| |
| |
|
Advertising Information - YourOnlineClassifieds.com - Home |
|
|
|
How To Make Your Yellow Page Ads Work
I hear it often, "advertising in the Yellow Pages directory doesn't work!" I smile knowingly and wait for a pause in the conversation, and this is what I say in response to their claims? "It's not the medium - it's the message?and it's probable the market too!" Blank stares often accompany that opening statement. But they do work - and they work well? IF you know how to use them. Think of This? The Yellow Pages (YP) reaches approx 80% of North American adults in the average month, 60% in the average week, and 15% daily. And nearly 90% of these references result in contact with a purchase or an intent to purchase. The YP is a reference medium - people are looking for 'something', usually a solution to an immediate problem. And one out of every two people looking in the YP directory have no provider in mind and are silently begging for a solution to their problem. Ok, here's a quick summary - just in case you missed all that. The YP reaches almost everyone eventually, those who are actively looking in the YP directory have a problem and need a solution. And those looking likely have no supplier in mind? Is it just me or doesn't this sound like a gold mine waiting to be tapped? Given these useful tidbits, doesn't it make sense to figure out how to make your adverts more effective? First of All... Don't listen to the space sales rep - yup, I know. You're thinking these guys know their stuff. Well they sure how to sell space, but designing a profitable advert? Uh, no. In fact their design teams (did I mention they offer their services for FREE as part of the ad space you buy?) generally create adverts that look like everyone else's. Remember, you get what you pay for. And you wonder why your previous attempts failed? Here's The Secret... If I told you how to place a winning advert in the YP every time, would you want to know? Of course you would. Here's the secret: simply design an assortment of YP ads and run them in your local weekly newspaper. Track the results and see which one works best - that's the one you use in the upcoming YP directory. Easy when you know how. What Format to Use? Here's another misconception. You don't actually have to have colour, you don't actually have to buy a full page and you certainly don't have to apply the 'rules' that the YP rep might recommend. You do have to be the right size, the right colour and in the right place - it's not simply a case of bigger, brighter, and more. This might help you. Imagine the YP reader for a moment and you'll start to see what your advert should be like. Your potential customer is out there somewhere closely scanning the pages looking for a solution to their problem. What would you want to know if you were in their shoes? You'd Want Information! Absolutely, you'd want to know about how they're the right choice for you and that they understand your problem and that they can assure you of the service you require and oh look? there's a website with more information or a toll free recorded message with more information, or a free report with more information? Are you seeing a pattern yet? The last thing a reader cares about at this point is YOU. They're only interested in themselves. They have a problem and they want it gone. Make it easy for them to see why you're the best choice and you'll have them beating a steady path to your door. Always Use A Headline? Remember, the browser is looking for a solution so have a headline at the top of your advert that addressees their main concern. Here's a suggestion for a headline that will catch the eye of a YP seeker - "7 Ways To Choose The Right Repair Shop" or "5 Questions You Must Ask When Picking The Perfect Mechanic" Isn't that what they're trying to do? Won't your headline stop them dead in their tracks - of course it will. In closing, there's a lot more to YP advertising than I can cover in a page, and display advertising (of which YP is one part) is a fascinating subject all on it's own. AUTHOR BIO: James Burchill is a freelance marketing consultant and publisher. James helps people 'Sell more stuff, and make more money!' He also publishes informational and Internet products and his main website is http://www.JamesBurchill.com James' newest product shares his insights into the exciting world of freelancing on Elance at http://www.ElanceExposed.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Advertising - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Why Your Ads Aren't Working The president of a manufacturing company recently asked me, "Why isn't my advertising working?" Have you ever been asked this question? Have you ever asked it yourself?Like most marketing communications questions there are no simple answers. After all, communication is a high level activity. What Happened? Troubleshooting Poor Response from Ad Campaigns Too many small business owners today run ad campaigns that get little to no results, and they have no idea why. When you have the knowledge to troubleshoot the poor responses, you also have the knowledge to make the needed changes so that - next time - your sales improve! Let's take a look at the breakdown of an ad campaign, and how to determine what went wrong. Marketing Tips - Advertising Typical methods of advertising-newspapers, radio and television are effective if used properly, but there are other, less expensive ways to get your company's name out. Local or cable television is an inexpensive alternative to the traditional forms of advertising. Yellow Pages Ads - Buying Secrets Yellow Pages Ads - Buying SecretsOK- let's agree that many businesses can benefit greatly from Yellow Pages advertising. Let's also agree that few businesses enjoy paying for this "necessary evil". Dont Put All Your Eggs in The Same Basket Solution: You can protect yourself by partnering with other lead sources because it is unlikely that they will all have a problem or technical issue at the same time.Other alternative: It doesn't hurt either to use a few marketing tools to generate leads for your business. Classified Ads That Get Results Classified ads do not have the big market appeal that a full color display ad has, but they are still one of the most economical ways to get your business into the public eye. And, because classifieds do not demand expensive eye-catching designs or ingenious wording that you often see in direct-mail campaigns, they are a perfect marketing avenue for even new entrepreneurs. The Truth in Advertising Most of us have seen at least a dozen different toothpaste commercials that claim, "Three out of four dentists recommend.. Predictions for 2010 2005 puts us at the mid-point of the first decade of the new millenium. What will things look like at the end of the 1st decade of the new millenium in the world of advertising? I thought I'd project where the ad industry is headed and what 2010 (or sooner) might look like. Avoid The Big Advertising Mistakes Is your advertising copy getting the results you want? If not, look at your current marketing to see if you're making one of the major copywriting mistakes:Selling features instead of benefits. Telling your customer that your "fabulous new ALF-400 comes complete with AeroScan and BandControl technologies!" doesn't actually tell them anything. 6 Must-Have Elements of a Powerful Brochure Most brochures that businesses put out today end up doing little to impact the sales of that business. By applying the 6 must-have elements listed below you will transform you brochure from trash can lining into a powerful sales tool. Crazy Ads? Maybe Youre Just Out of The Demo! My father called me to complain, again. He's 82 and he's angry. Buying Radio? Read This and Dont Waste Your Money Pay close attention and make it work the best for you.No doubt you've listened to, and then quickly deleted, messages from account execs from your local radio stations. Create Your Own Business Cards, Part 2 This is the second part of creating your own business card. If you missed the first one, let me know: mailto:webmistress@janes-place. How To Make Your Resource Box Sell Ezine Articles - they're everywhere!And little wonder. They're one of the fastestways of building traffic to your website. Why Most Advertisements Stink! Question: What do you think the most important part of any ad is? Your company name? Your telephone number? Your offer? Look at your own advertising. What stands out? What is in the largest print? If it's your company name or logo hold out your wrist so I can whack it with a stick. 10 Simple Techniques To Make Your Ad Get Powerful Attention 1. Make your ad's keywords and phrases standoutby enlarging the text. 10 Tips to Use Giveaways Effectively Walk around any trade or consumer show and you will be able to collect a bag full of advertising specialties, or giveaway items all designed to promote. But look a little more closely. Harness the Power of Direct Marketing - More Small Business Power Tools One of the most powerful tools available to small businesses is direct mail. By this I don't mean electronic, Internet-based mail, but the old-fashioned kind that requires a stamp and a trip to the post office. Advertising Primer for Fast Learners Advertising, when done well is a very effective way to increase your customer base and ultimately grow your bottom line.Many businesses have no idea how to advertise; they do a little bit here and a little bit there and end up saying that advertising doesn't work. How to Advertise with Flyers When you first start out on your business venture, money is usually tight but you still need to advertise. One of the most affordable, yet very effective, ways to begin your advertising campaign is with flyers.
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
youronlineclassifieds.com - home | site map
üClick Here to Earn - an ongoing, monthly residual income - a very SUBSTANTIAL monthly income - even if you don't have a website! |
| © 2006 |
