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Traditional marketing tactics: why they’re still the secret weapon for SMEs in 2025

  • Kathy Rivas
  • 5 sept
  • 4 Min. de lectura

In 2025, most SMEs are pouring all their budget and energy into digital. But the evidence tells a different story: traditional marketing channels are still every bit as powerful – and in some sectors, even more effective.


  • 68% of property sales come through referrals and local contacts rather than online portals (Luxury Property Ibiza, 2024).


  • Direct mail and flyers deliver an ROI of up to £2.90 for every £1 spent (DMA UK, 2024), especially for retail and local services.


  • In luxury and premium experiences, growth is being driven by face-to-face and experiential marketing (Bain-Altagamma, 2024).


  • In B2B, 81% of marketers rate in-person events as their best source of qualified leads (Bizzabo, 2024).


The message is clear: whether it’s real estate, retail, tourism, professional services or luxury brands – trust is built in person. As marketing consultant Mark Ritson puts it:

“It’s not about digital versus traditional. It’s about integration. Offline marketing builds trust. Online marketing amplifies it.”

Why offline marketing still matters for SMEs

By “traditional marketing”, we mean the tried-and-tested tactics that exist outside the screen:


  • Flyers, door drops and fridge magnets

  • Posters and billboards

  • Events and networking

  • Business cards and local sponsorships


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Far from being outdated, these are the touchpoints that build credibility and visibility in places like London, Manchester, Madrid or Ibiza – where word of mouth and personal trust still open doors.


Where offline shines (with examples from Spain)


1. Local shops

A neighbourhood bakery in Gràcia (Barcelona) hands out flyers inviting locals to a free tasting.

A greengrocer in Santa Eulària (Ibiza) gives out fridge magnets with a QR code to their WhatsApp Business.


  • Offline impact: Flyers trigger curiosity and immediate visits; magnets become a daily reminder.

  • Digital support: Optimise your Google Business Profile with fresh photos and reviews; target keywords like “artisan bakery Gràcia” or “fruit shop Santa Eulalia Ibiza”.

  • Result: More walk-ins, online orders via QR, better Google visibility, loyal customers who recommend you to their circle.

2. Professional services

A legal office in Madrid runs a free workshop for freelancers.

An architect in Ibiza hosts a villa viewing for prospective clients.

  • Offline impact: The workshop builds authority; the viewing demonstrates quality in person.

  • Digital support: LinkedIn connections, post-event newsletters, blog content like “lawyer for freelancers Madrid” or “architect Ibiza renovations”.

  • Result: Reputation solidified, warm leads generated, digital engagement reinforced.

3. Luxury brands & premium experiences

A Salamanca jewellery boutique organises a private tasting evening.

A gallery in Dalt Vila (Ibiza) invites guests to an exclusive cocktail.


  • Offline impact: Creates a sense of exclusivity and belonging.

  • Digital support: QR invitations, private microsites, aspirational Instagram coverage.

  • Result: Strengthened exclusivity, high-value leads, recommendations driving brand prestige.

4. Tourism & hospitality

A beach club in Talamanca (Ibiza) advertises with posters at the airport linking directly to booking via QR.

A restaurant in Seville hands out fans with QR codes during the April Fair.

  • Offline impact: Captures tourists’ attention when they arrive; fans provide value and visibility throughout the day.

  • Digital support: Multilingual landing pages, TripAdvisor and Google listings, user-generated content hashtags.

  • Result: Direct bookings tracked via QR, stronger reputation through reviews, social reach amplified.

5. Gyms & wellness studios

A gym in Valencia sponsors a local 10K and hands out trial passes.

A yoga studio in Santa Gertrudis (Ibiza) runs a free outdoor class in the town square.

  • Offline impact: Sponsorship ties the brand to health and community; free sessions lower the barrier to entry.

  • Digital support: Branded local hashtags, Instagram retargeting, sharing event photos.

  • Result: New sign-ups, visibility boosted by social shares, stronger ties with the community.


How to modernise traditional marketing


So yes – flyers, posters and business cards still work. But in 2025, the trick is to make them digital-ready:

  • Flyers with QR codes linked to landing pages tailored by neighbourhood or area, so you know which locations convert.

  • NFC business cards that connect directly to WhatsApp or LinkedIn. Memorable at international networking events.

  • Hybrid events: combine live experiences with hashtags, livestreams and attendee posts to multiply visibility.

  • Local sponsorships: sponsoring grassroots events, fairs or sports kits keeps your brand visible and trusted.

Offline builds the trust. Online carries it forward.

Offline wins attention. Digital makes sure you’re not forgotten.

  • Local SEO in both Spanish and English (especially in bilingual places like Ibiza).

  • Google Business Profile: treat it like your digital shopfront – current photos, hours and reviews are a must.

  • Encourage reviews: after any offline interaction, invite customers to leave feedback online – incentivise with a small gesture if needed.


The takeaway: traditional marketing for SMEs in Spain (and anywhere else) is not a relic. It’s the bridge between real-world trust and digital reach.

At Kartika Studio we design campaigns that seamlessly combine offline and online – tailored to your niche, your audience and your goals, so your business gets seen where it matters most. Get in touch here and let’s explore how we can help you grow.

 
 
 
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