What is it?

A name for what most people in marketeers would call more traditional marketing that ‘reaches out and interrupts people’. TV ads and the ‘cold call’ are a classic example.

There you are watching your favourite drama or sports programme, when the phone rings and a guy tries to sell you insurance. And then, just as you get rid of him, TV ads interrupt you again.

In this digital age you might be thinking that leaflets and posters are outdated. But you’d be wrong. Think again!

Many outbound techniques are still really good ways to promote small businesses, especially in places that rely on tourism.

Leaflets and posters are low-cost alternatives that work well for service based business. Leave your leaflets promoting a jeep-ride to a local beauty spot less than an hour a way next to an excellent local restaurant, is a good way to drum up business in a busy harbour with lots of tourists milling around and looking for something to do.

There’s a lot to be said for ads in local newspapers if you want to let your regular, local customers in know about your weekly offers.

Tip

If your budget is really tight, consider joining-up with another local business that complements yours. If you’re running the jeep-rides why not have a joint promotional offer with the restaurant owner?

Perhaps a free glass of wine if they take a ride and stop for lunch. Or in the evenings, teaming up with a taxi service nearby is a great combination for people who want a relaxed evening with no worries about how they’ll be getting home.