Nowadays people
erroneously think that the print media has become obsolete and therefore
concentrate their advertising strategy solely on the Internet media. Newspapers
and magazines are still going strong with a large part of the public,
especially those who have a higher income. Hence advertising in newspapers and
magazines will attract potential clients who have the money to spend, while
those on the Internet are usually younger with smaller incomes.
However, if you do
choose to advertise in newspapers keep in mind that, as you are spending money
to get your ad printed, you should make the most of it by maximizing its exposure
and potential. Follow these effective strategies to make the most of your
newspaper advertisement.
Go for regional newspapers
or bigger, for although you can start with local newspapers the returns are
usually a letdown. National or regional papers do not necessary charge
exorbitant sums for advertising, so do not jump this step.
Pick the right day of the
week to place your ad in the newspaper depending on the type of customers you
plan to attract. As an example on Mondays most men buy the newspapers to check
the sports section while on Saturdays advertising is cheaper as fewer
businesses advertise on that day.
Make sure that you are
given a good placement. Avoid submitting an order for your ad without verifying
where your ad will be placed. Check that it is placed near another feature that
is popular hence will attract attention to your advertisement.
Many newspapers will
propose to write and prepare your ad and it is best to refuse. Hire a professional
writer to do the work for you, this will make your ad stand out from the other
newspaper designed ads that usually have no impact whatsoever on the public you
wish to attract.
Color is the key
attraction. Although it may cost extra, it is well worthwhile to spend a little
more in return for an attention grabbing advertisement.
A good headline will make
your ad. People usually just browse the newspapers; this is why your headline
is fundamental. An eye catching headline will attract the public and arouse
their curiosity to read further. It is also important you use the space you
have paid for appropriately. Add interesting and useful detail for readers to
stay hooked. Do not cram useless words together but get your message out
effectively and make it good.
Keep in mind that newspaper
ads do not generate immediate response; this is why you will have to be patient
before gauging the returns. Be persistent when placing your newspaper ads and
remember that people need to see your ad more than once before they act on it
and make a move.
You may find it profitable
for your returns to place ads in several different newspapers at once as you
cannot really know for sure which newspaper will work for the kind of public
you are trying to attract. So try out a few different ones and see what returns
you get in terms of potential clients.