> Hi Michael,

> Thanks for your reply...fyi I did mean
> offline printed classifieds...I should have
> been clearer about that :-)

> You're absolutely right and I do intend to
> test this...I really only tossed this out as
> a general question regarding the use of
> autoresponders in offline classified
> ads...always nice to hear a success story so
> I thought I'd ask around :-)

> I'm almost sure it would drop overall
> response...what I didn't mention in my
> original post was the idea of
> pre-qualification...the product in question
> would be intended for computer users...as
> somebody recently mentioned here (possibly
> Don Alm) it doesn't make sense to send a
> 'magic' floppy or CD to a non-computer
> user...

> Very true!

> It's funny, it's obviously very common to
> see a website URL in printed display ads
> these days...you don't often see an e-mail
> address (tied to an autoresponder) in the
> ad...at least I haven't noticed this very
> often...maybe a customer service address
> where a human MIGHT get back to you in about
> a week...very seldom any follow up after
> that initial contact...

> I wonder if an e-mail address in a printed
> display ad including a call to action would
> yield results (subscribe to our free online
> newsletter, etc). If you're going to spend
> the big bucks on displays ads, it might be
> nice to try to build an opt-in list along
> the way....

> Have a great day all!

> Richie

When it came to classifieds. Jim has one classified ad that can actually be used to sell a wide variety of products (and Jim has a wide variety of products). I've forgotten what the ad says but it is good. I think the point Jim has made is that if a prospect is interested in one type of product they'll probably be interested in other products that are similar (I know--"duh"). He then had a stable of related products that he could market to this one prospect that was bold enough to raise their hand. I love that technique.

You should consider something similar. No matter how much money it's costing you per lead, not wasting any inquiry is big when it comes to building a profitable company.

On the other thing yeah, I think putting an email address in a display ad to try to build a list is a good idea.

Take care,

Mike Winicki