OK- let's agree that many businesses can benefit greatly from Yellow Pages advertising. Let's also agree that few businesses enjoy paying for this "necessary evil". So how do you decide if it is right for you Alexander Steen Shirt , what books to use, how much to spend and how to build a successful program? It's really easy if you understand some basic concepts.
Do you need yellow pages ads?
How important is the telephone as a "door to your business"? Does a large percentage of your customer base call you before they buy? Is your business one that gets customers that are area newcomers (I don't know anyone) Brayden Schenn Shirt , emergency buyers (I need someone now!), dissatisfied customers (I want a new supplier) Scottie Upshall Shirt , infrequent buyers (I don't know now who can do this) or comparison shoppers (I want to check with everyone)? If so, then yellow pages are probably a good idea for your business. Do not ignore Internet yellow pages that may serve you better than Joel Edmundson Shirt , or support, a print ad. Both reach customers when they are ready to buy.
White Pages Listings
White Pages Listings are valuable for companies due to their convenience for people that know your company name and have decided to call only you. Finding you by name keeps your customers out of the yellow pages where they may be tempted by the ads of your competitors. Most directories offer white pages bold listings and sometimes even small in-column ads. If you're in business then you need white page listings - period.
Which book is best?
Determine the key criteria Possession Carl Gunnarsson Shirt , Preference and Usage. Every rep will have great statistics to show. However the local phone company is usually regulated by a State agency and is held to strict accuracy on claims. Additionally the YPA (Yellow Pages Association) is the industry association that provides validation on much of the industry facts and figures. Local market facts ad relevance so be certain to consider this over "industry figures". The local phone company book is almost always the best Value Purchase. Secondary books can be of benefit but your cost per customer may be much higher than the primary book. Consider the following: Book "A" ad costs $100 and Book "B" ad costs $50. Book "A" has 80% Possession, Preference and Usage AND Book "B" has 20% Possession Jaden Schwartz Shirt , Preference and Usage. Book "A" could deliver 8 of 10 shoppers and Book "B" could deliver 2 of 10. So Book "A" customers cost you $12.50 each while Book "B" customers cost you $25.00 each. Thus the value is in the "more expensive" ad space. It's really about return on investment. Buy smart. And again, the Internet yellow pages are a distinct advantage that the phone companies have to offer.
How much do I spend?
In short Vladimir Tarasenko Shirt , no more than you have to. Don't get caught up in being under every heading or buying a bigger ad every year. Look at your chosen directory, your headings and decide what it takes to be competitive enough to generate the amount of business that you need. If everyone has an in-column space listing then a small display ad is quite dominant. If you are a small business and a full page delivers more than you can handle then it is a waste of money. Inversely Vladimir Sobotka Jersey , if you buy an ad size that is too small then your call counts