Tag: advertising

Can Print Advertising Make a Comeback?

With the massive innovation of advertisements over the past years, everything is now going digital — with little room available for print media. However, prepare for the resurrection of the dead, because print advertisements are now back on the market. 

It is crystal clear in the eyes of people that the wide spreading of the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) across the world had resulted in nothing but the downfall of the economy and health of people. 

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Though the pandemic may have closed down malls and various establishments, influenced people’s physical states, and knocked down the economy and stock prices; the long-gone print advertisement may have benefited from this unfortunate catastrophe. 

In the industry of advertising, the first rule is that your adverts must be seen by the general public to take effect. But this might not be happening anytime soon with the virus taking a toll in the country. 

With people locked up in their homes, their usual go-to digital consumption services are either social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or streaming services like Netflix, HBO, and Amazon Prime Video. This personal preference is hitting the vulnerable spot of most print advertisements companies.

 

The Current Statistics

According to the Interactive Advertising Bureau, almost 24% of media buyers, planners, and brands have paused their advertising spending. Meanwhile, 46% said they would adjust their ad spend across the time period.

In China, the total media ad spending tops digital and television with $81.06 billion and $16.27 billion as of the March 2020 forecast. While these numbers are occurring in the United States and China, which dominates most of the print media, it is evident that amid a pandemic, ad revenue for print advertisements is down and will continue in that trajectory in these trying times. 

 

Numbers do not lie, it is factual, and it is the reality. Though the numbers conclude that print advertisements are long out of the picture, the recent Sunday New York Times turned the tables. It might be a significant risk at this moment. However, the publishing company carried six different long forms of print advertisements where one is a two-page spread from MasterCard to articulate its support for the GLAAD’s NEON Legacy Series, a photo and video collection by Black LGBTQIA+ creators.  

Aside from this, brand categories that are not included to be most impacted by COVID-19 saw incredible changes with their business as the pandemic peak. 

 

The Comeback of Print Advertisement

Ryan Zamo, co-founder and CEO of Z-SkinCosmetics, a company that specializes in organic and handmade e-commerce beauty brands, experienced incredible growth in their affiliate marketing because of the hand sanitizers they sell and make.

In line with this, they took advantage of the moment. Z-SkinCosmetics promoted their hand sanitizers while their sports nutritional supplements are down in sales. It can be presumed that a profit increase is gained when the target market wants to be knowledgeable about what is happening around them. This is the marketing strategy that Zamo and his brand did with their hand sanitizer product line. 

Moreover, when John Caples created some of America’s long copy of ads back in the 1960s and 1970s, it inspired David Ogilvy, another ad legend. David discovered that long copies sell more than short texts. 

Though this may seem in contrast with the digital age wherein time is valued, and everything is fast-paced, characters are limited up to a 145-word count, and a piece of single information must be flashed in no more than 15 seconds. Today, productivity lies in quantity, so as much as possible, the totality of everything must be summarized. 

Aside from the pandemic, people had to battle and protest with the LGBTQIA+ community and the Black Lives Matter or BLM movement. These social movements and communities happened to change print advertisements overnight. 

Facebook, who acted deaf on its own employees for racist posts, is now advertising a full-page on the significance of voting. This voting information started on the 3rd of July, wherein Facebook users who meet the voting age will see it at the topmost part of their timeline and information on how to vote. 

This initiative will also be available on their sister sites and applications like Instagram and Messenger all throughout the summer. 

While a vast and famous brand, Procter and Gamble, features Serena Williams for their deodorant and antiperspirant line, Secret, to push for gender equality. The same strategy was done in another P&G product, Olay, featuring a quote from an activist and MSNBC contributor, Brittany Packet Cunningham, who took a stand against racism. 

 

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These are just a few of the many businesses who spoke their truth and stand with social movements and initiatives through the print media. This has massively contributed to the revival of print advertisements because the people buy these brands to make a stand.

So gone are the limitations on word counts and characters, because now, people have all the time in the world to read and be educated. 

 

Conclusion

Since we live in an information-seeking environment, advertising your small business can be done in a long copy of print advertisements. 

A brand is more than what it offers or sells; it is how they brand their image to other people that reflects who they are. In this chosen medium, a more in-depth understanding may open the hearts of people to entrust their needs to these brands fully. 

At this point, print advertisements have fully revived after sitting in the dark for so long. It might be unfortunate to come back during a pandemic and gain profit because of societal inequalities and issues. 

However, it is essential for the community and the rest of the world to know the truth and be informed of factual information through these mediums.

 

Top Reasons To Advertise Early In The New Year

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The brand new year is already here. Therefore, as you really think about your individual resolutions to begin the season properly, look into some resolutions for that business of yours and ways to up the game of advertising in Kansas City, MO. It’s time to think about how you intend on expanding your business venture in 2020. This is the time to begin producing your marketing game plan. Here are the reasons why you must begin advertising and marketing in the new year:

 

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Budget

For starters, the new year brings a brand new spending budget. You will realize the amount of money you will have to shell out during the year to achieve the small business objectives of yours. In reality, advertising really needs to become a crucial component of a company’s activities. It will help you accomplish top-of-mind awareness that is targeted to your perfect customer. In addition, it is excellent for client retention. Nevertheless, before you start any brand new marketing campaigns, you have to go over the sales numbers. For example, you must study the product sales for the previous three to five years. Do you see some patterns? Are there specific buying periods when you receive a higher revenue? Remember, this critical info has to be factored into your yearly advertising and marketing plan.

 

Calendar

Second, develop a calendar of key events that form the foundation of your marketing campaigns. This will need to be based mostly on earlier successes, as well as address means to boost sales in slower periods. For instance, in case you see that business slows down in Q1, try a promotion. Granted, in case you are a business-to-consumer business, the customers of yours might not have a great deal of extra cash to invest after the holidays. Nevertheless, you are able to drive a number of discount items to help boost revenue. Furthermore, by creating the calendar before the season starts, you understand exactly how much cash to allot to each and every event’s campaign. For example, in case your business earns plenty of sales before Halloween, you have to hold cash that is adequately budgeted to push some promotions you do later.

 

Market Analysis

An additional component of exactly why you must begin advertising in Kansas City, MO and marketing in the new year is actually redefining how you fit into the marketplace. Clearly, before you are able to accomplish this, you have to learn exactly where you fit into the industry. Thus, you need to do a market analysis. Even though the new year has already started, you still have some time to do this.

 

Reach New Heights

Finally, advertising allows for a small business to reach new heights. It can help a sinking business find a faithful customer base. Similar to redefining your spot in the market, beginning to promote sends a message to your employees. A brand new advertisement campaign signals that your business is ready to expand on the internet. In short, you get what you put into your business!

 

Open The New Year With An Email

A lot of companies send emails throughout the Hanukkah or Christmas season by using email advertising. Make your small business stand out from everyone else by delivering one thing before New Year’s. It is very likely to get noticed then, particularly in case you are thoughtful about the messaging of your email and make it worthwhile for buyers to open up. 

Deliver special deals to specific groups in your email list, plus email only deals that you are not listing anywhere else. 

 

Social Media Hype

Advertising in Kansas City, MO is not limited to print material. Social networking is the best way to get clients fired up for 2020. A brand new, festive avatar or maybe header picture is able to appeal to eyeballs within your followers’ timelines, placing your business front and center. 

That’s a great spot to market New Year’s specific services or products. When Pinterest is actually an element of your social approach, then simply create boards of New Year’s party decor, outfits, or drink as well as food suggestions.

 

Make Your Marketing Festive

Think of New Year ‘s centric promotions which work best for the business of yours. In case you are a clothing boutique, put up a discount on beauty products, accessories, and apparel which sparkle. If perhaps you’ve a candy store, include Champagne gummies as well as nontoxic confetti into cheery bundles perfect to take as hostess presents to New Year’s Eve gatherings.

You are able to additionally hand out 2020 coupons to help you increase January product sales.

 

Add Something With Curb Appeal

In case you are a brick-and-mortar business, consider decking out the display window of yours with a new 2020 design featuring a festive get-together scene making use of items you market in the shop to get the eye of every person passing by.

 

Have A Party

People seek out all sorts of ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Restaurants charge a lot for exclusive menus. Clubs also pull in popular DJs, however, not every person really wants to shed a great deal of hard cash to celebrate.

In case you are an artisanal spirits distiller, you can invite clients in for a no cost party which contains an unique tasting. or maybe, in case you work on gaming or tech, you can throw a party that could let guests test out the newest gear. You could join forces along with other business people in the region to support a rocking block bash.

Simply do not forget to market. Events are a huge draw, whether you are a brick-and-mortar shop or enjoy a great, party friendly office area, make sure you share news of the event with posters as well as invites on social networking.

 

Provide What People Need

Set your business up for good results by looking forward to an influx of post holiday returns. In case you are a brick-and-mortar shop, consider anything clients could possibly need during an extended working day of returns: treat products, lip balm, mittens in case it is cold out. Next, stage all of the products (plus every other holiday special you are hoping to unload) at the register. For each return, encourage buyers to buy something else. It is a win win.

 

Benefits of local newspaper advertising

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With the rise of digital media, many of us are now asking the question, “why start using print media to advertise your business in 2019?”

Advertising has been around forever. Whether it’s to increase product recognition, sales, or to maintain repeat customers, small businesses need to advertise to survive. 

The most common advertising methods include radio, the internet, TV, magazines and of course newspapers. 

Let’s face it…

People nowadays are obsessed with technology. In fact, many people aren’t even comfortable without some sort of digital device at their fingertips. And since most of the world has moved online, many in the advertising industry would have you believe that the idea of using print media to advertise your business is old and outdated.

“Print no longer works” they say. 


However, this simply isn’t the case.


Print is here to stay, and we’re going to explain why. As a matter of fact, if you incorporate print advertising into your marketing, you’ll likely see an increase in your response rate! To illustrate this, here are 6 key benefits of using print media to advertise your business.


The Halo Effect


Publishers who reliably provide quality print content to readers will be seen as more credible. Furthermore, according to an MRI survey of American consumers, 51% of influencers or “influentials” were influenced by print ads in magazines. The number increased to 53% for newspaper ads.

This is what’s known as the halo effect. It has been shown that brands that place ads in popular magazines enjoy the benefits of its readers viewing their ad in a similarly positive light. 

This is another way of building trust with readers, which is essential to maximizing sales and leads.

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Local Newspaper Advertising is More Relevant to Consumers


Another kind of halo effect is that of the newspaper medium itself. When people read newspapers, they only have positive expectations, whereas, with online media, people expect to see annoying pop-ups and advertisements that are often jarring and irrelevant to the content on the page. 

This is in stark contrast to newspaper ads, which are often placed in relevant sections. An example would be a shoe ad in the fashion section of the newspaper. Since this type of ad isn’t as intrusive, it’s less likely to elicit a negative consumer reaction.


Digital advertising has overstayed its welcome


This ties back to what we said earlier about people not being to live without digital stuff. These days people are multitasking to the tune of texting, instant messaging, surfing the web, and watching television all at the same time. In short, we’re no longer as receptive to digital advertising as we were at the inception of the internet. 

When it comes to print readers, on the other hand, they don’t typically multitask as much when reading a magazine or newspaper, which makes them more receptive to print ads.


The Need to Unplug

 

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With the rise of digitalization, an equal and opposite reaction has also occurred. This is called “unplugging,” and it’s when we realize that we’ve had enough internet or social media for the day.

While not everyone has embraced unplugging, those who don’t are considered by most to be engaging in unhealthy behavior. 

Many people have realized the value of unplugging. When unplugging occurs it often means turning to print media for entertainment or education…


Laser-Focused Targeting Options


We hear a lot about the vast options for targeting in online media, but print also has incredible targeting options. 

With print you can:

  • Select the section of the newspaper your target audience is most likely to read
  • Run ads in specific papers or only in certain geographical areas
  • Choose to run ads only on certain days of the week (i.e. Wednesday or Sunday’s paper)

Speaking of choices, you can also implement last-minute changes to your ads rather painlessly. A local newspaper advertising department should be able to accomplish this pretty quickly.


There are Plenty of Options


Beyond that, using print media to advertise your business will also give you more options for budgeting. You can choose from 

  • a quarter page, half page or full-page ads. 
  • small 1-inch square classifieds
  • column ads in different sizes

For the cherry on top, you’ll be able to work with an actual human in getting your ad placed instead of a nameless algorithm. 

And since you’re dealing with another human, there’s also extra room for negotiation. 

If you want additional services at no extra cost, then that’s an option. Color printing, a human touch on your design, and possibly even a slightly larger ad are all on the negotiating table. You might also even be able to get your ad featured in the publisher’s other products as well!


Newspaper readers are more likely to take action


According to the Nielson Global Trust report, 65% of print readers take some form of action after reading a newspaper print ad. 

Unlike on the internet, newspaper readers are more likely to seek out advertisements instead of blocking them. Newspaper readers like to search for coupons and deals. Of course it’s no guarantee that readers will notice your ad in the newspaper. 

However, if people are actively searching for deals, then it helps improve your chances. They will also be more likely to take the time to read your ad and act on your offer. 

And finally, when you learn how to synergize print and digital media, the results can be amazing. Here’s just one example: QR codes. These printed codes have helped to bridge the gap between the print and digital divide in a way that’s unique and engaging. 

Another example is social media and download links in print media – these help readers to engage with brands online, which eventually helps to drive back traffic to the business and generate awareness. 


Conclusion


Print ads, especially in newspapers, are a trifecta of potency. When you start using print media to advertise your business, you’ll reap the benefits of reaching a wider swathe of your target audience while also driving higher engagement and communicating your brand’s message effectively. 

By using print media to advertise your business, you’ll have a good chance of cutting through all of the noise that exists in today’s digital world. 

Top Local Advertising Ideas for Small Business

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If you are a small business owner, you know that you have to expand your customer base to continue to grow. The best way to do that is to advertise to a local demographic. Since this is a targeting market, you need targeted local business advertising. You are probably looking for affordable ways to achieve your marketing goals. That is why we have compiled a list of the Top 10 local advertising ideas for Small Business so you can compete with the big companies on a small budget!

1. Claim Your Google ‘My Business Listing’

When your customers are ready to buy, they turn to Google. Google has created a listing specifically for small businesses to be found by local customers called ‘My Business Listing’ Utilizing this listing will help you rank on the front page and in the maps section for your niche. Your local business advertising doesn’t get more targeted than this. Google has made it simple to add your information to their platform, so make sure you claim your listing today!

2. Run a Referral Promotion

The most effective form of advertising is word-of-mouth! If you incentivize your customers to refer you to their friends and family, you will see that you generate a lot of business on a recurring basis. People trust personal recommendations, so use your current customers to advertise for you. Offer them a free gift with each referral or a dollar amount off their next purchase. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for the referral when you know your customer is happy!

3. Use Print Advertising

Print media isn’t dead. People still like to have something tangible to hold on to. That is why you should have your business cards and pamphlets ready for distribution where your customers are. Make sure you hand out business cards to each customer that walks through your doors or partner with other local businesses in the area to display your cards at checkout. You can also implement a direct mail campaign with time-sensitive coupons. This is a great way to create awareness for your business, and if your offer is a great one, people will pass it onto their friends.

4. Stay on Brand

Everyone loves swag! Branded items are a great way to keep your brand top of mind. Make sure that you get swag that is useful. Pens, USB sticks, t-shirts, reusable bags, and water bottles are excellent products for your local business advertising. Make sure that your logo is prominent on the items so that people associate your brand to the good feeling they get when using your product.

5. Make Use of the Local Newspaper

Your local newspaper is an excellent local business advertising option. Not only does it provide an excellent return on investment, but you can place your ad in specific sections for hyper-targeted advertising. You can also try pitching a story to your local paper to get your business name in the paper for free. Make sure your story has an angle that appeals to many people to have a better chance of getting your story picked up.

6. Partner with Local Radio

Radio Contests are wildly popular. If you have a physical location and partner with the right local radio station, you will find that your return on ad spend is well worth it. If you are running a radio contest, make sure that your prize is a substantial one. You should also make sure that your staff is ready to provide excellent customer service for those who phone in or come to your store in person.

7. Host an Exclusive Event

Hosting an exclusive event for people within your target market is a great way to build goodwill and brand recognition in the community. You can make almost anything an event as long as there is plenty of food and friendly people. Try partnering with other local businesses to keep your costs down and get more reach. Make sure that you plan your promotion at least a month in advance for maximum turn out. You can also provide branded swag or a gift to the first 50 people who attend.

8. Do a Local Give Away

People love free stuff and the excitement that comes with a chance of winning. Try partnering with local businesses who have a similar target market to do a giveaway. You can cross promote on all social channels to get the maximum amount of people to participate. Make sure that each business provides a great prize that people will want to have right away!

9. Localize Your Online Ads

Local business advertising online has never been easier. These days you can use online advertising to target people within 1 mile of your business that has traveled outside of the country recently. You can target people who are ready to buy and, in your store’s, geographical location. Make sure you couple localized ads with excellent ad copy to achieve maximum leads and foot traffic.

10. Advertise With Your Vehicle

If you have a fleet of company cars or use your own car for frequent client visits, you should consider wrapping your vehicle in your brand colors with your logo and contact information prominent. The best part about vehicles wraps is that the advertising is a one-time cost and continues to work overtime even when it is parked. If you aren’t ready for a vehicle wrap, you can try magnetic decals that are low cost and can come off at any time.

Now that you have 10 local business advertising ideas that you can implement today, your company will be better able to attract the right clientele in your local area.