offline advertising and its effect on online business

» jamesaja - the on-line effect of off-line advertsing

Can anyone provide me with information on the effect offline advertising (tv, radio, etc) has on on-line business. Is the effect short or long term?

Can anyone suggest effective strategies that promote people to visit and revisit a site.

Thanks

-- posted by jamesaja

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» Jo Murphy - Re: the on-line effect of off-line advertsing

In response to message posted by jamesaja:

I have a system where I write a newsletter offline, advertise and have signage on my van.
I also write on the website and have as many resources for cummunity building as possible at my clients finger tips.
The purpose of the website is to

• stimulate an interest
  
• identify a need
  
• show how to raise the money to fund the need
  
• document the process
  
• show examples of completed projects
  
• pricing and ordering
  
• general communication
  

In other words from woe to go the website is needed as a tool which is an integral part of the project. A ticker runs acrross the screen with this slogan "Mural Art Of All Kinds..From the idea through the grant process to completion."
I write a short article in the local paper which talks of the links on the site which show the best local events for kids. The phone numbers, times etc on the website and so readers have to go there for a smorgasboard of useful information.
I write an article bi-weekly on the Suite (not for the purpose of advertising but for general interest in the topic. I write for free a lot. Bio and link are worth it.
To be sure people are serious about the projects for which they require funding I get them to do an online survey. If the client puts the time into answering and thinking about the issues and ideas...I know they will go through with the grant submission.

People are talking about "training" your client. Sounds a bit presumptious, but it does, make sense. I teach and will not take calls in the class room. People understand that so I say please contact me by email if possible as it means I can get back to you. I then hand them a card with my website on it. They have come to realise that this means they will always get an answer within 24hrs and that by checking the website most information they need is at their fingertips. It also means both parties have a written record of the conversation which is imprtant with something as complex as this service.
The short version of the story is ...I don't make money from my website. I manage my business through it. It has become like a blackboard and chalk is to a teacher. It is a great place to have a catalogue etc...but most of my sales are made face to face after the client has really done his/her homework online.
You'll see I don't have many hits 8,000 but that is locally in my district I don't pay for click (Not yet)
Local people give me reciprocal discounts for my customers if they mention my website etc.

I hope this helps. It's in early stages.
When you identify good ideas could you pass them on to us as well?
Thanks Jo
http://www.busywomen.com.au
http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/mura...

-- posted by Jo Murphy

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