Offline marketing is a relatively untapped resource for pushing online services. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any companies out there taking advantage of some “old school” marketing tactics. Take this recently published article where a guy discovers just how far a particular company has gone by using good ‘ol lawn signs of all things.

It’s quite an interesting read as the author relates how he slowly but surely uncovered the root of all those “Single?” lawn signs. I, personally, have seen those very same signs in Southern California and while I always figured they were part of a larger marketing scheme, I never knew just how massive and widespread the advertising is.

While the strategy seems to be fairly profitable, it does leave a bitter taste in my mouth. I absolutely hate all the advertising signs and posters that are put up all over my area and advertisers that resort to that kind of offline “spam” should be held responsible for their actions. Unfortunately, it seems like the fines you get for violating public property with these signs is so minimal that it’s worth the risk for most. I think there needs to be much more than just a fine, especially for repeat offenders. Perhaps some sort of three strike rule that would send them to jail for a few days?