Classified Ads What Works What Doesnt
Do classified ads really work? Should you include an email address or fax number in them? How about a call to action?
Questions like these are often brought to the attention of OhioHelp.net, an Ohio-based company specializing in helping businesses worldwide with their marketing, public relations and freelance writing services. Here are some top tips they offer based on their own client projects.
TOP TIPS FROM OHIOHELP.NET
I. CLASSIFIED AD PLACEMENT
Study the ads in publications where you would like to place yours to see what works. And STUDY them like you’ll have an exam over them. If you didn’t see the ad before, skip it. Only focus on those who repeatedly placed the same ads - -these people are selling off of them: bottom line.
While you’re at it, call some of those companies who are not your direct competitors and ask how their ads pull (and log their replies for reference). Exchange contact information and follow up so that you can possibly team up with them later in a joint venture and send clients back and forth.
Results show that small ads placed in inexpensive publications generally bring in phone calls and clicks to websites, but no email replies. And on the average, these callers reported having limited or no Internet access along with limited or no computer / email capabilities in their homes. If they had access at work, it was limited and did not offer personal / private email. Toll-free numbers brought in more responses than local numbers with area codes. And fax numbers brought in nothing at all.
II. CLASSIFIED AD GIFTS
Sales increased with the inclusion of Gift and Reward items in a call-to-action ad. Popular items were:
A. A No-Cost Information Kit that included a variety of tip sheets,electronic books and software sent via downloadable links in printed sales letters and included on disks or CDs. All items were mailed Flat Rate via Priority Mail.
B. A Book / workbook set sent the same way or mailed Media Rate in a manila envelope. Sets were for a trial period before purchasing. And No-Cost Information Kits above were included in the package.
C. A special “Freebie” item of their choice from our bookstore was mailed or emailed with mention of the ad.
III. CLASSIFIED AD COPYWRITING
To increase customer contact, communication and overall sales, include specific pricing in the ad; for example, say, “rates from $39.” Also list an email address with a domain name and specific person to contact. In other words, instead of emailing info@aol.com, email diana@ohiohelp.net using a first name for familiarity. (Note that some classifieds charge a 3-word count for URLs but only a 1-word count for email addresses.) And use an action verb in your call-to-action, “Mention Ad for…”
So sharpen your pencil or grab your keyboard and tune up your classified campaigns. Testing and improving your ads can definitely increase sales.
To learn more top tips and receive them on a regular basis at no charge in your email, sign up at http://ohiohelp.net today or email diana@ohiohelp.net. Preview your own “MAP: Move Ahead Plan” book and spiral-bond workbook set today and receive your No-Cost Information Kit along with it by visiting http://help-plan.biz
–
You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated - send to: diana@ohiohelp.net
Diana Barnum, president of http://movingaheadcommunications.com and CEO of http://ohiohelp.net. For more help with marketing, public relations and writing, email diana@ohiohelp.net or call: (614) 529-9459.
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Choosing The Best Life Insurance Option For You (1)
This means that you can enjoy easy budgeting and low cost repayments, and you’ll know exactly how long you will be making payment for. On the downside, once the policy expires you will not be able to reclaim any money and the policy will be cancelled, so you will then need to look at taking out alternative life insurance cover.
How To Use Humor To Increase Sales (2)
Cartoons encourage readers to look at topics they might otherwise skip.Where do you get cartoons? One of the best sources is the Cartoon Bank, www.cartoonbank.com. Here, you can license reproduction rights to cartoons that originally appeared in the New Yorker Magazine.You can select from tens of thousands of cartoons.
Are You An Expert At What You Do (3)
In fact, there has to be. Who has the time or energy to reach 6 billion people all on their own? If you’re going to wait until you’re the acknowledged grand poobah and supreme expert in the universe, you will never create an information product.
What To Do When Your IT Project Is Late Over Budget And Looks Like Its Never Going To Work (4)
Open the Lines of CommunicationIt sounds like a cliché, but communication is absolutely vital to the success of any project. The communication between the development team and the users, and also the communication inside the development team must be crystal clear.
Naming Names How To Name Your Business Product Or Service (5)
And to mimic it's genius, here is where that spark of inspiration took me.::: Start List :::• "grill - where ideas sizzle"• "water cooler" ...sidenote: i thought that's where people really talk openly• "feedbag - serving up ideas"• "your market draw" ...sidenote: i don't know how i got here• "evoke" ...sidenote: now i'm just writing words, synonyms• "persuade"...sidenote: this is where the dictionary & thesaurus come in• "convince"• "share"...
Choosing A Merchant Account (6)
And, you will need good customer service at some point.D) Length of Contract and Cancellation fees. Most banks require a 3 year contract. The longer the term of the contract, the better the rates should be.
Be A Storyteller Not Just A Speaker (7)
Remember most people have an attention span of six to eight minutes. The Coach asks... what is your story? ©2004 by Sandra Schrift. All rights reserved Publishing Guidelines: You are welcome to publish this article in its entirety, electronically, or in print free of charge, as long as you include my full signature file for ezines, and my Web site address (http://www.schrift.com) in hyperlink for other sites.
Troubled Waters Require Capable Leaders At The Helm (8)
Canada's lean leaders need to look beyond the horizon and chart the futureIn stormy times, true leadership skills emerge, says Larry Coté, the President of Lean Advisors Inc. (www.leanadvisors.com)By Larry CotéThe rumbles on our economic outlook are troubling.
Successful Offshore Call Center Outsourcing (9)
The use of two or more vendors is an effective way of driving continued improvement from your vendors. It also acts as a safety net in case one under-performs.
Why Do You Want To Start A Home Business (10)
This obviously results in a blind short journey online looking for something in which they don't even know why they're after it in the first place! As a result, most people give up on their dream, before they even start.
Student Home Purchase Plan (11)
She has options because she doesn't have to work. By the start of September of the next year (beginning of Sally's 2nd year at university), the Jones' have collected $6400 in revenue from the property.
What Is A Bad Credit Personal Loan (12)
It frees up the spare capital (or equity) in your home for you to use on whatever you want.A UK Bad Credit Personal Loan is ideal if you want to raise a large amount and have a poor credit history – you may be able to get a UK Bad Credit Personal Loan even when you have been turned down for an unsecured loan.There are loan plans for applicants who have CCJ's and mortgage arrears, it doesn't matter how many months arrears you have or how many CCJ's you have registered against you, if you have the equity in your property the chances are that a loan plan can be tailored to suit your needs.
The Game Plan The Difference Between Small Business Success And Failure (13)
The CEO’s company is now left with the inventory of the items that weren’t selling, and they don’t have adequate inventory of their best selling items. The CEO didn’t really lead, the employees cared more about their bonuses than doing what was right for the company, and there wasn’t a plan of action that was tied into a meaningful company objective.A game plan focuses on these things: creating big goals that matter, giving individual employees responsibility to carry out their portion of those goals, creating a budget and a reward system that supports the goals, and tools to allow employees to measure their own progress.
SuperCharged Secret 1 Of 5 Credit Card Utopia (14)
This is a hot, credit-hungry market we’re in. There are banks and lending institutions that would do just about anything to entice you in to their little web of plastic loanery.
Gain 5 Horsepower This Weekend, For Practically Nothing By Nathan Morris (15)
3) Relocate IAT Sensor - This is a very simple modification that will work on a great deal of fuel injected vehicles. The IAT sensor (“Intake Air Temperature”) tells the computer how hot or cold the incoming air is.
Business Writing Tip Question Answer Format (16)
You can evaluate it for yourself, at: http://www.managersguide.com/unique.htm .Question: Is there anything special about writing a Q & A?Answer: I think a Q & A can take many forms, but generally I'd recommend that you use a conversational tone if possible.
Start A Business For Under 1 (17)
About The AuthorThad Collins is the owner of Consumer Mortgage Reduction Service, a provider of Biweekly Equity Acceleration and Auditing Programs. The company offers business programs for entrepreneurs looking to start a new venture, for more information visit http://www.consumermortgagereduction.com.
Strategies For Creating A Niche Business (18)
All Rights ReservedHanzal Enterprises, Inc.4191 Granite CourtEagan, Minnesota 55123651-495-3340 About The AuthorAl Hanzal has been helping small business owners transform ordinary businesses into profitable niche businesses. For more articles www.innovativesellingskillsforsmallbusiness.comal@hanzal.com
The Advantages Of Credit Cards (19)
You usually only have a certain number of days to dispute the billing error so make sure you mail in your dispute before the deadline.If contacting the credit card company doesn't resolve the dispute, you may contact the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's Customer Assistance Group.
Being A Disciplined Home Business Boss (20)
If you are not already assertive, learn to be and learn quickly. Fortunately, I have had the assertiveness to say, “No.” If you spend your time being the “go-for” for your family and friends, your business will fail.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Making The Dealer An Offer By Kevin Schappell (1)
They play on your impulses and try to rush you into a deal. Don't play their game; it's not the end of the world if you don't buy right then and there.Before leaving the house: When you go to the dealer have all your research documents with you incase you have to review anything.
Team Effort Pays Off For Entrepreneurs (2)
In addition, a new and less expensive coaching trend for entrepreneurs is belonging to an affinity group. Affinity groups can help business owners accelerate their company’s growth. The next time you are lying awake in bed at 2 a.m.
The Delicate Art Of Balancing The Budget (3)
It is an absurd that it was a Republican president (Reagan) who was responsible for the biggest increase in the national debt since the USA was established. He reduced the interference of government in economic life mainly by reducing taxes - without the commensurate slimming down of government itself.
Surviving The Workday In Your Organization (4)
If you and your team are organised at a personal level then everyone will benefit through increased productivity, less stress and a happier work environment. All of these factors have an impact on the bottom-line, a good enough reason for your organisation to invest in helping you and your team learn the skills to be as effective as possible.Lorraine Pirihi is Australia's Personal Productivity Specialist and Leading Life Coach.
Common Mistakes Motorcycle Buyers Make When Looking For A Motorcycle Loan By Jay Fran (5)
Is full coverage insurance required? How much is registration and are these fees included in the motorcycle loan? Are there any administrative fees to get the motorcycle loan and if so how much are the fees?Overall, motorcycle buyers can avoid these common mistakes by spending a little extra time focusing on shopping for a motorcycle loan and asking lots of questions.
Time Out (6)
He has wide experience within the financial services industry, writes a weekly newsletter for Ethos Advisory Services, and coordinates the developments at Echievements. Ray holds a Masters Degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Hamilton, MA.
Achieve More In 2 (7)
“I will start my own catering business” is a lot stronger than “I want to go into business for myself.” Challenging goals are motivating. Set goals that will push beyond what you usually think you can accomplish.
Ten Effective Ways To Reduce Your Business Costs (8)
You should try to trade for something before you buy it. Barter deals usually require little or no money.2. Network Try networking your business with other businesses. You could trade leads or mailing lists.
The 6 Stages Of Modern Career Development (9)
This article is adapted from the book, Get Smart! About Modern Career Development: A Personal Guide to Creating Your Life’s Work by Michelle L. Casto, M.Ed.Michelle L. Casto is a whole life coach, speaker, and author of Get Smart!
Networking 1 (10)
To see how, visit http://www.homebusinesssolutions.com for the latest FREE tips and tricks, educational products and coaching in creative real estate investing and home based businesses. No time to visit the site?
Working As A Knowledge Worker In The Information Age (11)
Lloyd and P. Boyle (editors), 1998. "Web-Weaving: Intranets, Extranets, Strategic Alliances." Oxford , Eng. : Butterworth-Heineman.G. Mark, J. Grudin, and S. Poltrock, 1999. “Virtually Collocated Teams in the Workplace,” Proceedings, ECSCW ‘99 (6th European Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work, 12- 16 September 1999 , Copenhagen ), pp.
This Is The Power Of PR (12)
Robert A. Kelly © 2004. Bob Kelly counsels, writes and speaks to business, non-profit and association managers about using the fundamental premise of public relations to achieve their operating objectives.
Three Proven Steps To Improve Your Home Business Advertising Response In Just 1 (13)
Your goal should be to repeat and improve what works for you. If you do, you will not need a budget and you will be able to predict what kinds of repeat and new business each promotion will generate.Bob MarkovskyMillennium Services GroupStart Your Own High Profit Cleaning Businesshttp://www.Cleaning-Biz.comMillennium Services Group has been assisting people to start and succeed in their own cleaning businesses since 1999.Article copyright Millennium Services Group - 2004
7 Work At Home Mistakes To Avoid (14)
Persistence is the single most important factor in determining a successful "work at home" business. Be persistent and you will be successful. About The AuthorTina Barraclough is a stay at home mom and owner of http://best-home-based-business-idea.com Visit her website for Business Opportunities, free e-books,Business Articles,etc.tinabarr4@msn.com
Something New For Managers (15)
In due course, you, your team and other interested parties will want to assess how your public relations effort is faring at altering the offending perception. Best way to determine that is to duplicate your earlier benchmark monitoring session putting similar questions to the members of your target audience.
How To Negotiate A Settlement With An Insurance Claims Adjuster By Dan Baldyga (16)
I flat out guarantee you the next time you meet the power will have shifted into your corner and you'll never again hear him attempt to minimize your injuries. That often comes to pass because he’s received this typical six word, one line memo, from his supervisor at the home office, “Settle this one and move on”.
Step Back To Succeed In Decision Making (17)
As a supervisor or manager, there will undoubtedly be a time when you will have to make more important, and sometimes instantaneous, decisions. That’s when all of the practicing will pay off.
Why PR Is An Engine For Economic Growth (18)
So, as you select one of three strategies (especially constructed to create perception or opinion where there may be none, or change or reinforce it,) what you want to do is insure that the goal and its strategy match each other.
A Mass Customization Revolution (19)
Seven years ago most plotter manufactures laughed at the idea of a low wattage Roll Feed Laser system and could not see the potential for manufacturing one. Look at what is happening today, Since 1990, the number and diversity of applications for low wattage CO2, Nd:YAG and Diode laser systems have exploded.
Better Decisions Balancing Efficiency BuyIn (20)
Do others have interests that conflict with the interests of the organization? Building shared goals and values makes consensus and delegation possible. If you find that you rarely use these decision modes, you may need to put more energy into building and communicating a shared understanding of where the group is going and how you will get there.