Advertising money is necessary and precious. Most businesses can’t afford to see many ad campaigns flop. Return on investment is important, especially for small businesses.
But how do you determine which types of advertising best suit your business? Here are a few thoughts.
If you have a micro-budget
Put on your walking shoes and put up posters in neighboring businesses (while offering to reciprocate) or on community bulletin boards. Even big companies such as Starbucks often put a little space aside for small flyers or business cards. You could hire a few high-school students to place flyers on vehicle windshields. Make sure you find responsible kids. Otherwise, you might discover your materials deposited in a trash can down the street.
If you have a bit more
Taking the “think local, act local” approach, purchasing online or social media ads or buying messages on streaming services such as Spotify or Pandora can help target people who fit your customer profile. You can drill down to find people who live near your business or should have the means to buy your product. Internet search ads (Google, of course, is king here) are also a nice option.
If you only trust traditional media
Television, radio, magazine and newspaper ads are still possibilities. If you’re in a big enough market, you should be able to find a package that matches your budget. This might end up with your ad sometimes airing on TV at 2 a.m. or during a less-popular local radio segment. But with legacy media having to keep up with new competition, you’ll discover something that works.
Whatever you use, do this…
No matter where you decide to advertise, make sure you include a call to action. “Give us a call today,” “Sign up for our newsletter,” or “Follow us on social media” give the viewer a clear task. That’s vital no matter where you choose to relay your message.
West Press’ talented staff is here to help you each step of the way — from graphic design to printing to mailing services to large format to website development. Contact West Press or your Account Executive at 520-624-4939 today.