I loved this so much I wanted to share, Article written by Megan Totka

Guest Post – Megan Totka
Most businesses, whether they are small, large, brand new or established, are turning to more high tech sales tactics to gain and retain customers. This of course is an important part of marketing and sales. High tech sales tactics have become important over the past couple of years because so many people have moved such basic parts of their consumer life online. Due to this shift, more traditional sales practices have been rendered moot. Many industries that offer advertising in print, such as newspapers and magazines, are no longer as successful as they once were.

Customers not only turn to the web to research products that they are interested in, they are increasingly more likely to make the purchase there as well. Companies are using this as a reason to focus all of their sales tactics and marketing dollars to the Internet. While this may seem like a good idea, the entire population is not yet Internet-savvy, and even those who are heavy internet users can still appreciate what might be considered old-fashioned marketing. It’s all about keeping the customer happy anyway, right?

Probably the most dynamic and important traditional marketing strategy is person to person marketing. Personal presence is a great sales tactic for so many companies. Even companies that are internet-based can benefit. If your company does not have a storefront, there’s still tons of opportunities to get out into your community – or any community, really, if you are based online – and show people what you have to offer. Some great places to consider getting out and talking to people would include community events like markets or festivals, job fairs, business expos or trade shows, college career days, and more. If a potential customer sees you while you are out and about, chances are good that they will remember the name of the company associated with the friendly face they chatted with. Since we are human and the need for interaction is one of our core qualities, meeting someone face to face is nearly always going to be more memorable than a phone call or e-mail.

Holding your own events as a company can be a great idea also. You can hold events at your storefront, if you have one. Or, consider partnering with a similar business or businesses at a local fair, festival, or special event to promote each other. For example, a new, online kids clothing boutique could partner with a photography studio and offer a special for a free photo shoot with purchase, or a coupon for a discount on clothing with every photography session purchased. It’s a win-win for everyone involved. Make sure that all representatives from all companies involved are friendly and knowledgeable about products and services offered by the other companies that are present.

Print marketing is another choice when it comes to old fashioned marketing techniques. Yes, I know earlier in the article I mentioned that print marketing is on the way out. And for the most part, it feels like it is. However, there are still some instances in which print marketing can be very valuable. Print is still one of the more common ways that companies offer coupons and discounts to their customers. Print marketing companies such as Val-Pak still mail coupons to their customers. Bed Bath and Beyond is another that sends paper coupons. Small businesses can also utilize smaller publications. Think local magazines, community newsletters, and even ad books for local sports teams. Print advertising is often inexpensive. It doesn’t have to be fancy, either. Simply a company logo, clear contact information and an offer (coupon, discount, etc) make for the most effective print ads.

There are certainly many times and places to use Internet marketing.  It’s even okay to use it as your primary marketing strategy. You can even hire a company to do your internet advertising for you if that’s what you want.  Just don’t forget that more traditional marketing strategies are still relevant.

Megan Totka is the Chief Editor for ChamberofCommerce.com. She writes onbusiness news and small business tips for Chamber’s business directory. ChamberofCommerce.com is the largest Chamber of Commerce online.