Part 1 was titled: Why Word-of-Mouth Is Still the Most Powerful Advertising Tool. If you haven’t read that yet, I suggest you read it first, but this is a stand-alone blog post.
Offline Advertising That Sparks Conversation
There are a variety of offline ads that will spark conversation, or at least prompt someone to think about taking action. It will benefit us if we create word-of-mouth advertising.
Tabletop Advertising
I will start with a business model that I have been working on since 2008. The photo shows a table I designed for Rib City in Montrose.
One advantage of tabletop advertising is that it stays in place for a minimum of two years. Once you order your food and the wait staff takes your menu, the only thing left is the table. People tell me all the time that they read the ads on the tables repeatedly.
I design tables with trivia and a find-it game for kids. The answers are in the ads, and the response to the trivia has been fantastic.
I have advertisers renew with me regularly, or if I offer a second restaurant in their service area, they purchase on both.
The point of this, concerning the article, is that we create word-of-mouth advertising. While sitting at the table waiting for your food to arrive, people will talk about the advertisers in front of them.
You can learn more about tabletop advertising at my website, LocalTableTalk.com.
Business Cards or Mini Brochures
Many businesspeople think their business cards are just for giving potential clients their contact information. But there’s more…
Always use both sides! Your contact information on one side, of course, but a mini direct response ad on the back. Add a QR Code to expand your card’s effect. Now it has become a very inexpensive marketing tool. And if you can make your card unique, you will improve the response rate.
Besides handing your card out to those you meet, try giving them two or three cards and ask them to share with their friends and contacts.
Leave your cards at public locations that offer a designated area for you to display your business cards. Some examples are restaurants, laundromats, supermarkets, community activity centers, and the Chamber of Commerce, among other places. This is especially effective in small towns.
If you need business cards, we offer them on this website at a great price. Click Here for Printing.
Flyers and Posters
Strategically placed around town, flyers, posters, door hangers, rack cards, and postcards can get people talking.
If you include a strong offer or a catchy message, it will encourage people to share it with their friends and family.
Once again, JBL Action Marketing offers printing on this website at a great price. Click Here for Printing. We can create that special message to get the response you desire.
Offline Word-of-Mouth Advertising Final Comment
Offline ads act like a trigger. When someone sees your ad, then hears a friend mention your business, they’re more likely to check it out. The combo effect is powerful.
And by using a QR Code and your URL, you can bring those people online to increase your offer, or, if you prefer, they can call you or visit your place of business, which will be your direct message. Keep your message simple.
The better your offer, the more responses you will receive.
Ways to Boost Word-of-Mouth for Your Business
Here’s how to actively encourage more buzz…
- Deliver a standout experience. Be worth talking about! Do something special or add something unforgettable that will create more word-of-mouth advertising for your business.
- Ask for referrals. Offer a small discount or a free gift for every new customer someone refers to you.
- Create shareable moments. A photo-worthy wall, clever slogan, or unique packaging encourages social media shares. We talked about social media in Part 1 of this article.
- Partner with local businesses. Referrals between trusted businesses are a hidden goldmine of word-of-mouth advertising.
- Use community engagement. Sponsor a small event, donate a prize, or attend local gatherings to get noticed.
- Volunteering at a Nonprofit Community Activity. I learned today, as I write this article from a networking group, that when you volunteer to clean a trail, a park, or a section of highway, or participate in other community events, it is one of the best networking opportunities to receive referrals.
To Sum it All Up
First, a word of caution. Word-of-mouth advertising can work for you AND against you. So, strive to encourage people always to have something positive to say about you and your business.
Whether it’s a glowing review online or a casual mention over dinner, word-of-mouth is marketing you can’t buy – but you can encourage it. The key is creating positive experiences and making it easy for people to share their love for your business.
With a mix of innovative offline advertising and a little effort online, you can keep people talking, and that’s the best kind of promotion.
Did You Know?
“As of 2025, only about 42 % of consumers say they trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations—though among users aged 18–34, that number jumps to around 91 %.”
That’s a huge drop… In BrightLocal’s 2025 Local Consumer Review Survey, just 42 % of consumers said they trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations; this is a significant drop from 79 % in 2020.
Years before that, many statistics indicated that between 88% and 90% trusted online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
If you haven’t read Part 1 of this article, you can read it here:
Part 1 was titled: Why Word-of-Mouth Is Still the Most Powerful Advertising Tool.
If you need any printing at an affordable cost, see our Printing Page
“Need help creating advertising that gets people talking? Contact us today.”
Schedule a Free Discovery Call with Jimmy from JBL Action Marketing. Go Here
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