Ways to Advertise: Promoting Your Product or Service
Whether you want to promote a product or service, advertising is essential in today’s competitive marketplace. When it comes to the types of advertisements that your company can utilize, the possibilities are endless. However, when creating an advertising plan and strategy, it is necessary to identify and examine the specific clientele you are targeting. Recognizing your target market will help you to choose the most beneficial type of advertisement for your specific business.
Identify Your Target Market
In order to research your market demographic, you can study your current or past clients, submit a survey, or conduct secondary market research by examining other companies that are similar to yours. Advertising efforts will ultimately be more profitable if your ad speaks to a certain customer – the ones who are directly in need of your product or are likely to use your product or service. For help at determining your target market, check out this course.
It is important to identify the type of media that is being viewed by your target market. Some examples of media are websites, newspapers, magazines, television, radio and billboards. If you are using more than one ad, advertising in more than one medium is a good move. Whether you use new media or more traditional media will most likely depend on your target demographic. However, it goes without saying that more and more people are using and being exposed to new media — specifically online and mobile advertising.
Focus on Your Message
Before choosing a medium, be sure that you have a specific goal for your ad. Do you want to generate more traffic into your business (whether it be a website or office building)? Do you want new consumers to try your product, or are you trying to retain clientele? Are you encouraging someone to try your service who may be unhappy with their current situation?
Focus on one particular problem that you can solve for the potential customer. You also want to make sure that you include a clear call to action in your advertisement. What do you want your audience to do? Should they call for an appointment, check your website, or simply go out and pick up your product? Before deciding on a method of advertisement, be sure to have a clear message and brainstorm ad ideas for your business.
Print Advertising
One way to advertise your product or service is through print. Basically, anything printed on paper would be considered print advertising. Some basic types of print advertisements are found in newspapers, magazines, and newsletters. Direct mailings and flyers are other examples of print advertisements. Be sure to consider the readership of these different print sources. Specific magazines will have a narrower focus as opposed to a daily, local newspaper.
Many people look to the phone book when trying to find a new service. The good thing about this is the fact that the consumer is already in need your service. However, you will be side by side with other similar businesses and it is harder to stand out or take a creative approach to get noticed. Also, many people automatically go to the internet when seeking a new business. However, some people feel more comfortable using a phone book and believe it legitimizes a company and means they can be trusted.
In addition, printed sports programs and various organization newsletters are examples of print ads that would increase local clientele. Brochures, informational packets, and posters also are options for print advertising at a lower cost.
