the perfect opportunity to discuss social networks and impress them with your extensive expertise. I know it seems silly, but it has happened to me several times and really is a great conversation starter!
In Conclusion:
These are just 4 of the things I have seen lately when it comes to really good uses of Twitter offline. I would also love to hear of any other techiques that you guys have heard of or may be using. I always love to find new ways offline to use Twitter and hope you enjoyed this post. As a business owner, I appreciate any feedback you guy have! Since this post is about Twitter – here is my shameless plug – please feel free to follow me on Twitter!
I think that a lot of small businesses are seeing the results that larger businesses are getting and following suit. Twitter and other social sites are great ways to connect with locals through this system of automated word of mouth marketing. Awesome post!
Jeremy Martins last blog post..How Local Businesses Are Benefiting From Social Media
I really like this article as it’s all about implementing an integrated approach to marketing. It reminds me of when I used to have to remind our customers to put their web address on their business cards, letterheads, brochures, adverts, email footers, etc. the same now goes for Twitter accounts too.
Paula Daunceys last blog post..PaulaDauncey: RT @mattuk Why ReTweets are more powerful than Tweets – http://tinyurl.com/c5ujkj
@Jeremy Martin
Its getting people interacting and talking about YOU – good point. Thanks for dropping by and commenting!
@Paula Dauncey
Its amazing some of the things we as marketers have to remind business owners isn’t it? Glad you liked the article. Thanks for commenting!
It’s funny, yet appealing to see ads on magazines, proclaiming they have a twitter account and ‘do follow us’! Great strategy, I must admit. We can no longer underestimate the power of social media. This is enlightening and I’ve seen couple of RTs already about this article. ^^ Works like a charm.
@wchingya
Social Media/Blogging
Ching Yas last blog post..5 Easy Twitter Styles To Promote Your Article
@Ching Ya
That’s exactly what I have been saying to my customers and clients – we can no longer ignore the power of social media. We need to embrace it and figure out how to make it work for our business. Great comment! Thanks for dropping by and posting!
While this might be more of an online strategy… I used Twitter to generate a list of trade show attendees, people tweeting about the event. During the event, I posted tweets about our company and told people to stop by our booth. It was effective before, during and after the event.
You can read more about that post here:
http://www.marketingcrackerjack.com/2009/03/twitter-marketing.html
Follow me on twitter: @vantagepointe
@Carson Poppenger
I think it can fit into both categories (online and offline uses) and think its a great strategy. I know lots of people doing this and it seems to be working well for them too! Thanks for commenting!
I love the idea of promoting your social media efforts offline as well. Too many companies have a disconnect in their marketing strategy. They’re doing one thing online, and offline, they’re doing something completely different. A healthy marketing campaign is one that’s connected in all facets. Unity is the key. Promoting your Twitter account offline just makes sense.
@Carson Poppenger
That’s cool. That’s a great idea. @Mat Siltala good ideas. I think it’s an awesome tool to help your customers pay attention to what you’re up to as a business. Secret coupon codes sent out that expire after a day or so. Things like that are awesome.
I love all these offline uses of twitter. I made sure to add my twitter handle on my new business cards I recently ordered and I also have that on my e-mail signature. I’m even thinking about making a custom t-shirt! Twitter has been the place to go for me to network and I’m loving it.
@@ayakobing
You know that’s awesome … I have a pretty cool Twitter t-shirt idea in the works too that I can’t wait to post about soon! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Hi Mat. Great article for offline uses of Twitter. It would be great for businesses to use “FOLLOW US” on the back of company vehicles (for examples truck and cars). Bloggers can use it on their cars, bikes and scooters!!
Kashs last blog post..Twitter Device Helps to sell Hot & Fresh Bread Loaf
@Kash
heh – that’s a very creative idea! I wonder when I will see the first “Follow Us” vehicle … thanks for commenting!
I think it is incredible how the world of marketing is changing so quickly. With the advances of the internet, and new ideas coming up. We are an informational society social marketing is key
Spencer Jankes last blog post..Cottonwood Mall owner files for Bankruptcy.
Terrific article, you have a ton of really valid points here. Social media should be mentioned in packaging, postcards and tied into every other campaign. When will companies stop looking at each aspect of their marketing media as “silos”.
@Spencer Janke
But there is still time to get on and take advantage and I fear that many people feel they have lost the opportunity and it really has just begun! Thanks for dropping by!
@Jesse
Glad you liked the article and I think people are starting to realize they need to look outside the marketing box and figure out what it’s going to take to compete in today’s aggressive online market!
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How about putting a bumper sticker on your car with your twitter address? I also use my twitter address as part of my signature line for all my outgoing e-mails..
Steves last blog post..The Secret Difference Between the average and the Achievers
@Steve
I hadn’t thought about that, but that is a great offline promotional tool for your Twitter account. It makes me think of those business vehicles that have the stickers and decals all over them – they could incorporate their Twitter into that as well. Good thinking! Thanks for coming on by and commenting!
More people need to think like this! The first thing I did after signing up on Twitter was to add the twitter url with my user name to the automatic signature in my email – so everyone I share email with sees it. Seems I’m the only one at my newspaper doing it – at least that I have seen.
Also, @smash50309 – a store in Des Moines, IA – was talking about making a shirt with the front @_________ & the back “Are you following me?”
@RendaDMRegister
Good for you! I bet others will see what you are doing and it will catch on. It’s crazy that I have been using Twitter for over two years not and its finally getting its much deserved attention. I just hope it does not get main streamed right out of its usefulness! Thanks for your comments as well as dropping by and reading!
Hi Mat – another great post and one I intend to implement asap.
One thing I have learned is that businesses using social media like Twitter shouldn’t assume that a portion of their potential customers won’t understand the medium (i’m thinking elderly people here).
Many of them are very Internet savvy indeed – seeing the potential of being able to review prospective purchases, having them delivered and installed etc from the comfort of their homes – everything from weekly groceries to new fridges and holidays.
Particularly when (Twitter in particular) has received such media interest recently and been endorsed by celebrities, many of whose audiences (@wossy – Jonathan Ross – TV and radio presenter in the UK) span a wide selection of the population.
By all means jump in and take advantage of media coverage promoting a social marketing tool to such an extent.
Jonathan – http://twitter.com/fabphotogifts
Fabulous Photo Giftss last blog post..Work from home – run your own community magazine.
@Fabulous Photo Gifts
I just hope all the main stream attention (that it does deserve) doesn’t kill it. I hope it stays pure, and we can continue to use it for what its powerful for! Thanks for dropping by and commenting!
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When I saw “twitter” ad in a local newspaper, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I think it’s getting very common for internet businesses to find other ways of marketing 😉
I have my opinions on Twitter that are not always main stream and status quo. I don’t always like it. I do like the uses mentioned in your article. I think it’s a fine line between Social Media & Marketing. I do like to follow a business on Twitter who gives me value such as letting me know that fruit smoothies are half price from 2-4 on Friday afternoon. I could argue that at this point it is more marketing than SM but I will take care of the social part when I go buy my smoothie. I do follow you on Twitter and Facebook. I tend to like Facebook more because I got to see the pic of your son tonight wearing his Arizona State shirt.
.-= Steve Sherron´s last blog ..Turning Point 1st. Annual Sing Out Against Domestic Violence. =-.
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I love it when business’ take advantage of social media. I especially liked the radio station using twitter on a billboard!
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