Want to Boost Your Summer Sales? 7 Reasons to Try Local Newspaper Advertising

A happy couple out shopping together on a sunny day

As a small business owner, have you considered the untapped potential of local newspaper advertising? In our rapidly evolving digital world, we often forget the power of traditional marketing channels. Yet, they wield an unassailable influence that continues to captivate audiences. If your aim is to boost your summer sales, it’s time to reconsider local business advertising via print media. Here are seven compelling reasons to place your trust in newspaper advertising.

 

#1.) Local Engagement

Local newspapers have a unique charm that lies in their intimate connection with the community. Despite the global reach of digital media, local newspapers continue to thrive, with a substantial readership that prefers the rustle of the paper with their morning coffee over the cold glare of a screen. A trusted local publication like Coffee News can be the bridge that connects your business to your community. Our readership consists of your potential customers, waiting to be introduced to your offerings. By advertising with us, your message becomes more personal and impactful, tailored for the community you serve.

Remember, the loyalty of local customers can’t be underestimated. They are the backbone of your business, providing steady revenue and positive word-of-mouth. In an age where companies fight tooth and nail for a shred of customer attention, local business advertising hands you the golden ticket to unrivaled community engagement.

 

#2.) Trust and Credibility

The digital world is plagued with fraud, fake news, and cyber threats, causing trust in digital ads to wane. On the other hand, the credibility of print media stands unscathed. Local newspapers like Coffee News are seen as trustworthy pillars of the community, and this trust extends to the businesses they advertise.

Advertising your business in our print publication doesn’t just make your brand visible; it adds a badge of credibility to your name. Your association with a reputable local publication can be the difference between a potential customer choosing your product over a competitor’s. Trust breeds customer loyalty and, in the long run, repeat business and referrals – invaluable assets for any small business.

 

#3.) Highly Targeted Advertising

Print newspapers offer something that few digital advertising platforms can – highly targeted marketing. Coffee News has nurtured a devoted reader base over the years, consisting mainly of locals. We are invested in our community and have an affinity for local businesses. When you advertise with us, your business speaks directly to a receptive audience, increasing the likelihood of attracting interested customers.

Targeted local business advertising means you’re not throwing your budget into the vast, unpredictable ocean of the internet, hoping to catch a few interested fish. Instead, you’re investing in a well-stocked pond where each dollar you spend can reel in potential customers, offering you a higher return on your investment.

 

#4.) Greater Visibility

Online advertisements come and go with a click. On the contrary, print advertising has a lasting impact. An advertisement in Coffee News isn’t just a one-time interaction. It’s a tangible piece of content that readers can hold, revisit, and even share with others.

People spend more time reading a newspaper, flipping through its pages at a leisurely pace. This slow consumption increases the likelihood of your advertisement catching their eye and making a lasting impression. Additionally, print advertisements, due to their physical nature, can be referred back to, shared, or pinned up as a reminder, extending their lifespan and reach.

 

#5.) Competitive Advantage

The digital world is crowded. Small businesses often find themselves in fierce competition for digital advertising space, escalating costs, and reducing effectiveness. Meanwhile, the world of print advertising, overlooked in the digital frenzy, provides you with an untapped opportunity.

By choosing to advertise in a local newspaper, you distinguish yourself from competitors. Your advertisement isn’t just another forgotten pop-up; it’s a statement that you’re a part of the community fabric, a reliable and accessible local business ready to serve. This gives you a unique edge and can significantly enhance your brand image and recall, ultimately boosting your summer sales.

A woman carrying shopping bags filled with fresh summer produce

#6.) Cost-Effective Marketing

One of the appealing benefits of local newspaper advertising is its cost-effectiveness. Unlike many digital advertising platforms, which can incur substantial costs with less guarantee of success, print advertising provides a more controlled budgeting environment. You know exactly where and when your ad will appear, and in a publication like Coffee News, you can be confident it’ll reach a local, engaged audience.

Furthermore, the return on investment in print advertising is substantial. With a longer shelf life and greater visibility, your ad continues to engage potential customers beyond the first read. Therefore, each dollar invested in local business advertising can pay dividends in sustained brand exposure and increased customer engagement.

 

#7.) Holistic Marketing Strategy

Integrating local newspaper advertising into your marketing mix adds a holistic dimension to your strategy. As we navigate this speedy digital era, a tangible piece of your business, nestled among the local stories in a beloved community paper like Coffee News, provides a delightful break from the screen. It’s like a friendly hello from across the room. It embraces not only those who are comfortable in the digital domain but also those who find solace in the crisp rustle of a newspaper.

Mixing it up with both print and digital advertising strategies enables you to create a harmonious customer experience. Imagine your customers sipping their morning coffee, seeing your business in Coffee News, and later in the day, spotting you online. It’s a comforting echo that reassures them of your brand’s reliability and presence. By staying top of mind, you pave the way for those summer sales to roll in.

 

Contact Coffee News Today!

To wrap up, local business advertising in newspapers is more than just ink on paper. It’s your friendly neighborhood superhero, ready to boost local engagement, strengthen trust, aim your advertising right, make your brand unforgettable, and carve out your own niche in the market. It’s the secret ingredient to spice up your summer sales.

Are you ready to watch your summer sales take flight with the aid of local newspaper advertising? Let us at Coffee News help you make waves in your local community. With our well-loved print platform and your compelling ads, we’ll brew the perfect blend to kickstart your business’s growth. We’re excited to join you on this adventure, toasting to the power of local business advertising. Let’s dive in and create some ripples!

Refresh Your Print Media Advertising With These 11 Spring Marketing Trends

A young man dressed in business casual sits reading a newspaper on a flight of steps

In the digital age, it’s easy to overlook the impact of print media advertising. However, print materials can still be effective in capturing attention and driving engagement with customers. As we head into spring, it’s important to stay on top of the latest print marketing trends. Here are 11 trends you need to know about.

 

1. Personalization

Personalization is not new in the world of print media advertising, but it is becoming increasingly important. Consumers want to feel that they are being heard and that their preferences matter. Personalization can be achieved in several ways, such as variable data printing, which allows each piece of mail to be unique, or by using customer data to tailor the message.

 

2. Interactive Print

Interactive print combines print with digital technology to create an immersive experience for the consumer. One example is using augmented reality to bring a printed ad to life. Another is the use of QR codes, which can lead the customer to a landing page or provide them with additional information.

 

3. Sustainability

Sustainability is a growing concern for consumers, and businesses that prioritize eco-friendly practices will have an advantage. This trend extends to print marketing, where using recycled paper and environmentally friendly inks can make a significant impact. Companies can also promote their sustainability efforts in their marketing materials.

 

4. Minimalism

Minimalism is a design trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years. In print media advertising, this means using simple and clean designs with plenty of white space. This approach can help the message stand out and make it easier for the consumer to read and understand.

 

5. Bold Typography

Bold typography can make a statement and help the message stand out. This trend involves using large, bold fonts in headlines or to highlight important information. However, it’s important to strike a balance between making a statement and ensuring readability.

 

6. QR Codes

QR codes are a type of barcode that can be scanned with a smartphone camera. They are a versatile tool in print marketing, as they can be used to provide additional information, offer discounts, or lead the customer to a landing page. QR codes are becoming increasingly popular, and businesses that use them can stay ahead of the curve.

 

7. Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital content onto the real world. In print marketing, AR can be used to bring a static ad to life. For example, a printed ad for a clothing store could use AR to allow the customer to see how they would look in the clothes.

 

8. Experiential Marketing

Experiential marketing involves creating a memorable and immersive experience for the customer. In print marketing, this could mean sending a direct mail piece that includes a sample of the product or creating a brochure that unfolds into a pop-up display. This approach can help the customer connect with the brand on a deeper level.

A fresh spring tulip sits on top of a stack of newspapers

9. Integration with Digital Marketing

Print media advertising doesn’t have to be separate from digital marketing efforts. In fact, integrating the two can lead to a more cohesive and effective marketing strategy. One way to integrate print and digital marketing is to include a call-to-action (CTA) that directs the customer to a landing page or social media account. Another way is to use QR codes or augmented reality to connect print materials with digital content. By integrating print and digital marketing, businesses can reach customers through multiple channels and increase the likelihood of conversions.

 

10. Print Marketing as a Tangible Experience

In a world where so much marketing is digital, print marketing can offer a unique and tangible experience for customers. From direct mail pieces to brochures and flyers, print materials can be physically held and examined. This tactile experience can create a deeper connection between the customer and the brand. By using high-quality paper and unique design elements, businesses can create print materials that are not only visually appealing but also feel luxurious to the touch. This sensory experience can leave a lasting impression on the customer and help drive brand recognition and loyalty.

 

11. Nostalgia Marketing

Nostalgia marketing is a trend that taps into customers’ fond memories of the past to promote a product or service. In print marketing, this can involve using retro design elements or references to popular culture from a bygone era. Nostalgia can create an emotional connection with customers, reminding them of a simpler time and triggering positive associations. By using nostalgia marketing in print materials, businesses can tap into these emotions and create a deeper connection with their audience. This approach can be especially effective for targeting older demographics who may have more nostalgia for past eras.

 

Conclusion

As we head into spring, businesses must stay ahead of the curve when it comes to print media advertising. The trends outlined above offer exciting opportunities to engage with customers and drive sales. By using personalization, interactive print, sustainability, minimalism, bold typography, QR codes, augmented reality, and experiential marketing, businesses can create impactful print materials that stand out in a crowded marketplace. By embracing these trends, businesses can connect with customers in a meaningful way and increase brand recognition and loyalty.

 

FAQs

Are print materials still relevant in the digital age?

Yes, print materials are still relevant and can be an effective way to engage with customers.

 

How can I personalize my print materials?

You can use variable data printing or customer data to tailor the message to each individual recipient.

 

What is interactive print?

Interactive print combines print with digital technology to create an immersive experience for the consumer.

 

How can I make my print materials more sustainable?

You can use recycled paper and environmentally friendly inks, as well as promoting your sustainability efforts in your marketing materials.

 

What is experiential marketing?

Experiential marketing involves creating a memorable and immersive experience for the customer, often through the use of tangible materials.

 

Contact Us Today!

Coffee News incorporates all of these methods of print media advertising into boosting your ad in our weekly print publications. Your ad will run for a minimum of 26 consecutive weeks and reach your desired target market. Unlike with other publications, your ad will not be overlooked by larger ads since all ads in Coffee News are 3” x 2.” You will also be able to make slight edits to your ad free of charge. Contact us today to get started!

10 Reasons Why You Should Add Print Media to Your Local Advertising Efforts

A young woman reading a newspaper while sitting outdoors at a cafe

In local business advertising, print media is particularly effective because it can reach customers in a very personal way. You need to use this advertising medium, however, because simply ignoring it isn’t going to change the fact that people like to get the best deals when they go shopping! Below are ten reasons to add print media to your local business advertising efforts.

 

1. Great for Customer Retention

Print media works well for local businesses because it’s good at keeping existing customers happy. This is because people tend to save the coupons and discount offers that print media provides. They’ll tend to use them later on when the time is right.

 

2. Print Media Creates Memorable Images

Print media provides a unique way to bring your business to life beyond just the written word. For example, you can use images of your products, services, or employees to help people remember you and what you offer. In addition, they’re a great way to get your message across on nearly anything else that may be available in print media. For example, if your company sells flowers, why not provide local businesses with a swag bag filled with other items related to the same subject?

 

3. The Cost of Advertising in Print Media Is Affordable

Compared to other options, such as radio and television, the cost of advertising in print media is low. You can even get a coupon book for as little as $100, which will still give you a great starting point to work within your local community. And when you’re not getting many customers with your print media campaign, you can be sure that the cost won’t take as big of a toll on you financially.

 

4. Helps Establish Credibility

Print media can help establish your credibility as a business. This is especially true for your local business if you are in a competitive market. For example, you can use print media to offer coupons for your services and products and a statement about your company’s commitment to customer satisfaction. This gesture will help people recognize that you are serious about doing the best job possible to keep them happy.

 

5. Helps You Reach a Niche Market

The purpose of print media advertising is to get people interested in something that they might not have peeked at otherwise. This can help your local business in two ways. First, it can help you reach a niche market that you might not be able to reach otherwise. Second, it can help you get your name out among a wide audience. This can lead to even more business opportunities for your company.

 

6. You Can Get Results Fast With Print Media Advertising

With some other forms of advertising, you’re often left wondering if any progress is being made. You may not see relevant results immediately, so it can be difficult to believe in your advertising efforts. However, with print media, you can get results quickly and know that you’re doing well.

An older man reading through the local business advertising in his newspaper

 

7. Easily Accessible

Print media is easy to access, which is why it’s so popular among local businesses. And you don’t have to have a posh office with a sophisticated IT department and multiple websites to use them. This is advantageous because it helps you get the word out without paying for a lot of overhead. You can keep the advertising costs down and still get better results than other forms of advertising.

 

8. Print Media Helps You Build Loyalty With Your Customers

Print media is a great way to build loyalty with your customers. You can demonstrate your concern for them by offering deals and discounts and letting them know you value their business. These are great things to show your customers and make them feel like there’s a personal touch that you’re providing for them.

 

9. Print Media Provides You With a True Test of Your Ad Copy and Graphics

Print media is a great way to test how effective your ad copy and graphics are before using them on other advertising outlets. You can test them out and see what works best before adding different types of advertising to your business strategy. This strategy is especially useful when you find out that people don’t respond well to one type of ad and want to try a different way of advertising.

 

10. Reach a Wide Audience of People at Once

Print media, such as newspapers and magazines, often have a large and loyal readership, giving you a broad reach to potential customers. Regardless of where you live, several different print media options are likely available to you. And if there’s not, you can always take advantage of the internet and send out some emails to interested parties. This allows you to reach many people at once in just one campaign without investing too much upfront. This method is also useful as it allows you to spread your campaign over a longer time. So, in the end, it’s a win-win situation for both you and your customers!

 

Trust KC Coffee News for Local Business Advertising

Local business advertising is about reaching your audience and getting them to notice what you have to offer. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on one television commercial, wouldn’t it be better for you to get your message out there in print media? The answer is yes! Local businesses can use this opportunity to reach a wide audience of people with relative ease and at a relatively low cost.

Coffee News incorporates all of these benefits of print advertising into boosting your ad in our weekly print publications. Your ad will run for a minimum of 26 consecutive weeks and reach your desired target market. Unlike with other publications, your ad will not be overlooked by larger ads since all ads in Coffee News are 3″ x 2.” You will also be able to make slight edits to your ad free of charge. Contact us today to get started!

 

13 Ways Print Marketing Can Help Bolster Black Friday Sales

A young woman out Black Friday shopping before the holidays

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are approaching faster than you know. They’ve become a time when retailers have to try their hardest to attract customers, and the best way they can do that is by marketing in print. This blog post will highlight 14 ways in which print marketing in local business advertising has become an integral part of everyday retail sales.

 

1. Increases Traffic

An increase in traffic is often the first concern of a business owner. Print advertising provides an effective way to encourage customers to visit your store. This, in turn, will ensure that they will be spending money at your store and spending money with you. When customers know that they can get the latest offers and deals, they’re more likely to return again and again. Print media advertising is also a great way for local stores to boost sales by increasing customer exposure.

 

2. Preserves Customer Loyalty

Research shows that people who’ve seen a Black Friday ad in the paper are more likely to visit the store again. And when they do, they’re just as satisfied with their purchase as those who were walking past it and came in only because they saw it on the way. Advertising in local business media encourages loyalty and trust, which is an essential part of a shop’s marketing strategy. A healthy customer base ensures that stores can survive and thrive.

 

3. Puts Your Store on the Map

Black Friday is a great time to put your store on the map, whether you’re a large retailer or a small business. When people see ads in print, they associate that particular ad with you, and when they visit your store, they’ll think of you. The idea is to stand out from the crowd and make customers want to return again and again to see what’s new. It’s a sales technique in its own right, but there’s no denying that it has a direct impact on the bottom line.

 

4. Increases Customer Satisfaction

Advertising in print is an effective way for local businesses to improve customer satisfaction levels. The beauty of local media is that it can be tailored to each individual store’s audience, and it will always have a high likelihood of being read. Complementary to any other marketing technique, it is a powerful way to boost sales and increase brand loyalty.

 

5. Encourages Repeat Business

A lot of small businesses don’t advertise in the local media at all. But that’s because they don’t know about the potential benefits. Print marketing can offer a wealth of opportunities for local stores to encourage repeat business, as well as provide valuable feedback for future marketing campaigns.

 

6. Increases Exposure to New Customers

Print marketing can help in-store sales by increasing exposure to new customers, just like online advertising. Black Friday is a great time for stores to bring in new customers, as people are eager to buy and have money to spend. Print ads are an amazing way for local business owners to get the word out about their latest sales and promotional deals.

 

7. Brings More Sales

Local business advertising will lead to more sales for stores. Retailers have access to thousands of readers each week, and they can advertise in a variety of formats, such as print, email, and social media. By increasing customer exposure, businesses are able to sell their products. Print ads allow them to do just that.

 

8. Promotes Local Businesses

An important benefit of print marketing for local business advertising is that it promotes local businesses. This is a vital part of any successful campaign, as it encourages people to support their local stores rather than buy from large chains and online retailers. As well as bringing customers in, it will also encourage them to remain loyal to their local store. And a business with a good reputation normally holds on to those customers while they are loyal.

A steaming cup of coffee with a newspaper

 

9. Establishes Brand Reputation

Print advertising creates a brand image for local business owners and helps establish their reputation. This can expand their customer base and increase traffic in the store. When people know that a store’s name is associated with quality, they’re much more likely to return. Print ads are a great way to promote the local culture of each store’s community and encourage repeat business.

 

10. Improves the Business’ Image

Local advertising can be the difference between success and failure for local stores. They could be taking business away from bigger retailers and attracting new customers that might never have visited. Print ads are a great way to improve a business’s image, as well as its reputation in the local community.

 

11. Encourages Repeat Visits

As well as inspiring loyalty, print advertising helps customers return to the store again and again. A successful campaign will encourage repeat visits while also improving customer satisfaction levels. People are more likely to visit their local store between Black Friday and Cyber Monday if they’ve seen a local advertisement in the paper. And it’s a great way for businesses to ensure that they’re always attracting new customers.

 

12. Allows You to Connect With Your Customers

Print media advertising allows you to connect with your customers in a personal way. This can also be beneficial for online businesses as well as offline ones. Local business owners have access to thousands of readers each week, and they can advertise in a variety of formats, such as print, email, and social media. As an added bonus, they can also connect with their customers through local groups and events. Local business marketing materials are vital for maintaining a positive image in the community and encouraging repeat business.

 

13. Provides a Wealth of Information

Print media advertising is an excellent way for local businesses to get not just customer feedback but also valuable information. This type of advertising will help them improve customer engagement while also improving their reputation. Local business owners can use print media as part of their marketing strategy to establish credibility and gain new customers. Locally printed materials are vital for maintaining a positive image in the community and encouraging repeat customers.

 

Local Business Advertising With Coffee News

Black Friday is one area in which print marketing truly shines. Whether you’re looking for repeat business or new customers, local business ads are an effective tool to turn shoppers into customers and generate sales

Coffee News can boost your Black Friday ad in our weekly print publication, and your ad will reach your desired target market. Unlike with other publications, your ad will not be overlooked by larger ads since all ads in Coffee News are 3” x 2.” You will also be able to make slight edits to your ad free of charge. Don’t wait; reserve your spot for Black Friday today!

10 Ways to Measure Your ROI When Using Kansas City Advertising

A newspaper, coffee cup, and calculator sit on a computer desk

It’s hard to say what marketing strategy is the most effective since they’re all different. However, no one can argue that a marketing strategy shouldn’t be measured by its return on investment (ROI). This blog post will explore ten ways you can use Kansas City advertising services to measure your ROI.

 

1.) Invest in Custom Contact Information

Purchasing print advertising can be a large undertaking, but it’s worth the investment if you’re able to collect customer contact information. Even a small amount of customer data can help determine ROI. Whether it’s a name, address, email address, or phone number -having something more than “Google generated” and “unsubscribe” data is crucial to better advertising results.

 

2.) Keep Track of Referrals

Kansas City advertising is all about getting customers through referrals. By asking for referrals and rewarding customers that give you more business, you can increase your ROI by attracting more people who will use your services. But you will also want to keep track of how many people are giving new customers to your company when they refer you. You can use a referral tracking program like the ones at HubSpot and Raven Tools or simply add their name to an Excel spreadsheet.

 

3.) Consider the Cost of Customer Acquisition

Many companies are making the leap from traditional advertising to online marketing, although there’s a difference between the costs of acquiring customers through print advertising. By using tools like the ones provided by HubSpot and Lead Forensics, you can determine the cost of customer acquisition (COCA) and compare that with your Kansas City ad costs. The better the ROI of each marketing channel, the more money you’ll be able to spend on that channel.

 

4.) Increase Your Reach

Consider a joint announcement with another company in your industry to help increase your market share without increasing your advertising costs. This is a great way to increase your ROI while reaching more customers. If you’re paying for online ad placement, then you need to consider your costs and calculate an ROI based on those costs instead of on gross sales.

 

5.) Keep an Eye on Your Expenses

Some companies don’t have the budget to keep track of all the expenses that go with their marketing programs, let alone calculate their ROI. By creating a budget and tracking your costs, you’ll know how much you’re spending on print advertising and how that compares to other marketing methods. When these costs increase, consider reducing your Kansas City advertising (or increasing your other advertising) to keep ROI high.

A close up stack of newspapers

 

6.) Look at Your Competition

Competition is a good thing. In fact, you need to consider your competitors when determining if Kansas City advertising is worthwhile for your company. For example, if one of your competitors has an advertising budget that exceeds yours or has a better ROI than you are getting, then that should be considered before investing in any new ad campaigns.

 

7.) Talk to Your Customers

You already know that it’s important to listen to your customers and ask for their opinions from time to time, but you should also consider asking them how they heard about your company. By getting information from them, you can measure the effectiveness of your Kansas City advertising efforts in two ways: the number of people who found out about your company through advertising and how many of those people actually became customers.

 

8.) Net Profit Percentage Increase as a Result of Campaigns

If there’s any variable that can be measured to help determine whether you’re getting your money’s worth, it’s this one. By calculating the difference between your net profit percentage and what it was prior to running the campaign, you can see if there has been an increase in your company’s net profit percentage.

 

9.) Measure Customer Retention

If your ROI is high, then you need to ask yourself if you’ve got customers returning to your business. You can do this either by collecting their name and contact information or via a referral tracking program. Then, you can compare this data with what’s available about the number of people who find out about your company through traditional advertising. By doing this regularly, you’ll be able to track ROI from the beginning of a campaign all the way through to its conclusion.

 

10.) Impress Your Boss

Ultimately, calculating ROI is all about making a case for your ad campaigns. Whether it’s your boss or an investor, you’ll want to be able to justify your expenditures on strategic marketing by demonstrating ROI. While there’s no absolute formula to help you do this, there are tools out there that can help. Since there are other factors that affect ROI, it’s important to keep a spreadsheet that details all your business expenses and the amount each expense costs. By keeping this spreadsheet, you can track how much money you’re spending on your print ads, determine the ROI of each channel and then compare the results to see which one is working best for your company.

 

Contact Coffee News

It’s not enough to just “do it” or run a campaign. You have to know what you’re doing and why. What’s more, you’ve got to keep records of how well your print advertising efforts are working and how much money you’re wasting on the wrong campaigns. By taking the time to calculate your ROI, you’ll be able to tell when Kansas City advertising is working for you and when it isn’t.

Coffee News incorporates all of the advantages of print advertising into our weekly print publications. Your ad will run for at least 26 consecutive weeks and reach your desired target market. It will not be overlooked by larger ads run by bigger spenders either since all of our ads are 3″ x 2.” You are also able to make edits to your ad free of charge. Contact us for more info today!

 

15 Print Media Tips to Create the Most Effective Small Business Advertising

A tall stack of newspapers

Marketing your business on social media and in magazines is a common practice, but you need to know that there are better ways to advertise than just throwing money at a campaign. Keep these 15 tips in mind when designing the next round of ads for your small business to ensure they are the most effective small business advertising possible.

 

1.) Personalize Your Ads

Advertising gets the most attention when it’s personalized to fit your target market and niche. So while you may have a general idea of who would be interested in your services, don’t forget to adapt your ads for the specific audience you want to reach. For example, if you’re an accountant targeting parents of young children, you want to mention that in your ad and not just something like a college student or a senior.

 

2.) Write Attractive Headlines

Attention spans are low, so make sure to grab your audience’s attention with an attractive headline. But don’t forget to be clear; you want to entice the reader, but also make sure that it’s easy for them to understand what you’re offering.

 

3.) Make the Most of Your Space

You don’t have a lot of space to work with, so make it count. Keep your sentences short and concise, but make sure you get the information you need across to your audience. Leave out any unnecessary details about yourself or your product, or else you’ll risk losing the attention of your reader.

Tip: when you advertise in our Coffee News publication that’s read by thousands of weekly readers, your ad will be the same size as everyone else’s ad, which gives you an equal shot at getting exposure.

 

4.) Set a Schedule

You need to set up a schedule for your advertising campaign. Try to create a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedule, depending on how much time you can dedicate to the project. It’s important that you make sure your deadlines are realistic, and it will be easier to create a plan if you have a clear schedule that works for you. Having a schedule also helps to keep yourself accountable so that you stick to the plan and don’t take too long on the process.

 

5.) Optimize Layout and Typography

Make sure to focus on the most important information first and leave the less important details for later. This will help with word arrangement and make it easier for readers to get the essential facts about your company before moving on to less important details.

A stack of print ads spread out on a table 

6.) Write With the Reader in Mind

You want to come across as someone who the reader can trust and respect. Use terms familiar to your audience, and avoid words that are difficult to understand. It’s also important to make sure that your language uses a formal tone so that readers think you’re serious when it comes to business transactions.

 

7.) Use Images that Convey Your Message

There’s a reason why so many products use appealing images in their advertisements – images can convey information quickly and effectively without needing any words or sentences at all. When you have a limited amount of space for an ad, every word counts, and images can help to communicate your message more smoothly.

 

8.) Proofread Your Ad

Whether you’re submitting your ad online or creating it by hand, make sure that there are no spelling errors. Even the smallest mistakes can contribute to ruining the entire advertisement and make your services look unprofessional. Get a friend to help if you’re not sure about something instead of rushing through the process.

With Coffee News, you don’t have to worry too much about this; you are allowed to make small edits to your ad free of charge!

 

9.) Pre-Test the Effectiveness of a Print Ad

You don’t want to waste money on an ad that doesn’t reach its audience. Take the time to pre-test your ad in a magazine before you send it out, so you know what kind of response you will have. If the ad doesn’t get any response, consider changing it up and maybe creating a more interesting or better-spoken advertisement. It’s important to make sure that your ad works on a first impression, so test them as soon as possible. This can add to your most effective small business advertising plan!

 

10.) Revisit Advertising Campaigns Regularly

You don’t want to keep doing the same ads year after year – you want to evolve with your product and improve the way you reach out to your customers. Look at new trends in the market and keep yourself up-to-date with what other companies are doing so that you can do effective small business advertising in today’s world.

 

11.) Make Sure Your Business Has an Effective Website

You want to make sure that your potential customers can find you online as well. An effective website includes a unique and interesting design and is easy to navigate. If you’re not technologically savvy, enlist the help of a professional web developer who will create a simple design that matches your service. You can even use a template on sites like TemplateMonster.com, which are already designed for businesses just like yours.

 

12.) Run Some Offline Ads

If none of these work for your business model, try some offline ads like billboards or even fliers in local markets. It’s common to see local restaurants advertising their services in small towns, so why not do the same for your business? The only thing you need to think about is whether or not your market will respond to the offline ads.

 

13.) Consider an Upfront Payment Plan

An upfront payment plan is a great option for small businesses or startups that can’t afford huge and expensive advertisements. This is where you pay for a certain number of advertisements and then spread the remainder over the next five months so that you make more money overall. An upfront payment plan is a great option for businesses that are just starting out and not familiar with online advertising.

 

14.) Switch to Inbound Marketing!

If none of these works for you, you may want to consider switching to inbound marketing. Inbound marketing is where businesses focus on generating leads instead of spending money on advertisements. Instead of spending money on pushing your product, you can instead generate more quality sales by focusing on different types of marketing that bring in customers the right way, like blogging and social media.

 

15.) Make Sure You Have a Call-to-Action

Every ad should have a call-to-action button or link. It’s the button that urges the reader to take action and make contact with you. It’s your goal to get as many people as possible to contact you, so make sure your call-to-action is noticeable and sticks out from the rest of your ad.

 

Conclusion

Effective small business advertising can be a challenge, but it’s worth the work if you want to reach the right audience and make the most out of your investment. The trick is finding an ad that works for you and your company – once you do, it’s just a matter of staying consistent with it. Even if you don’t get any responses at first, don’t give up on your campaign and use the information from previous campaigns to improve on future ads. This will make print media the most effective small business advertising for your company.

The Top 6 Most Effective Small Business Advertising Methods

A small business owner looking up the most effective small business advertising methods

Small businesses and startups often ask, “what is the most effective small business advertising strategy that can scale with a smaller budget?” It’s not easy to figure out the right way to spend your limited time and resources. It’s also difficult to know whether it’s better to invest at the top of the funnel or at the bottom. The best advice we can give for that is to take a full-funnel approach because this is more sustainable over the long run.

However, with that being said, there are some strategies out there that will just be out of reach for small business owners – advertising on TV is an obvious one. So here are 6 of the most viable and effective small business advertising strategies that we recommend for small businesses or startups. 

 

1.) Referral Networks

Referral networks are essential for businesses. These typically involve customer referrals, which are encouraged and promoted via rewards or discounts for each referral. Additionally, referral networks include b2b (business to business) referrals. Have you found yourself often telling customers, “we don’t offer/provide that here, but the business down the road does.” That’s an opportunity to get referrals in return!

Referral networks are even stronger in the white-collar professions. For example, a lawyer will refer someone to an accountant, then the accountant will refer that person to a broker. The only “risk” of referrals is that there is a “shared” reputation. You will be staking your professional reputation on the referrals you provide. So no matter what kind of company you have, ensure that your referral network all shares the same commitment to providing a quality experience as you do.

To wrap up on referral networks, also keep in mind that your competition doesn’t always have to be an enemy. If you happen to be too busy to take on some work, toss it their way. Oftentimes, they will return the favor. And besides, it can hurt your reputation to make a customer wait too long.

 

2.) Influencer Marketing

There is great value in being praised by a trustworthy and respected third party. There are two main benefits. The first benefit is that earned media and press articles will encourage people to place their trust in you. 

And the second benefit is that you can leverage these outlets’ existing audiences to spread your message even further. Bloggers and influencers can also help with this by sharing your company with their followers, thus giving you an important endorsement with a potentially enormous reach. You can also pull some creative (and affordable if done right) stunts to attract the attention of your target audience or the media.

 

3.) Content Marketing

Making interesting and relevant content for your target audience will help you get more leads. That’s because you’ll be able to capture their interest and build trust with them over time. You’ll also have a better conversion rate after building up your brand, handling customer queries, and giving them more reasons to choose you. 

Whether it be infographics, videos, articles, or eBooks, you should let the world know you can offer. Things you want to promote are your brand values, expertise, and what differentiates you from other brands. These will help potential customers make a decision and help those who are on the fence about your company “pull the trigger.” Excellent content will also be backlinked, featured, and shared around, thus making your domain authority even higher if you place the content on your website.

 

4.) Poster Advertisements

The majority of malls, public places, and supermarkets allow poster advertisements on their board space. This method can be hit-or-miss. The key is to give your poster enough visibility and include removable tabs that customers can collect in order to get a discount later on.

Also, set each location as a unique color. That way, you’ll know where the majority of your leads are coming from. For example, if a specific area is generating most of the leads, you can optimize your campaign to focus on that area more (cold calling, flyers, local media ads focused on those areas, etc.)

A stack of newspaper with glasses

5.) Value Additions

Value additions are strong selling points for products and services of all kinds. While they may seem remarkably similar to free appraisals or coupons, their goal is to boost customer satisfaction and create a wider gulf between the business and its competition.

Some common examples of value additions are:

  • Referral rewards
  • Guarantees
  • Point cards
  • Discounts for repeat customers

Value additions are important simply because they can be the deciding factor between your business and the other similar ones nearby. That preferred customer card or point card might be the difference between a sale or no sale, no customer, or a customer for life. It’s important to remember that you don’t need to promise the moon in order to provide value. You could also mention something that the customer doesn’t know about that adds value to your service or product. And be sure to highlight these value additions in your marketing materials.

 

6.) Print Marketing

Print marketing is an excellent way to augment all of your marketing methods, including digital marketing. Many companies today still rely greatly on print marketing, and it is still one the most effective small business advertising methods available.

The main benefits of print marketing include:

  1. Tangibility.
    Print marketing materials can be held in the hands, and qualities such as texture and paper weight play an important role psychologically in influencing purchasing decisions.

  2. Mobility.
    The messaging on your printed materials can be taken and exchanged almost anywhere, on the go.

  3. Improved targeting.
    Direct mail marketing can target at the geographical or demographical level.

  4. Print lasts.
    Unlike a web page that can be loaded and forgotten unless bookmarked and remembered, a piece of printed material can be more difficult to ignore.

  5. Print garners trust.
    Today, print is the most trusted type of ad, so if your business uses them, it will garner more credibility, which is important for a new business trying to make a name for itself. 

5 Ways That Print Advertising Can Help You Promote Your Brand

A woman drinking coffee while reading the newspaper

While marketing experts are usually good at print advertising, they may still not give it the credit it deserves since it isn’t as easy to track, and it can be more costly than other forms of Kansas City advertising.

But with that being said, advertising in magazines and newspapers can be an excellent way to tap into a local audience or a new market since you can hyper-target readers (based on geography and demographics).

And with the right preparations, you can easily measure your success too.

But first, let’s address the elephant in the room.

Why do Print Advertising?

While print marketing may not be on the rise, it is still far from “dead.”

Its popularity (or lack thereof) in modern culture doesn’t take away from the benefits that it provides.

For example, higher engagement compared to digital methods as well as a higher trust factor. These benefits are crucial for achieving the greatest impact with your Kansas City advertising.

Perhaps you’d like to test out print advertising in your organization. Read on to find out how.

1.) Reach Your Target Audience

Just like how various marketing campaigns will go after certain personas, publications have their own target audience/target readers as well.

There is lots of variation amongst readers across the different publications. So it’s your job to figure out which publication’s target audience best matches your own target audience’s personas and budgets.

Consider your customers’ location, interests, and demographics, and then you can imagine what sort of publications they might like reading.

Once you’ve found some promising publications, you can probably find a media kit on their websites or from their company reps. It’s often the case that you will be able to buy ads in a few different issues for your preferred publication at a lower rate per ad.

2.) Coupons Motivate Purchases (Printed Ones Work Best)

We can define value differently, such as teaching consumers about your service or product or offering them discounts. To be more specific, retail establishments may benefit by putting coupons in their printed ads.

According to a study from the RetailMeNot and The Omnibus Company, 96% of Americans have used coupons, and this statistic isn’t limited to certain age groups, locations, or gender.

The best thing is that coupons provide something tangible. It motivates customers to take the initiative. According to research done by Valassis, 91% of consumers like using paper coupons most.

And when we look at the 2018 Inmar Shopper Behavior Study, 83% of people who responded in the survey indicated that the presence of coupons helped influence their buying decisions, such as pushing them towards a certain brand or making them buy more than they intended, or pushing them to make a purchase sooner than they originally planned.

The bottom line is that if a customer sees your print ad and believes they will get a good deal, they will be very likely to respond positively to your ad.

A woman uses coupons at a grocery store while she shops

3.) Make Your Ad Short, Sweet, and to the Point

When you pay so much money for that spot in a print publication, you may feel compelled to fill that space with as much information as possible.

But you must resist that desire!

To use a print ad effectively, you should just include one very specific purpose for your ad, and this can be communicated with some brief text and a single image.

What purpose would be so important as to fill this crucial space? It could be creating brand awareness, engaging with a new segment of your target audience, or launching a new product or service.

No matter what purpose it may serve, the ad should be short, sweet, and memorable.

4.) Keep It Simple and Clean

In addition to sticking with one purpose for your ad, make the design of your ad as simple as possible. Utilize white space where it makes sense, choose appropriate colors (learn about color psychology), and use a clear and bold font.

Think of the old adage “show, don’t tell.” This adage is especially true for printed ads since most people will only glance at ads very quickly before moving on to the next one.

Since this is the case, it’s useful to include visual metaphors, consider the 5 senses and make your ad appeal to them, and fall back on other visual trademarks of your brand, like your logo and colors.

It’s also a good idea to include a focal point, like your product, an animal, or person (people work great), to draw people’s eyes to.

Regardless of how you prefer to do things, each element of your print ad should tie back to its core message. 

5.) Combine Print With Digital

There’s no reason not to use other marketing channels.

In fact, print advertising and digital marketing are not competing or opposing methodologies. They can work hand in hand together. For example, you might want to create a bunch of new banner ads to launch on the publication’s website in conjunction with buying a print ad.

Another option is increasing your social media spending during your print media launch as part of a larger marketing campaign. Regardless of the channels that you use, your branding must stay consistent. That means using the same color palette, same logo, etc.

Also, incorporating your digital marketing methods into your print ads is a great way to drive consumer actions. For example, your print ad should always include a link to your website. It could also include a QR code (for smartphone users) that can take them to your website or product offering.

Other options could be doing a social media hashtag campaign or requesting consumers to give their response or feedback to the ad on social media. Good social media websites for this are Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter.

Conclusion

Businesses should not ignore print advertising as a way to advertise. Ignoring it could mean missing out on lots of potential business. The bottom line is that print is still relevant in today’s world, and it can improve the overall effectiveness of your marketing endeavors.

Are you wondering how you should do Kansas City advertising? Get in touch with us today, and we’d be glad to help answer your questions.

7 Effective Ways to Boost the Advertising for Your Small Business

A small business talks about advertising strategies

If you’re looking to generate more income for your small business, then you should look no farther than marketing. Larger companies and multi-million dollar corporations like Wal-Mart, Starbucks, Target, etc. spend millions of dollars each year just on marketing. This marketing allows them to understand their demographic, understand how much their target demographic is willing to spend, and what exactly it is that they want.

So, the question stands: how can you, as a small business owner, improve advertising your small business and your brand in a way that can rival the big league players? It’s not exactly easy – or cheap – to have a whole marketing department at your disposal as a small business owner. Here are nine tips to help you get your foot in the door:

1.) Know your audience.

Big corporations get the inside scoop from their target demographic from doing things like surveys, watching trends, gauging what gets the most attention on social media, and so on. There’s no reason why you, as a small business owner, can’t do the same. Keep an eye on trends. Does your audience want more organic products instead of more manufactured products? What kind of clothing trends are popular right now?

Ask your customers. See what they like. The more you can cater to your clientele, the more business you’ll be able to generate. After all, if you’re able to keep the customers satisfied that you already have, then they’ll be more willing to bring others to your door.

2.) Interview customers.

This ties in heavily with knowing your audience, but interviewing your customers can really turn out to be one of the best ways for advertising your small business. Take surveys on what was the most eye-catching thing to your current clientele. What slogans, or advertisements, or products are they most enraptured by? What makes them want to be a repeat customer?

Finding out this information can be key to spreading your influence farther than you may have thought possible. 

3.) Have a website. 

This one seems like a no-brainer, but in this information age, having a website is more important now than ever before. If you don’t have a good website, it’ll be even harder to advertise your small business than you thought possible.

In today’s Internet-driven world, the first thing that people are likely to do once finding out about your business or product is Google it. They will want to see your hours, your product information, your customer reviews, any other products you may have – and that’s even before taking a step in your doors or ordering a product for themselves.

Having a solid, eye-catching, up-to-date website is more important now than ever before, when word of mouth advertising is more like sharing a post on Facebook than actually picking up the phone to call someone. Making sure that you have full control of your online presence is vital when trying to reach customers, and may even be able to increase your reach beyond the local.

4.) Have a social media platform.

Having a social media platform, especially in today’s climate, is one of the best promotional tools available. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and even TikTok now are incredible ways to get both you and your small business out there into the public eye. 

Creating beautiful advertisements and insightful posts that your followers can share can provide a big boost in sales to you and your small business. Or, you could create something silly and memorable that falls in line with more current trends.

In fact, some of the most popular TikTok accounts are brand accounts. The Duolingo and Scrub Daddy accounts both take popular TikTok trends and bend them to work in their brand’s favor. One thing is for sure: no one who goes to their TikTok accounts will forget what they saw. It may be unconventional, but it definitely works!

A personal scrolling through social media on their phone

5.) Turn to print advertising

It might seem a little too conventional when you first think about it, but in reality, newspaper advertising is still an effective way to get your name and brand out there. When so many ads pop up on our phones, computers, and TVs, we always find a way to fast forward through, or close them out, as quickly as possible. With print media, it is more intentional, and grabs the reader’s attention. When looking at advertising your small business, check out our website for information!

6.) Have a great customer service team.

No matter how many advancements in technology you may make, or how many rewards or promotions you may offer, there’s nothing that can beat just simple, good customer service. Good customer service can make or break a brand or business. As your business continues to grow, make sure that all of your staff is trained well and is able to answer most general questions about your business.

However, even more important than knowledge is good communication skills. Sometimes, the most memorable part of visiting a local business is the incredible and knowledgeable staff that work there. Good communication builds relationships, and relationships can build returning clientele.

7.) Do your research.

If you don’t know who you’re competing against, what kinds of similar products are out there, or how much your competitors are charging, there isn’t a lot of hope to be competitive in this market. Make sure that not only are you paying attention to what your customers want, but look around at the competition, too. What are they selling? How are they marketing it? What is their customer service like? Do they have loyalty programs? Are your prices fair for the market that we’re in compared to theirs? 

You always want to make sure that you aren’t undervaluing your services or your products, but charging too much can also be detrimental. Be sure not to drive away your business due to your high prices, because you haven’t been up to date with the market. It’s also important to note that while you don’t have to do everything that your competitor does, knowing that your products or services are as easily – if not more easily – accessible can make for a better experience. 

The 7 Advantages Print Advertising Has for Your Business

A young woman reading a newspaper

What is the Definition of Print Media?

Print media refers to any print publication that is distributed for the purpose of mass communication. Anything physically printed on paper falls under print media, which includes newspapers and magazines, pamphlets and flyers, and anything else printed on paper and other materials. 

For ages, print media has been the most effective form of advertising. The primary reason for this is that print media is one of the most trusted modes of communication and one of the cheapest methods to reach many people quickly. 

While digital advertising is excellent when carefully targeted to the right demographic, we’ve learned to filter out specific digital adverts. According to the advertising experts in Kansas City, MO “Our capacity to disregard print advertisements does not come as effortlessly to us. When you have someone’s undivided attention, capitalize on it by promoting your business with a unique print advertising that connects with readers and enhances brand memory.”

 

Here are the 7 biggest business advantages of print media:

 1.) Loyal Followers

 
Magazines and brochures may remain in circulation for a more extended amount of time, and newspapers are a superb location to promote if you’re looking for local clients in particular. “Many individuals may visit your website, but if your company is in Kansas and your visitor is in New York, it won’t help you much,” says experts in advertising in Kansas City, MO.  Print media may make it simpler to target a particular audience over time.

Newspaper subscribers make a conscious effort to read it. When they scroll through the pages, these readers are more focused on your content since they are not distracted by anything else. Your title conveys a possible value to the audience while also retaining the readers’ attention, extending your reach. People who read offline have longer attention spans. Print advertising may be viewed at one glance and does not need scrolling.

2.) Longevity

 
More people will see your print ad in a newspaper shared around from reader to reader. Newspapers are often exhibited for long periods at workplaces, shops, and other public areas. In such cases, you may finally reach a larger audience. 

3.) Combine Media for Maximum Impact


Because of print’s enduring impact, print advertising exudes strength and stability. People see print advertisements as more trustworthy than those in digital media, which appear to be ephemeral. Print media advertising seems more opulent and, in some ways, more credible than internet marketing. This impression may change when younger users, who are used to seeing internet advertisements, become the majority of customers. This suggests you should examine where your target audience consumes material. Print media is still likely to be patronized, and it should be included in your marketing mix alongside digital advertising.

4.) Choose Where and When 

It’s critical to know where your clients look in print — that’s where the real estate is. It might be a newspaper, a neighborhood publication, a bulletin board, a local magazine, or anything else. When you post a physical advert, you have the option of where your ad will appear.

Understanding the benefits of print media in this digital era is one thing. Another thing to consider is what your rivals are doing with print media. They may not feel that targeting prospects using “conventional” approaches is worthwhile. This is where astute businesses thrive: those who understand how to convert prospects into consumers using well-known advertising techniques will come out on top. 

5.) Best in Local Targeting 

 
It is ideal for sharing your message or advertising your brand if you are a local business or group. To raise awareness among the local population, you may simply distribute flyers in public places and publish your adverts in local publications.

6.) A Budget-Friendly Option


Advertisers of all sizes, regardless of budget, may find that print advertising is a viable alternative to the usual media such as television and radio. Of course, advertising of any form is not inexpensive, but even a small business can afford to advertise in the local paper, which is an excellent way to reach the bulk of its consumers. 

7.) Better ROI Than Digital Ads

 
Print material is very likely to be kept at home, re-read, and shared. Newspapers and magazines at doctor’s offices, libraries, and public areas have a lengthy shelf life, which boosts the visibility of your ad. Print advertising has a better chance of sticking than digital ones, which go away quickly. 

A stack of newspapers

Combine Print and Digital for Maximum Impact

 

Look at the last paragraph of every newspaper ad, and you’re likely to notice a link to a website with further information or a special deal. This is because print is incredibly excellent at directing readers to where you want them to go. Every advertising medium has advantages and disadvantages. For most amazing results, your marketing plan should be integrated, using many forms of media, each reinforcing distinct versions of your message.

TV commercials have provided twice as many results when combined with print ads as when combined with merely web ads. As a result, using all three simultaneously is more advantageous. A multimedia strategy not only allows you to reach consumers who prefer one medium over another, but it also raises awareness and, in the long term, increases and maintains brand loyalty.

Creating a fantastic collection of printed products and magazines does not require abandoning your internet marketing efforts. On the contrary, in fact. Integrating your digital and print marketing efforts strengthens, increases the importance of, and increases the resilience of your marketing campaign. That is why you should really use the most dependable companies advertising in Kansas City, MO.

Here are three ideas for making your print media items more interactive:

1.) Social Networking Sites


Include your social media symbols and tags in your printed materials to carry the discussion online. Online, provide compelling material that supports your written message.

2.) Infographics 

 
Statistics and graphs might be tedious, but by arranging them as infographics, you can reach your target audience in a visually attractive and memorable manner. Include a digital copy of your infographics online so that your clients and prospects may share them.

 3.) QR Codes 

 
Using QR codes is a terrific way to direct your target market to a webpage or website where they can learn more about your product or service. QR codes are simple to use and may be tailored to your specific requirements and corporate logo.

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