Electronic Reader Board

Writen by Paula Jones

Electronic reader boards are the most efficient way to convey the information. Therefore these nowadays are widely accepted all over the world. These have found admirers in all sorts of places, and continuous in serving in unlikely areas too. in the world of finance, sports, research, and many others, electronic reader boards are sovereign.

Electronic reader boards are used as indoor and outdoor boards. Larger reader boards do not only advertises the dealerships, but also all of the many community activities that take place. They prove to be one that meets the auto mall requirements while not being offensive to the city council.

These electronic reader boards are used for financial trading. They give financial professionals the power to access unlimited financial data instantly. This quick service can speed up the task and is the only was these professionals can remain updated of market flux.

Behind the popularity of these Electronic reader boards, the technology is the main point of consideration which makes them speeder and effective.

Electronic reader board can be connected to local power supply and have the ability to receive information from virtually any source. The information can be broadcasted and viewed by customer, employees and the world with no halt.

Moreover the clarity and brightness are the features which makes readers more attractive and eye-catching.

Electronic reader board comes in many size and height according to the manufacturers limit. One of the leading manufacturer Jayex Technology gives full option in size, height and color of the text. not even with pre-defined models, but they with custom needs also.

About The Author

Paula Jones

Jayex Technology Limited, based in London specialise in advanced information display systems. Established in 1978 we have pioneered the development of the LED display market and now have over 18,000 customers worldwide. We offer, probably the largest range of models from small single line signs to big screen Megavision screens that can display live video and action replay in stadia.

jayex.co.uk

Save Big Money On Your Business Cards

Writen by Matthew Keegan

Less than one generation ago, if you needed a box of full color business cards you would have contacted your local graphic arts printing company, paid for expensive design and set up costs, and received your ordered cards one or two weeks later. If you wanted your order completed quicker, you paid extra for that service too. Thanks to the internet, ordering business cards has gotten a lot easier…a lot cheaper too! You can save money on your next order of business cards; please read on for some tips to help bring big savings to you!

Shop Online. Why go to your local print shop when several of the big online sellers of business cards can do the same job for less and faster too? There are four or five companies who are literally mopping up the business card industry by selling high quality cards right online and at rock bottom prices.

Order Big. The larger your order, the more you save. Customarily, many people only order 250-500 business cards when placing an order. When you order 1000, 2000, or more business cards your cost per card will drop dramatically. An especially smart decision on your part if you regularly attend conventions and are distributing your business cards to everyone.

Use In House Styles. If you aren't particular on the graphics, the big business card suppliers have a wide and varying selection of ready made styles for your choosing. Save a bundle on graphic artist charges by incorporating their styles into your new cards.

Shop the Specials. In addition to business cards, many online retailers also sell matching business card magnets, envelopes, letterhead, note paper, and more. Place all of your printing orders with a trusted online retailer to receive the best deals and maximum savings.

Yes, your local printing company now has some stiff competition in the form of several top notch online retailers. Your choices for high quality business cards have never been better, resulting in great savings and a terrific product for you!

Copyright 2006 – For additional information regarding Matt Keegan, The Article Writer, please visit his blog for wit, quips, and freelance writing tips.

Promotional Vehicles

Writen by Chris Smith

It is difficult to miss a Hummer, but how many companies could afford to run one to promote their business? The answer is, of course, very few and it is doubtful whether GM's overgrown offspring would be the most suitable promotional vehicle for many of them. What then are the alternatives and how could businesses benefit from using a vehicle as an advertising medium?

What is a promotional vehicle?

A promotional vehicle is a car, truck or SUV with purpose-designed adhesive vinyl graphics applied to its exterior, promoting a business or one of its products or services.

The graphics may be a full wrap (the whole vehicle is covered), a decal wrap (decals are applied to body panels) or a window wrap (decals are applied to the side and rear windows).

The types of business that operate promotional vehicles include radio stations, beer companies, car dealers and up-market pubs, clubs and restaurants to name but a few.

The benefits of a promotional vehicle

A vehicle is mobile so you can take your advertising places. Both drivers and pedestrians will notice your advertising when your vehicle is parked as well as when it is on the move.

Your advertising stays in position until you remove it or sell the vehicle. There is no need to book media space or pay regular subscriptions.

The cost is not as much as you might expect. In fact, vehicle graphics cost less to create and apply than many other types of advertising. If you apply graphics to an existing vehicle then there are no additional costs.

You can potentially make a big impression. Cleverly designed and eye-catching vehicle graphics can be used for PR purposes.

Is a promotional vehicle for me?

It depends on your business, as promotional vehicles are not suitable for every company.

Brand image is a key deciding factor. You need to consider how the vehicle will be used (will it be on the move much of the time or parked), what will it be used for and who will drive it and how will it be driven. Do not forget that the vehicle will influence people's perceptions of your company and your product/service.

Budgetary considerations will play a part too, more so if you are purchasing a new vehicle specifically for use as a promotional vehicle.

Which are the best promotional vehicles?

For sheer size and physical presence, nothing beats the Hummer, H2 and other large SUV's.

At the opposite end of the scale is the 2.5-metre long Mercedes Smart car - one of the most popular promotional vehicles in Europe. This goes on sale in Canada in the fall of 2004 and is sure to have great novelty value and attract a lot of attention.

In between these extremes, you have vehicles such as the PT Cruiser and the forthcoming Chevrolet SSR. Molson promoted their A Marca Bavaria beer at last year's Vancouver Indy using a Honda Element. Other possibilities include the VW Beetle or an unusual, classic or sports car.

The MINI might seem an obvious choice but bear in mind that the model already includes a range of graphic treatments in its option list and this may reduce its usefulness as a promotional vehicle because your advertising will stand out less.

Whatever vehicle you choose it should attract attention in its own right and the less common it is the better.

If you are buying a new vehicle, your choice will be determined by your promotional requirements and your budget. A cheaper solution is to use an existing company vehicle. However, consider the impression you want to make on your target audience and avoid the temptation to apply a wrap to your rusting, dented 1992 Safari.

What about the vehicle graphics?

The first step is to commission a design for your vehicle. Your design is printed in full colour on weather-resistant high-quality adhesive vinyl. This is then applied to the vehicle.

A complete vehicle wrap will take 8 hours or more; a decal or window wrap will take less time. The vinyl is durable and washable. It can be removed when the time comes to update the design (for example if you change your logo) or when you sell the vehicle.

So, if you are looking for an alternative way to promote your business and you want to take your message onto the street or to events then you should consider a promotional vehicle.It may not be suitable for every company but if it is right for you then it is a great way to get people to notice and talk about your business.

Copyright © 2004, Christopher Smith, Mano Design

About The Author

Chris Smith is a partner in Mano Design ( http://www.mano-design.com ) - a Vancouver Design and Marketing agency.

Banner Stand Industry

Writen by Damian Sofsian

The worldwide banner stand industry is booming. Both indoors and out door banners are in great demand especially in the advertising world. A well-executed banner arranged in an attractive and interesting way, whether in a trade show exhibit, museum display, stage setting or retail store, is a sure way to drive the message home to the target audience.

Exhibit builders look for two criteria while sourcing banner displays- creativity and value addition. For example, a pole banner stand is sturdy, simple and easy to install. Installation can take about 5 minutes. Other than set up time, another valuable addition is flexibility to hide exhibition space such as graphics and literature that has to be stored. Some banner stands come with telescopic components allowing for compact packing and shipping. A variety of mount options include heavy duty, tripod and tubular are available according to the creativity of the user.

Graphics are another element of banner stands. Some companies have five colors; high-resolution printing that produces 1100 dots per inch on fabric. By using dye sublimation printing, this process provides a wider color spectrum for reproducing graphics. The adjunct industry of outdoor graphic printers is also booming thanks to the spiraling demand for outdoor banner stands.

The banner stand industry is faced with the realities of today's market conditions. For one, technology is changing fast. There is cut throat competition in the banner stand industry, so minor details and advanced innovations is key to leading the way the market regarding minor details and innovations. Innovation is key to big bucks in this effervescent market.

Banner Stands provides detailed information about banner stands, retractable banner stands, roll up banner stands, banner stand exhibits and more. Banner Stands is the sister site of Promotional Advertising Specialties.

Signage Double Take Strategies Considered

Writen by Lance Winslow

Does the signage in your company make people do a double take? Do they look back to see what it says? Does it spark curiosity in the viewer? What I am asking is; does your company have a signage double-take strategy to capture the mind and attention of your future customers? Well if your answer is know then you need think a little bit about how to change that. You see in my company our signage does compel the viewer to take another look and to ask the question, what is that? And your company signage needs to also.

In order to get the future customer to take a double look and concentrate on your business's signage for that extra split second as they drive buy you have to use strategies which are automatic responses of the human brain. Many people say sex sells and if you put a pretty girl in a bikini up their then they will look. Well, sure they will, now then will they remember the name of your company or the image of perfect 10 gal in the picture?

I consider you use colors and a logo, which is unique and a three or four word catchy phrase with words of no more than three syllables. Short, sweet and too the point, but not just a catchy phrase, it also must describe your product or service and say something about your customers. Do not simply pick the first phrase you come up with think hard on this as it is very important for the success of your business. Think on this in 2006.

Lance Winslow

Wahm Business Your Advertising Money

Writen by Tammy Ames

Be a wise investor in your business!

Do you have an advertising budget? How much of your money is set aside to pay for advertising? Depending on your financial situation, you may have very little money to use to promote your business online. There are several ways to sort through information to make a wise decision about where you will spend your money on when it comes to advertising online.

You have found a website online that offers advertising. Its $5 a week to put your button or text ad on their front page sounds low enough, well, actually that $20 a month.

This is the point where you stop.

Take a breath.

Plan your next step.

Before you go any further in entertaining thoughts on advertising on that website, you have some homework to do!

Website Traffic

Go to Alexa.com. Although there is controversy about how accurate Alexa's ratings are, remember that it does give you a picture of the traffic to the site you are wondering about investing money in to promote your business.

Alexa uses "hits" identified through traffic monitors, its toolbar on other people's sites and Google information to give a rating.

Key in the site you want to know more about then click on "site info" and you will know whether it's a website with solid traffic or not.

Take the rating with a grain of salt. The quality of hits is more important than the number but there are website's that offer to place your button or advertisement for a fee that are not generating traffic and have a low Google page rank.

Search Engine Traffic

Go to Google.com then Yahoo.com, MSN.com to do some keyword searches associated with the website you are considering.

Do several searches with your key words for your products, services, different aspects of your business then add parts of the website under consideration to see if search engines will direct any traffic to that site and eventually your ad.

Your niche market

Know what types of people you want to respond to your ad or click on your button.

Do you want buyers, one time buyers or develop a customer base. Look again at the site to see who you believe the visitors are and what they will be looking for online. Do you offer what they are looking for?

WAHM Sites versus specific niche markets

WAHM Sites are a great place to market if you provide services work at home moms need to build their business. If you offer a work at home opportunity, then WAHM sites are a good place to start once you've determined that there is adequate traffic.

BUT and this is a big BUT!

If you want to make sales for products that are NOT specific to work at home moms. You need to turn your focus on sites that have women looking for your product. To sell children's books...look for family and parenting sites instead of a work at home site.

Why?

With the right web site that your target market visits, your advertising efforts have a greater chance of reaching parents and women that may have more disposable income and they are searching for resources, gifts for their children.

To generate traffic to your site for future sales and build a customer base you need to focus beyond work at home sites to sell your products...go where your market is!

Your advertising dollars are better spent reaching a broader audience whether its gift shops, parenting and women's sites or even newsletters.

Do the math.

Before you pay for advertising whether it's on a website or ezine. Know the website traffic or e-zone circulation, both the "who" of visitors and the "how many."

Return on investment (ROI) is a gamble with advertising.

Go to any website then visualize your own site.

Look at the buttons, text ads, articles, the entire front page. Do you click on everything you see? No, you have your own agenda when you visit a website. You venture into a site using your own sense of direction based on what you are looking to find.

The same holds true for every visitor. If your ad is one of 5 you have a better chance of a click than if your ad is one of 15. Then again, if your button is on a site where few of the visitors are looking for what you offer then your chances success are out of reach.

If your button ad rotates through many different pages on different days, your ad is seen only by the people that click onto that specific page.

Paying for advertising is a matter of numbers and improving your odds of getting your business name out there on the internet where you want it.

Finally, make sure you take advantage of free ads in newsletters and ezines. I offer them and other ezine subscribers do too. I send in my ad just like everyone else because as a target, ezines can offer such a broad audience.

Many newsletter publishers belong to co-ops which mean you can "potentially" reach over a million readers.

Again, basic math tells me that if my text ad goes out to 1 million readers and only 5-10 % respond to my ad that's still a solid return on my investment.

Spend your money wisely. Learn how to find the information you need to be informed before you invest your advertising money online. Ask questions and check the facts.

Never forget your business goals and your market! If you invest poorly, take it as a learning experience and move onward, upward.

This is your business! You own it and you build it. Persistence and being open to learning both the good and the bad about online business are the keys to your success!

Tammy Ames is the owner of WAHM Connections bringing home business learning to striving entrepreneurs. As the publisher of Work at Home Connections, Tammy offers a unique perspective in her weekly online newsletter for home business owners.

7 Common Business Advertising Mistakes

Writen by Kevin Sinclair

You've probably heard the famous saying "I know that half of the money I spend on advertising is wasted: if only I could figure out which half it is!" Well, now you can. By eliminating the common mistakes many businesses make with their advertising programs, it's easy.

Here's a checklist of mistakes many companies make with their advertising:

1) Not focusing enough time and effort on their advertising

Most business owners spend far more time and effort on mundane things that don't really affect their bottom line than on advertising. This is the first huge mistake. Without effective advertising, almost all businesses will fail.

If you feel you don't have the time or desire to handle the advertising for your business, consider hiring a consultant or agency - but with caution. It's almost more difficult to find an ad agency that knows what is effective than it is to study it yourself. Many agencies are far more focused on winning awards than creating profits for their clients.

If you do feel you need to hire an agency, find one that will work on a results compensation basis vs. a straight commission for all the media they buy. This gives them an incentive to provide results and not pad the budget to justify a larger commission for the agency.

2) Relying on advice from friends and relatives

If business owners do handle their own advertising, many times they let their friends/wives/husbands or other various employees who have no idea whether or not advertising is effective make the decisions about their advertising plan.

Would you ask your dentist for advice about fixing your car engine? Of course not - that's not their expertise. So why in the world would you base something as important as decisions about your advertising on a relative who has no idea what he's talking about?

3) Being led by pushy or aggressive media sales people

The reason media companies pay their sales people big bucks is because they can influence you to buy space, air or time (in the newspaper, radio or television) and give you no guarantees if it doesn't work. Sounds kind of crazy, doesn't it? Your customers probably wouldn't buy from you and not expect the product or service to perform the way it should. But ad sales reps do it all the time.

Now sometimes they really mean well, and they have lots of experience and some fluke event or problem comes up. But for the most part, ad sales reps will do virtually anything they can do to get the sale.

If you feel like you're being bullied by an ad sales rep or that they really aren't looking out for your best interest, but really feel you want to work with that station/newspaper, etc., then ask for a new rep. They want your business and you're the one calling the shots, so if they want your business, they need to find someone you're comfortable working with.

4) Allowing your creative delivery to be ineffective

You can buy the best media schedule in the world that reaches 100% of your market 100 times, but if your message is not well created, it won't bring you the results you want. Most companies rely on either their ad agency or the media company themselves create the ads for them. This is a very difficult thing because most companies acting on your behalf don't take the time to learn about your business, your customers and what makes you different in your market.

To be effective, your commercial or ad must give the potential customer a compelling reason to buy your product or service. That means you have to come up with a better slogan than "we have the best service and we've been in business for 112 years."

No one really cares....well they do, but they don't believe you. If that's what you want to convey to your market, then give them a story that tells them that you have the best service. Make your company stand out.

You also have to include some sort of call to action. If you have a wonderful warm and fuzzy commercial that makes people 1) notice the ad, 2) actually read or watch it without being distracted by one of a million other things going on in their lives, and 3) become compelled and engaged by the message to have a positive feeling about your company and don't ask them to do something as a result of that - you're wasting your time and money. This is something that many ad agency creative types don't get.

If you don't ask them to do something specific within a certain time period, there's no way to measure the response. You may say that you can compare last year's sales for the same time period with this year's, etc., but that doesn't take into account a myriad of other possible reasons that your sales went up or down.

By giving your ad viewers/listeners/readers a specific action to take, you know that the reason they did that is because they were motivated to do so by your ad.

5) Always doing the same old thing because that's what you've always done.

If you're not growing, you're dying - and the same goes for your business. If you're happy with the same old returns on your advertising (assuming that you're measuring it in some way), then continue to do the same thing. Most business owners aren't though, so it's important to try new things.

The way society changes the way it uses media and as quickly as those changes happen, you need to keep up or lose out. Many business owners are afraid to try something new because it takes them out of their comfort zone - especially if no one in their industry has ever tried the new idea. This is a huge mistake and robs them of potentially huge profits.

6) Falling into the price trap.

This is another huge one! Unless you're Wal-Mart and can guarantee that no other business can sell for a lower price, don't use that as your main selling point. Once you start down that path, it's virtually impossible to stop.

If you can't come up with another reason for your potential customers to choose you instead of your competitor, you really need to find one (or more)!

7) Not using publicity or events in their advertising plan

It's amazing how few businesses even try to use publicity or special events in their advertising. It's often the best advertising you can get - not only because it's free, but because it cuts through the clutter. If the newspaper runs a story or a TV station is covering something during their newscast, it has automatic credibility that you just can't buy.

Of course you can't control the message 100%, but if you learn solid techniques of creating your publicity or press event, you can have a great deal of influence about how a story is covered.

If you can eliminate only 1 or 2 of these mistakes (assuming you're making them all), you'll wonder why you didn't do so earlier! In business, if there are enough of the right customers buying your products and services, many of your problems seem to disappear.

Kevin is the publisher and editor of besuccessfulnews.com, a site that provides information and articles on how to succeed in your own home or small business.

Get Investment Advice

Writen by Alison Cole

Advice on investments can be found on the Internet or at a local brokerage firm. Many choose to invest on their own to save money by using a discount broker, reducing your transaction costs. Discount brokerage houses are set up just to carry out a trade, but do not give advice.

If you decide to do-it-yourself, you can go on the Internet and get advice for a small fee at a few sites. Then continue the trade through a discount brokerage house. In other words, an investment online site will give you a financial profile for a fee and they will give you a plan and recommendations on stocks and bonds. They will monitor your portfolio and give recommendations when to buy and sell when necessary.

One such advisory is www.createafund.com. It charges an upfront annual management fee of 1% on your capital. For this you get a plan prepared by a financial planner that allocates your assets, telling you how much of your money you should invest in stocks, how much in bonds and how much you should keep in cash. It also recommends specific stocks and bonds. Transaction costs are included in your fee.

The following tips on online resources should provide you with valuable information.

CNN online news is a great source for advice on the market and current research of stocks. Hoover's site will give you recent stock news and company descriptions. Go to Quicken to find out a company's profile and current quotes, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) site will give you information about filings and enforcement. Make sure that you look for disclosure statements on Internet sites and newsletters on who wrote the information. Tips can sometimes be misleading because companies trying to sell stock write them.

Investment Advice provides detailed information on Investment Advice, Get Investment Advice, Investment Management Advice, Stock Investment Advice and more. Investment Advice is affiliated with Investment Portfolio Management.

How To Stimulate Even More Customer Referrals

Writen by Kenneth Ajoku

Have you ever wondered how you can influence customer referrals?

Today I will show you can get your customers to bring more customers to you like a magnet.

A few years ago I was invited to a dinner and dance launch party of a new car (the company name will remain anonymous) I already had the previous model of this car, which I was happy with. I learnt that the company exclusively invited all their car owners in their database.

It was a black tie affair, champagne, comedians, cocktails, exotic foods etc. It really was a nice setting. To cut a long story short, there was this massive build up before they unveiled this new model of car, which they did with fireworks and dancers, it really was spectacular. The funny thing was that once I had seen the car I did not think much of it as it looked more or less like the old model, which I already had.

Anyway, about a year later I was driving pass the same company's showroom and popped in to have a look at the new model. Guess what, I bought the new model and part-exchanged my older model. So as you can see, all that glitz and glamour paid off for them in the long run.

If you therefore have direct contact with your customers, stage events where loyal customers can and are motivated to bring their friends to you, you will then have a captive audience of potential customers or clients. Examples of this are; product previews, product sample evenings, free seminars, prize draw giveaways etc.

Try this, it really works.

Ken Ajoku is the author of "45 Powerful Marketing Strategies". To receive for FREE "The Secrets of Powerful Marketing", a seven part course by email worth £199.99 visit http://www.kajoku.biz now!

Also check out http://www.kajoku.biz/internet-marketing-tools/ for all your Internet marketing Tools.

This is an excerpt from my marketing book "45 Powerful Marketing Strategies That Will Not Only Make Your Business GROW! But Will Also Make You More Profits! Keep a look out for more of my Powerful Strategies coming soon.

15 Tips For Better Yellow Page Ads

Writen by Mike McDaniel

Yellow Pages advertising is one of the most popular forms of advertising in the country today. Almost every home in America (96.9%) and business has at least one copy of "the book".

Almost three out of five (58%) of all adults say they check the Yellow Pages for a phone number and/or address at least once per week, with 77% using the book monthly.

While the Yellow Pages are an excellent reference tool, they fare less well when considered as an advertising medium.

Here are 15 ways to make their yellow pages more effective.

1 - People looking in the Yellow Pages are ready to buy right now. So the challenge is to make the prospect see your ad first.

2 - Don't sell them your type of product or service, but sell them on the benefits of your business.

3 - Sell them why they should call you and nobody else.

4 - You don't need thick borders or extra cost color, the yellow pages people offer that to everyone. Look how many are on every page.

5 - The key to a sizzling Yellow Pages ad is to sell your services in print. It's about standing out by offering the solution to their problem in a way that your competitors can't match. The key is the headline.

6 - Put a headline on your ad that sells your benefits and assures the prospect will read your ad. If you have a hard hitting headline that projects a strong benefit and relates to the needs of your prospect, half the work is done. Some headlines that help you do that include:

"How to xxxxx"

"6 reasons why ..."

"Before you xxxxx 6 factors to consider"

The rest of your ad should expand on the benefits you've presented in your headline and show specific ways you'll help your prospect fulfill their needs.

7 - Finish by spelling out your instructions. Writing "Call us now on xxx xxxx" you'll get more responses than you would if you simply listed a phone number.

8 - Write like you talk Inject your personality into everything you write. No-one wants to read boring and stuffy legal-ease.

9 - Use short sentences and words. Use simple language

10 - Use the word 'you'

11 - Avoid Bragging - Don't boast "biggest and best". It turns people off, even if it is true.

12 - If you have a guarantee, spell it out. A guarantee will make your credibility skyrocket

13 - Find a way to make the prospect an enticing offer. Including an offer in your telephone directory ad will dramatically boost responses. It gives your prospect a reason to call you ahead of anyone else.

14 - Remember that every business (with a business telephone) will be in the yellow pages, free, in the listings.

15 - The only thing color has been proven to do in Yellow Pages advertising is increase the price you pay for the ad.

Remember, the Yellow Pages is generally a reference tool. Design your ad accordingly

©2005 BIG Mike McDaniel All Rights Reserved Mike@BIGIdeasGroup.com BIG Mike is a Professional Speaker and Small Business Consultant with over 30 years experience, http://BIGIdeasGroup.com

Subscribe to "BIG Mike's BIG Ideas" Newsletter MailTo:subscribe-956603364@ezinedirector.net

Penny Promos With Punch

Writen by Sonya Carmichael Jones

No cash for advertising? No worries. These promotions are more about creativity than spending money. Another bonus is they're easy to do and manage. All it takes is for you to get started. Try one. Or all ten.

The Hook: Create a clever email that has a tie-in with your company products. Add in useful information that is likely to appeal to a broad audience. For example, "Healthy and Quick Dinners" or "10 Ways to Winterize Your Car". Then send the message to your family, friends, or anyone that you communicate with on a routine basis. At the bottom of the message include a P.S. that reads, "Pass this on to help your friends eat healthy!" or "Pass this on and help your friends drive safely". The Benefit: The email will spread awareness about your company and your products.

The Hook: Promote something you normally don't. If you have a service that tends to be seasonal give it a new angle and special price in the "off season". For example a tax accountant with a weak client flow during summer months can offer spring classes on ways small business owners can cut taxes. The Benefit: You have a steady flow of customers no matter what the season.

The Hook: Visit other small business owners in your area. Arrive with product samples and a folder containing your marketing materials. Bring chocolate to enlist extra help from the receptionist. Get the owner's business card and follow up in a few days to see if they can use your products or refer you to others who can. If the answer is no for right then, ask if you can include them in your newsletter distribution. Chances are they won't say no to the same business neighbor twice in one day. The Benefit: You gain a business ally.

The Hook: Promote your newsletter with a free pizza drawing. Place a large fish bowl in a coffee shop or bar. Paste a Win Free Pizza sign on the bowl. Let participants know the drawing date and that leaving their business card automatically signs them up to receive your free newsletter. You don't have to take the winners out for pizza personally, but a gift certificate from a pizza parlor fulfills your part of the bargain. The Benefit: Increased newsletter subscribers who will have the opportunity to receive your promotional messages.

The Hook: Sticker invoices, direct mailers, etc with heart or smiley faces.Include the message "We love customer referrals! Sign up for our referral reward program at www.thenameofyourwebsite.com. The Benefit: You promote your website as well as your customer referral program.

The Hook: Give your customers store credit with a gift card you sell in dollar amounts. Gift cards influence customers to splurge on expensive items and purchase more than they usually intend. Explore these gift card programs (ask about a trial rate) www.paymentech.com, www.ecardsystems.com, and www.giftcentral.com. The Benefit: Shoppers tend to splurge because they perceive gift cards as free money.

The Hook: Maximize shameless self-promotion.If you've been appointed to a club officer or board position, or have received a nomination, write a press release that establishes a tie-in with your company. Another more shameless approach is to nominate yourself for an award. Look for opportunities on the Internet that accept self-nominations. If you win, you certainly have cause to write and distribute another press release. The Benefit: Great PR!

The Hook: When attending an overnight trade show or conference, create wellness bags to give to booth attendants and presenters.Sample packets of aspirin, earplugs, bath salts, and chocolates are comforting items to weary travelers. The Benefit: People will show their gratitude in sales.

The Hook: Start a recycling program.Advertise this service in all your promotional materials. What can you recycle? Customer returns, books, outdated or discontinued inventory. Have a special bin inside your place of business. Give the items away or sell them at a discount price. The Benefit: You get people in your door. Once there, they'll explore your offerings and usually leave with something.

The Hook: Have a printer create a high-impact poster using a screen shot of your webpage. Place your posters in several places throughout your neighborhood (e.g. cafés, restaurants, car washes, dry cleaners, grocery stores, gyms). The Benefit: Repeated exposure strengthens consumer interest.

Sonya Carmichael Jones is an independent copywriter, marketing strategist, and success coach for the small and home-based business community. She's launched marketing campaigns, instructed marketing classes, and written over 500 articles for magazines and newspapers. She's also the author of "The Art of Smart Marketing, what small business owners must know to get customers and sell products. For more free marketing tips, information on how to purchase her book, or to sign up for a marketing class, go to http://www.marketingbuddha.com.

Funny Ads Cbs Egg Logos And More

Writen by Tino Buntic

Imagine preparing your breakfast in the morning - bacon… eggs… toast… and right there in front of you, a reminder to watch The Amazing Race on CBS. It can happen. CBS plans to advertise its fall line-up on… wait for it… EGG SHELLS! CBS egg ads - sounds funny, doesn't it?

CBS will imprint its logo and eye-catching egg related taglines for three of its shows on 35 million eggs. The eggs will be sold through one grocery store chain on the east coast.

Unique and funny ads normally do well, not really from the actual advertisements, but from the media publicity that it generates. With that in mind, here are some other weird and funny ads that have been done:

• Internet casino, GoldenPalace, won an eBay auction to place a permanent ad on the forehead of a man named Brent Moffatt.
• Haagen-Dazs, in partnership with the Austrian Postal Service, had put images of Haggen-Dazs dessert on postage stamps.
• Ben Rogovy, a Seattle-based entrepreneur, created "bumvertising," a system of paying "bums," otherwise known as street beggars, to display ads on their cardboard signs.
• In Dubai, speed cameras on highways are sponsored allowing companies like HP to put their logos on them.
• Million Dollar Home Page sold 100,000 10x10 pixel ads on their internet website. A 10x10 pixel link is super small. But all 100,000 spaces sold out and the website received millions of hits.

Weird and funny ads, just like the CBS egg logos, are great for entertainment value and a lot of them work, if only for the free publicity. I can't wait to see what's next. Perhaps, one day soon, someone will figure out how to put their company's logo on the face of the moon.

Please visit http://www.trade-pals.com. Tino Buntic created TradePals to provide free advertising to business professionals, entrepreneurs, trades people, freelancers, and salespeople across The United States and Canada.

Making The Most Of Your Classified Ads

Writen by Ivana Katz

Classified ads are one of the most inexpensive ways to advertise your products or service. People read classified ads for a purpose. They are specifically looking for products, services and information that appeals to them.

Unfortunately many people misuse classified ads. They try to sell a product directly from the ad. People read classified ads for a purpose. They are specifically looking for products, services and information that appeals to them.

Instead of wondering, speculating and experimenting with your advertising budget, concentrate on offering free information to attract as many interested prospects as possible for what you have to offer. Realise from the beginning that your ad should serve only one purpose: to target a specific audience consisting of people who need and want what you have to offer.

The best way to use a classified ad is as a two step process.

1. You place a classified ad in your local newspaper/magazine. The ad should be simple and straight to the point. It should then direct readers to a website or to call a phone number of your answering machine.

2. Your customer will either visit your website or dial the number where they will get a powerful sales message. At the end customers are directed to send an order to the address you give on the website/tape or they can leave their contact details.

An example of such classified ad would be:

"Double your mail order business' profits. Incredible recorded message tells secrets. Call 1234 5678 24hours or visit www.yourcompany.com.au.

The selection of words you use is the most important aspect of classified ad copy. You need to choose precisely but don't skimp on words to save the cost in the ad.

Where to place classifieds?

The best advice in placing classifieds is to follow the leader. Find where other goods in your category are being sold and do the same. Although your product must have an appeal different than the others, stay with the same pack and advertise in the same publications.

If you do not charge anything in the classified ad, you will get far more responses from the ad for free information than you will for goods at any price. Charging a small fee to cover postage or the cost of the inquiry will never make you break even – people won't be bothered.

Test test test!

The most important element in mail order advertising is to test. Not only do you need to find out if your product will sell, but you have to find out what the best price is. You have to test the magazines. One may not draw as many responses as another. Or, after three months, it may not seem to pull at all. Then switch to another publication.

Don't be too hasty in dropping a publication, however. Sometimes it takes the repeat insertions of three or four months to get the proper percentage of response. People become more secure with a repeat ad or they may pass it by the first or second time until they get around to writing for information.

Keying the Address

How do you determine what inquiry response came from which ad? You code the company name or street address so you can determine what ad pulled the response. The simple key is a two part letter and number code. The letter stands for the name of the publication and the number represents the month the ad appeared. The best way to key is to add the code to the address in the form of department, division or suite number.

Writing Classifieds

The best way to prepare copy is to first write about your products/services at length. List all the major benefits and features. What sticks out? What is so great about your product? What can it do for the reader who will take the time to write for more information? How can your product help? Will it show how to earn money, does it offer self-improvement, can it help accomplish something appealing and significant?

Choose a powerful heading that points out the most significant aspect of your product. Follow up with a few words or details and finish with a request to contact for more information. The best word in a classified is "free", but you must follow up with something free.

Some words you can use to increase sales appeal:

Absolutely, Amazing, Bargain, Beautiful, Colossal, Confidential, Discount, Easily, Endorsed, Exciting, Exclusive, Expert, Guaranteed, Immediately, Interesting, Latest, Outstanding,, Proven, Quality, Successful, Superior, Tested, Valuable, Wonderful.

Close your ad with an action-getting phrase, such as:

Act Now.
All sent free to introduce… .
Free booklet explains
Get facts that help
Investigate today
Order Now!
Don't delay
Revealing booklet free
Rush name for details
Unique sample offer
Offer limited
Details free

Responding to Enquiries

Once you start getting responses from the classified ads, you should send out your sales literature immediately, definitely within one week. The goat is to convert the inquiry into a sale and convert the sale into pure profit.

Your sales literature can be a one-page pitch for your product. It doesn't have to be an expensive colour catalog. As you get going, you may prepare a sales package and a series of follow-up offers.

Follow up sales are where you are going to make your fortune. Your classified draws the inquiries, the first order establishes a good customer and the rest of the orders are pure gold.

The Response Package

A typical mail order package – called a conversion – consists of a personal letter, a brochure, an order form and a return envelope. Always start small. A simple one-page offer can work as well as a fancy catalog. After you've built up a few good selling products, you might print up a catalog

How to Prepare Sales Literature

The sales letter promotes you as well as your product. It is a personal appeal to a potential buyer. You want the person to feel special and have a reason not only to look through the rest of the literature, but to buy your product.

The appearance of the sales letter is the most important aspect. It should be on company letterhead, cleanly printed and inviting to read. Write the sales letter as though you are writing to a friend – keep it direct and personal. Present yourself and your product as worthwhile, honest and desirable.

Follow through on the appeal, amplifying why the product is desirable. Emphasize its value to the reader. Build credibility. Answer the questions - will it make me a better or richer or more secure person? Can it prevent worry, poverty, illness? Why should anyone want to have it?

You should include a guarantee in all your ads and sales literature and you must honour. Never send inferior merchandise and deliver a complete product.

It is only through satisfied customers that you will get repeat business and it is through repeat business that you make more money.

For more information about writing effective classified ads, you may wish to download a free copy of "Classified Ads Secrets" Ebook from: http://www.web4business.com.au/ClassifiedAdSecrets.htm

Ivana Katz is the owner of Websites 4 Small Business, a company specialising in the design and promotion of small and growing business websites. She believes that every business deserves to have a successful website, no matter what its budget is. For more information visit http://www.web4business.com.au or email info@web4business.com.au. To download your Website Plan go to http://www.web4business.com.au/WebsitePlanRequest.htm.

Its More Than Bread And Milk

Writen by Brian Grinonneau

If you want to write copy that makes your prospects sit up and take notice, look no further than the headlines on the magazines in the supermarket checkout rack. Odd as it may seem, there are some real similarities to the cashier's lane and your business. The headline writers, like you, have limited time to (A) grab the potential customers' attention, and (B) encourage them to select their offering over all the other choices. Magazine headline writers may be the best marketing copywriters in the world and you can learn a lot by reading their work.

With no gender bias intended, women's magazines seem to do a much better job with cover layout and writing. Consider these clear, concise and attention grabbing headlines:

Rate This Week's Scorching Sex Position

Eat All the Chocolate You Want

Train Your Fat Cells To Release 6 lbs. A Week

Retire Rich on $3 a Day

Head to Toe Healthy: Lifesaving Info on Heart Disease, Cancer and More

What's Going on Inside Her Head?

Change Your Life in Five Weeks

His Moan Zones

Create A Stress Free Home

Get The Raise You Deserve

Half Off Tropical Getaways

Business success begins with getting attention and standing out from the crowd. You do that in the words you choose. Comparing business advertising to a well-written magazine headline may seem simplistic but no one said all smart marketing has to be complex.

Brian Grinonneau is the general manager of McMann & Tate Advertising an agency that insists its customers tell their story like it has never been told before.

What Your Yellow Page Ad Is Missing Part 1 Of 5

Writen by Jeffrey Hauser

Okay, it has a headline, picture, copy, and even a map. Heck, you’ve been running it for years. It seems to get lots of calls and everything is wonderful in “Directory-Land.” But there’s something wrong. Did you spot it? How do you know it’s doing as well as it could? Where’s the feedback? If you’re receiving plenty of response, which part of the ad is working well and which is failing? In other words, are you tracking the results and also asking the customer why they picked your ad over the competition?

You may wonder why this is so important if the ad is pulling well. Suppose it wasn’t. Suppose it got a poor result. You would want to know what went awry so you could correct the trouble for the next issue, right? After all, why waste the space and money? But even the best ad can be improved. If you are getting a 5 to 1 return on the investment, perhaps you could be getting 10 to 1 with a better (a) headline, (b) picture, (c) copy points, or (d) all the above.

Therefore, you need to track the ad with a special phone number or other device. And even then, you should educate your phone staff to ask what attracted the user to the ad. If the vast majority say it’s the headline, are you wasting ad space with a large picture that apparently no one notices or cares about. If you don’t ask, you’ll never know. Of course, maybe you enjoy writing that fat check to the publisher every month. Figure that if you could squeeze just one more customer a week out of the ad, what would that mean to the bottom line? If a customer is worth $75, that’s $300 more a month. The are many ways to go about asking for feedback, and I’ve used them all. Okay you say, so who am I and how do I know so much?

I was a YP rep and consultant for nearly 25 years and, prior to that, had my own advertising agency. I also have a degree in marketing. I’ve been designing Yellow Page ads for the past three decades. So I have expertise in YP creation and have advised almost 7000 companies on how to put together the most effective YP ads. If you have a display or in-column ad, regardless of size, color or position, I can tell you it most probably needs improvement in the headline, artwork, body text, placement, book, or heading. You must understand the ROI or return on investment and learn how to track the results as well.

So consider getting some expert advice before you place your next ad. There are many good and inexpensive places to turn, some available on the internet. Make sure the consultant is well qualified with at least 25 years experience. Then you might uncover the other things your ad is missing that could affect your results and overall profits.

Jeffrey Hauser's latest book is, "Inside the Yellow Pages," which can be viewed at http://www.poweradbook.com He was a sales consultant for the Bell System Yellow Pages for nearly 25 years. He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Advertising and has a Master's Degree in teaching. He had his own advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona and ran a consulting and design firm, ABC Advertising. Currently, he is the Marketing Director for thenurseschoice.com, a Health Information and Doctor Referral site.

How To Make An Advertising Decision

Writen by Noah Salzman

It never fails.

The Ad Agency spends countless man-hours sweating over the fine details. Things that no one would ever notice are discussed, dissected, double-checked and then dutifully discarded for a "better" idea.

Graphics are viewed upside-down and sideways. Letters are kerned in pixel widths. Font catalogues brimming with thousands of choices are scrutinized until the perfect one is found or the artist lapses into a coma.

Finally, the deadline is met. You meet with the client The pitch is made...and...

The client picks up the phone to order a sandwich from the restaurant.

Seems out of place, right? Well, not really. This is a classic-type move for clients who are indecisive. Stuck. Fence straddling.

Now comes a hot quarterback move as the client throws an unsuspecting pass to the delivery man from the restaurant.

"Tell me, you got a minute to give me your opinion on something?"

It's a painful situation to be in. But the client pays the bills and if he can't make up his mind, he'll damn well find someone to make it up for him!

Now, some of the bigger players can afford "focus groups" to determine if they've got the right goods. But what do you do if you're strapped for bucks?

Believe it or not... you ask the delivery man from the restaurant. Ask the janitor...your dentist...the grocer...the guy who fixes your photo copier.

Most agencies hate the idea of being scrutinized by the mailman, but the fact is, his opinion may be as good as it gets.

Tally up all the answers and ask yourself - Is it a "deal or no deal?"

There's your decision.

The more astute clients, won't waste a second. They know immediately if it's hot or not.

How do they do it? They really trust their first impression.

What they see or hear either appeals to them immediately or makes their eyebrows disappear in the furrows of their brow.

So, how do YOU make a good advertising decision?

1. Trust the ad agency you've hired. They do this for a living.

2. Listen to that little voice inside that you always say you should have listened to.

3. Be different. Lead instead of follow.

4. Ask your delivery man. There's nothing in it for him. ___________________________________________________________________

Noah Salzman runs NoaSound Productions - a full service Ad Agency where for over 25 years, he has advised clients in the retail sector how to effectively market their products and services. His areas of expertise include: Graphic Design, Packaging, Jingles, Retail Advertising, Copywriting, Photography, Online Marketing, Web Design, Audio/Video Production. http://www.noasound.com

Radio Advertising A Long History Of Excellence

Writen by Leon Chaddock

For years people have tuned into radio talk shows, radio morning shows as well as all those broadcasters and their funky styles. If you are like many, you flip on the radio as well. From a marketing standpoint, though, do you realize the value of radio advertising? While many say that your marketing dollars should be split into various categories, you will find that this is an excellence place to start. What does radio advertising have to offer you?

Consider first the amount of people that are on the radio at any given moment. In the morning, as people get dressed for work or school, the radio is on. When they get into their cars to head to work, the radio is on. The radio is playing in the office, on the way home again and maybe they tune it on before bed as well. It is the first thing that people wake up to. Radio advertising is powerful medium.

You can put just about anything on it as well. You can fill your marketing dollar tightly by putting it on a number of various types of radio advertising markets. Young adults tend to be one of the largest radio listeners in the afternoon hours. Market your product effectively to them during those hours. Adults love to tune in on their way to and home from work. Market your radio advertising dollars to them during this time. In fact, you can even market your product to young children on various radio stations geared towards them.

Radio is very versatile and allows you to tell your story for a smaller amount of your budget with excellent results. You will see that there are many reasons to head to the radio advertising market with your next product. Check out how well it can work with you and be impressed.

for more information please see http://www.radio-advertising-help.co.uk

How To Advertise With Flyers

Writen by Terri Seymour

When you first start out on your business venture, money is usually tight but you still need to advertise. One of the most affordable, yet very effective, ways to begin your advertising campaign is with flyers. Flyers are simply full page ads that are distributed directly to your potential customers. There are several ways in which they can be distributed.

You can either make the flyers yourself or have them made professionally, which might not be in the budget. ;-) There are several points to remember when designing your flyer, just as in writing ads or any other sales copy.

1. You want your flyer to get people's attention, so don't just use your boring, standard white paper. Use bright, alive and cheerful colors to bring out the message you are trying to convey.

2. The flyer's purpose is to sell, not to let everyone know your name. The flyer is not a business card. On the flyer, you want to highlight your problem solving product/service.

For example: Ants a problem in your house. We can get rid of them in just a few hours. No more problem!

3. Use incentives and/or closing dates to get people to act NOW!

Call NOW and get 10% Off our Regular Price! 1-800-ANT-B-Gone

4. Adding a few testimonials to the flyer can also be very effective. Highlight comments of past satisfied customers. List your qualifications as well, making sure to set yourself apart from other similar companies.

5. Another good idea is to encourage referrals. Having a statement such as, " If you are not in need of our product or service, please pass this along to someone who is." You might be pleasantly surprised at how many customers this one line can bring in!

6. Don't forget about the back of your flyer. Take advantage of this space as well. List some of your specials, sales, more testimonials, incentives, etc.

7. Do not stop at one try. You MUST follow-up!

8. Test your flyers as well. Use different incentives, headlines, paper colors and see which ones get the best response.

9. Distribute your flyers in targeted areas. If you offer a business opportunity, try distributing them at the unemployment office. If you offer weight loss products, visit the local gyms and exercise studios.

There are several ways you can distribute your flyers, once you have designed them and printed them out.

Post your flyers on Public Bulletin Boards found in grocery stores, community centers, banks, post offices, laundromats, etc.

Hand them out outside of targeted buildings such as stores, unemployment office, restaurants, etc. Never push your flyers on anyone. If they hand it back, smile and accept it back. Do not block doorways or sidewalks! If handing flyers out in stores, malls, etc., be sure and get permission.

Parades and other public events are great places to hand out flyers. Do not engage in conversation, just smile and offer the flyers. If they do not take it, move on.

You can also distribute your flyers door-to-door. Leave the flyers on the doorknob, not in mailboxes!

Talk with apartment building owners, real estate offices. People just moving into the area are always in need of this type of information.

Check with your town's ordinances. Leaving flyers on people's cars might not be allowed in your city. Be sure and know all local laws before starting your flyer campaign!

Find tons more tips, information and articles at http://www.SeymourProducts.com.

Terri Seymour and her husband Terry also offer a no-cost, non-MLM home business opportunity. They strive to help you build a successful home business. Take advantage of the tips, support, resources, and more for your home & business.

Warning Small Business Ownersbefore You Advertise Read This Simple Checklist

Writen by Casey Gollan

If you're writing advertisements for your business follow these 23 principles to ensure you get maximum return for your advertising dollar.

These 23 advertising 'rules' are based on direct response advertising principles from books like 'Tested Advertising Methods' by John Caples and 'Scientific Advertising' by Claude Hopkins.

1. Have you clearly researched and defined your ideal target market?

2. Have you written your advertisement directed solely to your 'ideal target market'?

3. Is the marketing piece being placed/sent/posted where your ideal target market will easily see it?

4. Have you calculated how many sales you need to make to make a profit on this advertisement?

5. Have you considered any other ways that you can reach your target market that may be more cost effective for you?

6. Have you made an offer that's easy for your reader to understand, and irrisistable for them to refuse?

7. Does your headline 'sing out' your 'ideal target market' so that they know, that your advertisement is written especially for them?

8. Does your headline 'grab' your ideal target market's attention and excite them?

9. Does your headline offer or describe to your target market a major benefit that's important to them?

10. Have you written your advertisement so that your headline is approximately 5 sizes larger than the body copy font size?

11. Does the body copy of your advertisement naturally continue on from what the headline suggests/says?

12. Through out the body copy, have you continued on with the benefits suggested in your headline, and described more benefits to your target market of using/owning your product/service?

13. Have you focused your writing on what your product/service will do for your target market, rather than just mentioning how good your business is?

14. Have you used 'sub-headings' above some paragraphs to allow 'skim readers' to get the main thrust of your advertisement, just by reading the sub-headings?

15. If you have included a picture of a person, is the person (or people) positioned so that their shoulders are facing into the body of the advertisement?

16. Have you included a picture that shows the reader what the benefit(s) of buying and using your product/service will be?

17. Have you taken the 'buying risk' away from your ideal target market by letting people know that they are safe to buy from you by either including a guarantee and/or using testimonials?

18. Have you used specifics like 5, 7 and 11 in your copy, rather than using generalizations like large, limited or top quality?

19. Have specifically asked your ideal target market to call, buy, or in some way take action to contact you in a hurry?

20. Have you included your contact details on your advertisement so it's clear and easy for readers to contact you, or take action effortlessly?

21. Have you communicated with your staff so that they know when, why and how the advertisement is being published?

22. Have you trained your staff so that they know how to handle incoming calls, e-mails and shoppers when they contact/visit your business?

23. Have you communicated with your staff on how they are to record the results of the advertisement so you can track whether it's profitable or not?

The above 23 points are pretty comprehensive, and will help you make your advertisements comply with sound direct response advertising principles.

By following them, you can ensure you'll be closer to creating profitable advertisements for your small business growth.

Casey Gollan, The Business Growth Specialist, the specialist who grows $1 Million p.a. small businesses into $2 to $5 Million p.a. businesses over a 2 to 3 year period. To learn more about Casey's Business Growth Program, visit his site and sign up for 'The 23 Secrets of Business Growth' 2 hour audio program for FREE.

Dont Just Stand There Say Something

Writen by Sammer Hakim

The biggest sales meeting of your life lurks. A sales meeting where you're career may well skyrocket if you close the deal. You're psyching yourself for the big 'Sales' day.

You press your clothes so crisply; you could swear the folds could cut you. When you're done, you lay in bed rehearsing your day tomorrow. You visualize yourself closing the biggest sale ever. Then after a few minutes, you slowly doze off.

Then you rise early still thinking sales.

You climb in the shower still thinking sales.

You put on your finest clothes, new shoes, spend 20 minutes on your hair and are meticulous about everything looking perfect.

As you grab your folder to head out, you give yourself a quick glance over in the mirror.

You think to yourself, you clean up pretty well. You quickly rehearse a few lines, poses and smiles. A few bursts of your best fragrance and you're set!

And yes, you're still thinking sales.

You get to the clients office and are warmly greeted. You take pride they noticed how immaculately groomed you are. They welcome you into their office and gently push the door until it clicks shut.

After a few words and glances around the office, it falls eerily silent.

This is it.

It all boils down to this.

You collect your thoughts, clear your throat, stand, take a deep breath, and look at your client square in the eye and you...

Just stand there. You don't say a word.

They raise their brows in puzzlement. Then tilt their head inquisitively wondering if you're ok.

And you just stand there rocking back and forth on the balls of your feet, lips curled inwards but looking great with your new clothes and shoes.

Ok, what does this have to do with your sales materials or website?

TOO MANY SALES MATERIALS AND WEBSITES JUST STAND THERE DECORATED WITH THE MOST AMAZING GRAPHICS, FLASH AND DESIGN BUT DON'T TALK TO THE CLIENT!

Well, you won't sell a damn thing looking pretty. You must "talk" or you will simply lose the business. Not just any talk. The right talk your clients respond to.

You may think

"Well, I do have content on my site and sales materials so 'I'm not just standing there, I AM saying something"

Re-imagine the above scenario. But you're mumbling and the client's face is squinting in aggravation trying to understand what you're saying. Or using abrasive language the client doesn't appreciate. Or present yourself in a way that makes you appear unprofessional, insecure or not confident. You don't mean to come across that way of course, but you do. Bottom line: You need help.

A professional copywriter will know exactly how to give you the best sales presentation possible for your product/service. They will grab your audience's attention, hold it and engage their minds towards buying from you. That's their job. They answer questions, overcome objections, ease fears and strengthen confidence in your business.

Isn't that a lot more valuable to you than just looking good?

It's no accident materials professionally written consistently outsell materials written by those who think there's nothing to it.

There's plenty to it because the fact you've read this far, proves engaging copy does what I claimed in this article!

Sammer Hakim is a Dallas-based copywriter serving clients worldwide and helping them with their sales materials. He can be reached at http://www.marketing-commando.com.

Burton Upon Trent Businesses

Writen by Ryan Poon

Burton Upon Trent as many other towns is losing its roots mainly because Coors has taken over the world reknown brewer Bass. The same as HP being taken from Birmingham to go to Europe. When will it stop? I started to see it with pub companies planting the same pubs in every town in the UK and the same with department stores. Every town starting to look the same. England and everytown within it has its one underlying attraction - tradition. This is soon disapearing and this really gave me a blow to the ribs when they have even taken our British beer Bass away from us. We need to encourage UK businesses, firstly from leading by example by not selling our national iconic businesses to other countries. For more information on Burton Upon Trent visit www.squareseeker.com

There are so many business finders on a national scale, offering lots of information about businesses but actually no information that can really be used effectively. Why because none of them are local, lots of them are out of date have no real idea about the local area and the businesses in them. We are losing the local feel of towns and cities in this country, one reason is because of the Internet. All of the big companies can get to the top of the search rankings and make more money on a national scale but where does this leave the local businesses? Local businesses need to be advertised as well and the best way for them to do this is to collaborate together on to one site and get noticed on their collaborated page on the net. This is what I am doing in Burton Upon Trent because if you type Burton Upon Trent in the search engine no local business is ranked there. If you have any questions and want to join me bringing locality to Internet advertising them conatact me on my web site

http://www.squareseeker.com - Burton Upon Trent Business finder/ Community message board -

Is Your Yellow Pages Ad Putting Cash In Your Pocket Or Sucking Cash Out

Writen by Alan Saltz

Any idea? It's a question that more than a few Yellow Page advertisers ponder. If you are currently spending money every month to run an ad in your local directory, you don't want to wrestle with that question. You want to know that your investment is generating a consistent flow of new clients to your business. So what can you do to maximize returns and stop worrying?

First of all, know this—Yellow Pages Advertising has incredible potential. As a business owner, you have few other ways to reach prospects who are as targeted, and ready to buy as these. But naturally… your success depends on the quality of your ad. And when it comes to ad content, far too many advertisers are quite simply… lost.

"The red-hot commodity of the Information Age? Why that would be the Yellow Pages… It's like shooting fish in a barrel."
Fortune July, 2003

There are few places to turn. It makes for an unpleasant situation for the honest businessperson trying to harness the tremendous potential of such a perfectly targeted medium. And so, most advertisers rely on the Yellow Pages design department, who, as it turns out, develop most of the ads in their directory.

It's hard to differentiate your company if that's the case, don't you think?

That situation doesn't need to be one that you find yourself in. While many advertisers fail to develop an ad that draws a strong response, it's not especially difficult to do. In fact, the basic mistakes that "riddle" just about every subject heading provide a fantastic opportunity for the business owner that does his homework. If you're reading this article, you're doing your homework.

"How come we still have the Yellow Pages? They Work. You don't go to the Yellow Pages and look up pizza unless you're planning to order pizza."
Fortune July, 2003

What Yellow Page success boils down to is ad content. Not color. Not professional design. Sure, those things matter too; but they are nowhere near as important as the words you use to fill your ad. People turning to the Yellow Pages have already determined that they need you. They just need to know whether they should call company A, B, or C.

Their choice doesn't depend so much on color or design, as it depends on what you offer that your competitors don't" the policies you hold yourself to that give consumers faith in you and your business.

Here is a point you need to understand… Listing the brand names you carry and the "laundry list" of products or services you offer don't build credibility. They don't set you apart from your competitors who offer the same thing!

Plenty of other things do. And chances are you embrace those policies and those hassle, and risk removing, motivators already. You probably do quite a bit for your clients that make their lives easier, more lucrative, more pleasant, and so on. You probably have credibility boosters that you've never considered including.

And that is because you may not realize the power they have in motivating an eager prospect to act. Iron-clad guarantees… customer testimonials… rock-solid offers for new customers… a headline that goes well beyond your logo and company name; these are things that work wonders in a targeted, ready-to-buy medium such as the Yellow Pages.

Since so many of your competitors are focusing on their company name and their laundry list of products and services, the copy points above will differentiate you! They give you the credibility that your competition likely lacks, and they make a strong case for many a prospect to choose you with confidence. That's what the Yellow Pages are all about, right?!

About The Author

Alan Saltz, the author, teaches Yellow Pages Advertisers how to boost their response and return on investment, using simple, but extremely effective techniques. To learn more about how to improve your own Yellow Pages ad, visit: http://www.YellowPagesProfit.com.

alan@YellowPagesProfit.com

Advertising Costs Getting Too High

Writen by Diane Hughes

Everyone knows that advertising is essential to growing a business. One problem that small business owners have always faced is the high cost of marketing. Most, however don't realize that there is an effective way to reduce the cost of your advertising while - at the same time - increasing its reach.

Advertising co-ops are nothing new. Usually they are a "perk" offered by major manufacturers to encourage retailers to promote their products. Because the retailer has direct access to customers that would want to buy certain products, it only makes sense that they should do joint advertising. You've seen it - McDonalds mentioning Coke in their commercials, Dell stating that you get a free Epson printer with purchase and so on.

The retailer doesn't make the product the manufacturer is providing, but it IS a great match with what they DO offer. Nobody would want to eat a Big Mac without something to drink, and a computer wouldn't do a lot of good without a printer.

Now you can use this same strategy to create your own advertising co-op to increase the reach of your ads and drastically reduce the cost, too.

--- How It Works

Generally speaking, the cost of any advertisements (bulk emailings, ezine ads, banners, newspaper, etc.) would be split equally between all participants. If you and two associates decide to purchase a solo ad, you would each receive equal mentions in the ad and you would each pay equal portions of the cost.

So if the solo ad were going to a list of 200,000 and cost $150, each of the three would pay $50. You get to reach 200,000 people for 1/3 the cost you would have normally paid. And, because this ad relates you to other types of businesses, you actually expand your advertising reach.

--- Getting Started

So who would be qualified to enter into an ad co-op with you? It depends on the nature of your business. Think of others that reach your same target customer and make a list. If you design Web sites, you might approach hosting companies, graphic artists, copywriters or programmers. If your business is landscaping, you could invite yard maintenance companies to join you.

Once you have a list of one or more business types, think of current associates you know who belong to those groups. Also, ask others if they know of any reliable businesses that fall into the categories you've outlined.

--- Making the Approach

When you have a list of businesses to approach, simply write or email them with your offer. Be sure to point out the benefits such as:

* a win-win situation

* reduced cost of advertising

* expanded reach of advertising

* larger, more prominent ads for a fraction of the cost

Also, be sure to ask about the advertising outlets these businesses currently use. You will likely find new avenues that lead to greater exposure.

--- Finalizing the Deal

You'll need to work out payment arrangements with your partners prior to placing the ad(s). The best way I have found to handle the finances is for each party to pay me for their portion of the cost with a credit card. I then place the ad order with MY credit card. This way, you are assured of receiving the dollar amount due to you; and your partners have the assurance that - should you default on your end of the deal - they have recourse for getting their money back.

Working in cooperation with other businesses can lead to tremendous successes with advertising. When like-minded companies pool their resources to reach one target audience, the impact is doubled while the cost is reduced by at least half. That's the best advertising bargain around today!

Diane C. Hughes * ProBizTips.com

FREE Report: Amazingly Simple (Yet Super Powerful) Ways To Skyrocket Your Sales And Build Your Business Into A Tower of Profits! ==>> http://madmarketer.com/diane

Size Does Matter

Writen by Low Jeremy

In the arena of marketing, the weapon of choice is always advertising. Only through advertising can the target market know about your product, what it can offer and what edge it has above other brands, products or services in the same category.

Advertising is the tool to use, which will educate the customer about your offer. Without a means to let the customer know about your unique selling proposition, all your efforts will not be able to reach its full potential in sales and revenue for your business.

Given this fact, at this point you may be scratching your head and thinking to yourself that advertising doesn't work because perhaps you have been advertising your business, product or service and yet the results of your efforts are only marginal.

If this is the case, it is important to ask yourself at this point what method of advertising have you been employing? Have you been spreading your advertising efforts too thinly among many different methods that haven't really been showing you desired results? Are you tired and frustrated from efforts that are not helping you reach your targets?

No need to despair. Advertising really is the key to your dilemma but you must employ the proper means of advertising. You need to choose the method that will give you the best value for your investment in terms of return on profit, longevity of effect with the highest impact. If you want a giant balloon in your sales and profit, get a giant balloon.

Yes that's right. If you want your advertisement to be noticed and be a cut above the rest, get a large advertising helium balloon. Large advertising helium balloons actually work because they literally keep your business agenda top of mind in your consumers' minds and tower over the rest of your competitors.

In advertising, being noticed is key. With every other marketing and advertising effort out there though, it's easy to get lost within the clutter. This is precisely the reason why it is important to target your efforts properly on the right advertising medium and using a large advertising helium balloon is the best medium there is.

But don't just take my word for it. Research and check out all the other businesses, products and services that have used large advertising helium balloons to market their offers and see that their profits have soared as high as the balloons that they have used. Check out the links below to find out more about how you too can take advantage of using a large advertising helium balloon.

Low Jeremy maintains http://advertising-balloons.articlesforreprint.com This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

Modern Marvel Yellow Pages

Writen by Mike McDaniel

First was the telephone. Once Alexander Graham Bell got it working, it spread like the southern kudzu vine. In less than two years after the first "Watson, come here I need you" conversation, there were enough telephones for a "central office" and someone to connect and disconnect the callers (1878).

The fastest growing of the new Bells was the New Haven Telephone Company (Connecticut) There were enough people "on line" to cause them to publish a little white card with the names of all 50 subscribers. The headings were divided into four sections:residential, professional, miscellaneous and essential service listings. Thus, the first telephone "book"

Early directories only listed names; numbers were not needed because operators made the connections for each caller.

In 1886, when Reuben H. Donnelley established the first classified telephone directory advertising, he helped create an entire industry that we know as the Yellow Pages.

No one knows for sure how those pages turned yellow. They didn't start that way. Legend has it the printer ran out of white paper in 1883 and rather than wait weeks for a new shipment, used yellow.

Then followed research that showed that black type on yellow paper combination was the easiest colors to read, other than black on white.

For the most part, the Yellow Pages were the exclusive monopoly of the RH Donnelley and the telephone companies.

Then came deregulation and publishers found that selling a second, or third or fourth, book of yellow ads be very profitable.

The "new guys" are usually cheaper.It is estimated there are now over 2,300 independent yellow page type directories produced by 250 publishers in the nation, with the largest independents being Yellow Book and TransWestern Publishing.

In Los Angeles County alone, there are 135 phone books from different publishers and in several languages.

The Yellow Pages industry accounts for more than $14 billion in annual advertising sales.

Which book do you buy? More than one? Depends. If you don't go with the phone company's book or the two big independents, look for books with lots of ads. Research shows we use directories loaded with content. The more ads a directory has, the more usage it receives.

For more about Yellow Pages, get my article "15 Tips for Better Yellow Pages Ads" MailTo:15TipsYP@BigIdeasGroup.com

©2005 BIG Mike McDaniel, All Rights Reserved BIG Mike is a Business Consultant and Professional Speaker. His BIG Ideas Group helps business grow with promotions, special reports, mastermind groups and seminars. http://BigIdeasGroup.com

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Ads Dont Sell People Do

Writen by Mike McDaniel

More about advertising by BIG Mike McDaniel

Advertising is not a substitute for good sales technique and superb customer service. Inserting an ad in a handy newspaper to call attention to a line of goods will not sell those goods unless you can back it up with intelligent, well directed sales efforts in the store. Sales technique and service must follow advertising and unless it does advertising is a failure.

The function of advertising is to bring prospective buyers into the store; nothing more. How you advertise, how much you advertise and where you advertise, can all contribute to advertising's success or failure. Assuming you do an adequate job of promoting your products through advertising, the visitors will come. Your job, then, is to convert them to customers.

When the visitors arrive, everyone in your employ must be ready for the task. Any enthusiasm created by your marketing efforts will cool quickly if greeted by sour faces and dour attitudes within the store, or worse, expecting the customer to crawl under the counter or up a ladder to get what was advertised.

Some merchants believe a "test" of advertising is to hide the item promoted and make the customer ask. If no one inquires, advertising obviously doesn't work. People are basically shy and will not ask, fearing they didn't hear or read the ad correctly, since the item is not prominently displayed. Rather than risk the embarrassment of hearing "no, Stupid, we didn't advertise anything like that", they will leave the store, perhaps never to return. The first step to back up your advertising is to display the advertised products in a conspicuous location with signage supporting the ads. "Ah hah!.. this must be what we read about. Here it is!".

But NOT in the front window. For advertising to work, your visitors must be converted by your salespeople. If the advertised product is in the window, the visitor can make a decision not to explore further based on a quick first impression. At least give your salespeople a fighting chance to "one on one" with a prospective customer.

Don't blame the advertising if you can not convert visitors into customers. Or worse, if you run them off before anyone has a chance to convert them.

Everyone in the store should know the items being advertised and be able to explain or demonstrate them.

Question your advertising if there are no (or few) visitors. Question your sales efforts if there are visitors but no (or few) conversions into customers.

Advertising will pay handsome dividends when the service within the store is directed intelligently. Advertised goods should be displayed prominently and demonstrated easily by willing workers. Unless you can render such service, on a consistent basis, don't advertise. Sell out.

For more about advertising, get my article "Do Your Radio Ads Work?" Mike@BIGIdeasGroup.com http://BIGIdeasGroup.com

©2005 BIG Mike McDaniel All Rights Reserved Mike@BIGIdeasGroup.com BIG Mike is a Professional Speaker and Small Business Consultant with over 30 years experience, http://BIGIdeasGroup.com

Subscribe to "BIG Mike's BIG Ideas" Newsletter MailTo:subscribe-956603364@ezinedirector.net

Are Your Signs Sufficient For Your Business

Writen by Tom Dalton

After 15 years in the sign business, I can usually tell which new business will fail within minutes of meeting with the client. I can tell when I hear what percentage of their total budget has been set aside for signage. I can also tell when they show me that they have more interest in getting a low price than getting a sign with a design that is compelling enough to draw people into their place of business.

I want to ask them, "Is a $1000 sign really cheaper than a $10,000 sign". When they say "Yes, it is". I want to explain to them that if their business fails because of poor signage choices, then how much did they really save on that $1,000 sign? On the other hand, if their business succeeds beyond their wildest expectations and it is due in part to their clever and effective sign content, then wasn't they extra $9k the best decision they could have made? It pays for itself and then makes them money if it helps keep them from "going under".

Signs are best looked at as "advertising". It is arguably the most effective and most important advertising purchase a new business owner will make. IF you purchase a $10,000 neon sign or a $10,000 electronic scrolling LED message board sign and you get 10 years out of it; you just paid $83.84 per-month (plus any upkeep needed or electricity used) for that point-of-sale advertising. How does that compare to what your business spends on other forms of advertising like the "yellow pages" or Radio or NewsPaper advertisements?

The final point I would like to make about giving your business sufficient signs is that you should continue the branding thought your business. Don't stop at one large entry sign. Put signs on every side of your business that is exposed to traffic if your local sign code allows it. If your town allows sidewalk signs, then put out a "sidewalk sign stand" to get the attention of the foot traffic. Be sure to put logos on each parking sign and a vinyl or etched logo on your front door and put some branding on the custom printed "welcome mat" that your customers wipe their feet on. I don't know how many times I have heard a customer say "we just had our best month ever" on the very month proceeding the upgrade of their poorly designed and insufficient signs. There are many sign advertising opportunities available and the best decisions will be made with the help of a sign design professional. When in doubt, just look at the size and quality of the "complete sign package" that you see at the biggest retail chains. Look at both the interior and exterior signs and ask yourself if you are as well represented with your signage. You can be sure that their accountants have researched this to death before approving such a large sign budget. So, if it wasn't "good for business" to have an extensive and complete sign package, then you would see very small sign packages with just one or two "low end plywood signs" at most of your top retailers ....and you just don't see that happening very often.

My name is Tom Dalton. I spent 10 years as the primary sign designer for a commercial sign company in Normal, Illinois. I am now part of Signs Direct, Inc.. SignsDirect's web page is at http://www.signsdirect.com and we specializing in mail order delivery of both retail advertising signs and DOT approved traffic signs. SignsDirect has been doing business online since 2000. We also sell products other than signs; such as sign hardware and sign stands and sign installation tools.

Advertising Inserts

Writen by Lance Winslow

One of the best and easiest ways to advertise without having to worry about shelf life of those who would most likely use your services or buy the products from your small business is to use inserts in your local newspaper. A marketing piece might also be to insert our flyers in the daily newspaper. This usually ranges from $23.00-35.00 per thousand if we print the flyers and $25.00-50.00 per thousand if the newspaper prints them. The newspaper rarely prints flyers in house, although some do. They contract it out because their printing presses are all computerized and specialized for that industry only. Large newspapers such as The Los Angeles Times have really neat programs whereby they will mail a flyer to every residence, which doesn't take the paper. Christmas time is a bad time to do inserts because it gets lost in all the shuffle of 20 other color catalogs of every retailer under the sun.

Under no circumstances should you do inserts on Thursdays or Sundays. On Thursdays grocery stores typically come out with their ads and on Sundays, which is usually a newspaper's highest circulation day, all businesses try to get in. A good day is Monday, Tuesday or Saturday. Most people don't read the paper on Fridays because it's the weekend and they've got things to do. Also, you want the phone to ring on Mondays and Tuesdays since they are the slowest days for many small businesses.

Most people call on the first or second day after an ad. Over one-half call immediately and the other one-half call over the next three weeks. When the ads are designed properly, we get 0.5-4.5% market penetration (phone calls). This is three times as much as placing an ad in the newspaper. Ads in newspapers, much like the telephone book, don't work for us very well at all. It's a waste of money and you will be under whelmed by it's dismal results. Weekly newspapers are good if you advertise in the service directory because the shelf life is longer. Inserts in weekly newspapers are awesome. They normally will fall into the same price range as daily newspapers. When placing an order for inserts be sure to ask which days have one to three inserts or no other inserts. This is your best choice for days and it will raise your inquires by 1-2%.

If your current newspaper advertising is not pulling for you the way you wish it were, try inserts next time. Think about it.

Lance Winslow

Mobile Detailers Customer Window Displays

Writen by Lance Winslow

Mobile detailers have all types of customers, many of whom are self-employed. We know that these customers love their automobiles as most Americans and therefore love the services we provide. So much so that they will refer us new customers and tout our services. But they are willing to do much more if you ask them. Like referrals you get more when you simply ask. Let me give you another couple of ideas.

Have you ever seen a sign in the window of a business that says UPS YES/NO. Well, how about "Reflections Auto Detailing" (A Logo) with a slider for YES or NO. And on the other side a matchbox car glued to the slider handle. How about a sign that says; "No Soliciting Except For Reflections Auto Detailing" or a half sheet of paper that says; "Reflections Auto Detail Country". Your very best customers will let you put them up and it's great advertising.

Counter Displays

Little brochure packs on counters work great especially in:

Travel Agencies

Fishing Stores

Tire Shops

Equestrian Accessory Stores

Jenny Craig

Weight Watchers

Hair Salons

Dry Cleaners

Sandwich Shops

Golf Course Prop Shops

If the owner is over fifty and also a small businessperson who enjoys your energy and drive, they will usually be receptive to this idea. If they are a young hussler, they'll probably want you to pay to put a brochure pack on their counter top. If that is the case, then you should joke about doubling the price of their car wash or detail job, they'll then laugh and let you put one up. Fair is fair. If they help you, you help them. Think about some other grass roots marketing techniques for you auto detailing business.

Lance Winslow

Cadillac Advertising On A Volkswagon Budget

Writen by Jimmy Wilson

When it comes to being successful on or off the internet, it's all in the Advertising! We've all seen this hold true with so many products. If you can capture a large audience with a simple idea or a New and Improved product, you can amass an enormous response in a very short period of time.

The never-ending quest to acquire this exposure on an affordable scale is what we all seek to find. Advertising in itself is a business to be dissected. Where is the best place to advertise, what is the most cost efficient means of advertising, who has the most exposure? All of these questions create a constant struggle for manufacturers of every imaginable product.

Cost effective advertising can be like buying watermelon seeds and planting them in Alaska. If you don't know where your market is located, you could be wasting your time and money. To know where your market resides is the first step at determining where to advertise. It will save you much stress in researching your market before you spend good money on any advertising. Most products are focused on one area of interest. Recognize your area of interest as a main point, then consider these sub-points; customer age range, customer location, densely populated areas, is your product seasonal, can you follow-up with customer questions, can you provide testimonials, if you'd never seen this product before what would be your initial reaction, can you handle a sudden influx of customers if your product takes off like a rocket, is your product considered to be a disposable product.

Advertising is all about excitable subjects. Sure, you feel excited about what product or service you wish to expose to the public domain, but your next step is to make every lending ear and eye to be just ask excited as you want them to be. In order to accomplish this your product must do one very important thing, improve the consumer's current state of mind.

Advertising is nothing more than a mental exercise meant to excite or make aware. Does your product provide this or does your advertising? In some cases both will provide this and in other products or services only the advertising will stimulate the excitement. Your product or service may be designed to replace or improve on a function that already exists. It's important to take the time to narrow your advertising focus in order to make the most of your advertising dollars.

Advertising online can be more challenging than by traditional means because there is so much free advertising space available, if only you knew where to spend your time placing ads that will produce results. In an effort to answer this question, you can easily answer this yourself, by the mere reading of this article, you are your own witness to the best method to expose, promote, and explain your product or service to the best audience in the world. Articles are written, shared, and promoted in endless publications around the world. As a printer for more than 30 years, the writer of this article has seen more response to articles that are 100% free to produce, than any other means known to attract interest to products and services on a shoestring budget.

Think of the Gold Rush of 1849, who made the most money as a whole, other than the few miners who were fortunate enough to strike a find? It was the advertisers and the providers of supplies. Advertising fuels the desire to know more and to know firsthand about the subject being discussed.

If you would like to know more about what you need, to be easily successful with your advertising or products, I encourage you to spend a few minutes reading and acting on some very powerful tools available on our website.

The ideas and tools available have proven to be far more valuable than digging in an abandoned gold mine.

Jim Wilson is an avid provider of priceless information to assist you in your endeavors of becoming successful with your ideas. Success consists of three simple tasks, Look, Listen, and Learn! Then you can remove your fears of stumbling as you attain success. http://wealthsmith.com