30 marketing strategies that do not involve social media

You post. You tweet. You pin. You comment on others' posts and tweets and pins, and your business still isn't growing. Social media was never intended to be a do-it-all marketing strategy, but we often spend so much time attending to our multiple social media profiles, we forget about the nuts and bolts of marketing. Social media works best in the service of an integrated marketing strategy. Here's a reminder of 30 proven, helpful ways to promote your small business that use, but do not rely solely on, social media.

1. Create/redesign your brand identity, with logo, business cards, stationary, and email template that define your band promise. 
2. Create forms (invoice, client in-take, etc.) and marketing collateral that reflect your brand promise. 
3. Set up/refresh your website with a look, feel and voice that strengthens your brand. 
4. Complete your company LinkedIn profile. 
5. Talk to your vendors. Let them know what you do. 
6. Make a video that shows you in action. Post it on YouTube. 
7. Offer to speak to libraries, non-profits and other groups about what you do. 
8. Identify your company's unique services. Write a press release about them and send it to local media (TV stations, radio, newspapers, bloggers, editors). 
9. Write and send thank yous and follow-up note cards to clients and media. 
10. Reward your advocates (personal note, thank you lunch, appreciate phone call). 
11. Do gratis work for schools, non-profits, etc.
12. Create a compelling presentation. 
13. Pitch your presentation to appropriate groups. 
14. Give your presentation over and over. Get really good at giving it. 
15. Speak on radio or TV programs that fit your brand message. 
16. Research groups and programs for a good fit. 
17. Select 2-3 in-person and 2-3 online groups to join. 
18. Participate actively in those select groups. 
19. Participate in local projects. 
20. Get permission to promote your participation. 
21. Attend/speak at conferences. 
22. Attend/speak at trade shows. 
23. Attend/speak at health fairs and expos. 
24. Create a freebie (product, newsletter, webinar) and get it into as many hands (and inboxes) as possible. 
25. Conduct strategic email marketing campaigns. 
26. Write articles/blog posts that demonstrate your expertise. 
27. Advertise in publications (verticals). 
28. Create a direct mail piece that aligns with your brand. 
29. Make timely callbacks. 
30. Pick up the phone and call someone you wish would call you. 

It's easy to get lost in social media. Use this list to refresh your marketing and focus your time and energy. Then, enjoy your growing success.