Typical methods of advertising-newspapers, radio and television
are effective if used properly, but there are other, less
expensive ways to get your company's name out.
Local or cable television is an inexpensive alternative to the
traditional forms of advertising. Even if you have no experience
advertising in this medium, there are companies who specialize
in lending a helping hand. Even if finances are a concern (as
they are for most of us), you'll be surprised to discover a 30
second spot television ad can cost as little as a few hundred
dollars.
Many areas have public auctions on local stations that will
advertise your product, if you donate up to a certain dollar
amount. The number of advertising spots will depend on how much
you donate.
Remember also to send press releases to your local television
and radio stations. Many times they will come out and do a story
on you, if it is of interest to the public.
We volunteered to do resumes for people out of work and sent
releases to all the radio and television stations. One of the
three major networks in our area, sent someone out to interview
us, and we were on the 6 and 11 o'clock news.
As for radio advertising, check your local stations for rates.
You'll be surprised at how low some of them are. Again, if you
send press releases to the stations, sometimes they will call
you as an expert in your area, or for an interview. We sent
releases to all the stations in our area when we started our
support group, and this generated three times the number of
people we expected for our first meeting.
Since most major newspapers are expensive to advertise in, check
with the smaller local papers. You can advertise in many of
these for as little as $25 a month. You could also offer to
write a column for these publications, as an expert in the area,
if appropriate.
We all need to advertise in one way or another. Which medium you
choose will depend on your particular business.
Copyright DeFiore Enterprises 2000
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