![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
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
Classified ads do not have the big market appeal that... Read More
When knowledge is based on truth it is powerful!When it... Read More
You're flipping through this publication as you wait for your... Read More
Your print ads should do more than just get noticed.... Read More
We have a Great News that we think that may... Read More
One way to make extra money or start a... Read More
Want to create print ads that get results? Below are... Read More
You certainly must know that Many Big Marketers consider COPYWRITING... Read More
This article will show you how to cut your printing... Read More
Larger companies have learned that collecting art adds something special... Read More
Advertising is a powerful and somewhat frustrating marketing tool. It... Read More
One of the most important things to do now that... Read More
People say it all the time: "This advertising costs too... Read More
As technology continues to improve, the quality of digital prints... Read More
Back in the 1760s, the great Dr Samuel Johnson delivered... Read More
I have been reading articles on increasing sales using search... Read More
In this lesson, we will create a business card, using... Read More
According to experts, just changing the headline of an ad... Read More
The content of advertising is basically the same no matter... Read More
Have you ever spent a small fortune on advertising that... Read More
As every professional politician and public relations man knows words... Read More
It was two days before our shoot. I was in... Read More
It is getting harder daily to generate traffic.And when you... Read More
Many people online are not using one of the best... Read More
CPR CPA CTR... what does it all mean? What it... Read More
Here's a great lesson that applies to direct mail. Ready?... Read More
Let's take an example that is easy to check: I... Read More
People say it all the time: "This advertising costs too... Read More
When you spend money on an advertisement you want to... Read More
Boring is one thing you can't afford to be when... Read More
The great Claude Hopkins (Author of Scientific Advertising) once said,... Read More
If you haven't made many sales or perhaps none at... Read More
Quality Care Options is an established company advocating for the... Read More
If you have been following the recent advertising news you... Read More
Wide range of electronic Key venues around the globe has... Read More
How To Gain FREE Advertising That Will Make You Rich!Okay-Just... Read More
There are three main reasons why I would hesitate when... Read More
You can turn your vehicle into a rolling advertisement. Costs... Read More
More about advertising from BIG Mike McDanielIt makes no difference... Read More
At some point many small business owners are left with... Read More
1. Place copies of your circular on bulletin... Read More
You've decided to try advertising your business with post cards.... Read More
Business cards are the most underutilized and misunderstood marketing tool... Read More
Use This Quick 3-Question Evaluation Process, So You Can Be... Read More
The Ultimate, "Must-Have" Home-Based Business for YOU a Underemployed, Unemployed,... Read More
Do you send email to your Online audience to let... Read More
Here is my personal list of things to do at... Read More
Do you often see print advertisements outdoors, as much as... Read More
Advertising has truly become a part of all of our... Read More
The ability to lead, persuade and influence are integral skills... Read More
Advertising Advertising |