Promoting Offline Businesses Online

Every once in a while, sometimes more often than we want, the overall marketplace experiences a hiccup or just plain stagnates. This is to be expected and should not be cause for panic. We are now going through some serious economic woes and uncertainty, not to mention being at the tail end of a crucial and historic election year.

Some online marketers may feel nervous, confused, or frustrated. Others may be pessimistic or feel that the market is glutted or saturated. Acknowledge these concerns and press on. We must know that all markets experience fluctuations and the smart marketers know how to ride these highs and lows and even turn them into an advantage.

The population of the United States, the world, and the statistics associated with online users and future business seekers is still favorable. At the time of this writing there is still a huge untapped market in practically all niches. A huge boon to my business recently is knowing the next big thing or the next wave. What I'm talking about is courting the next evolution of online marketers. Or put more plainly, bridging the offline world with the online world.

This can take place in your own backyard at the local level in your own city or province. This is not to say to ditch all your global efforts and focus only on your town. No, this is the time to introduce your global marketing skills and incorporate them into your online marketing business strategy. This opens up a whole new segment for you to help and benefit from, as well.

The number of businesses that can be helped by you in your town is likely more than you can handle on your own. In other words, there is very little if any competition. You see, many top marketers already have a strong online customer base and they're not tapping into this market. Other web designers and technical services cater to a completely different customer base and rarely see things from a marketing point of view.

This is where you come in. In practically any town of any size there is an endless supply of businesses that you can share your knowledge of marketing online using the free and available platforms you use yourself to market internet related programs and services. For example, a video featuring a local hair salon and blog entry that highlights the specials for that salon with a personal message, discounts, and of course, contact information can bring in customers that were searching online instead of the phone book.

Since there aren't many small businesses going beyond the typical "directoy services" there is very little competition. So, optimizing for these businesses for the search engines is relatively easy. Many large realty companies are doing this, but there are many who need some help. Most business owners are focusing on running their daily operation and just need someone to introduce and assist them with new alternatives of promotion and advertising.

You can start with a phone book just to get ideas. Think of all the lawyers, realtors, insurance agents, painters, and shop owners you can find as new customers. Concentrate on businesses who are open to new ways to market and generate clients, customers, and revenue. Develop relationships that bridge your online and offline interests, this will bring exponential growth.