Doing business over the Internet offers many advantages, such as being able to work anywhere and having a vast market to work with. That doesn’t mean that you have to stick to online publicity. There is still much to gain by taking your promotions offline.

Press releases are a great way to gain exposure for your business. They may sound formal and complicated, but they are simply documents containing information, submitted to the media, in hopes the media will feature the information.

There is a standard format to follow when writing a press release and you can find samples on the internet. You can include general information about your business as well as feature an event or special promotion. You can submit them to any news organization, from your local newspaper to an online media outlet.

Never underestimate the power of a simple business card. Whether it is a simple act of giving someone your card, stapling your cards to the bottom of a flyer or putting magnet on the back of them and sticking them to the outside of a mailbox, there are many ways to promote your business with them.

Depending on the type of business you have, you may be able to find local events to sponsor. For example, if you have a business that pertains to children, you can sponsor a little league team or if you have a business in the health field, try looking into the next health fair.

Speaking in front of a crowd often frightens people, but if you have the courage to do it, it is a great way to bring publicity to your business. Many local groups and organizations are often looking for speakers and presenters for their meetings.

Be creative and use your imagination when looking for groups to approach. When you find a group that is in your target market, call the group and offer to give a presentation.
For instance, if you are a web designer, the local Chamber of Commerce would be thrilled for you to come in and give a presentation on a number of topics relating to websites.

The members may be so impressed that they will want you to help them with their websites, or give your name as a referral when someone they talk to needs a web designer.

Check your local phone book for listings of other groups, such as the Optimist Club or Rotary Club. Most churches will have several different groups that meet regularly, such as groups focused towards men, women, and a group specifically for mothers of young children. Your local schools will have a parent – teacher group as well as booster groups for specific departments such as athletics or music.