Newspaper Advertising - Local Area

[GordonJ]

Originally Posted by CopyCub

What's the best way to reach the local business owners in my area?

I'm thinking of marketing some small business consulting services. I was going to test a few direct repsonse type ads in my local papers offering a report on something like small business or marketing mistakes.

One paper readership is something like 100,000 and the other is around 50,000.

Does anyone have any comments? Is the business section better to advertise in vs the main/front section? What about a week day (Tues, Weds, Thurs) vs. the weekend?

Thanks in advance!
Matt

I could be wrong.

You are fighting an extreme uphill battle. First, small business owners are not a 'niche' or group...some like sports and only read the sports section, others may read business. I think if you pursue this route, you won't get a single response. NOT ONE. But, feel free to test it out.

Direct Important MAIL to the owner is probably your best chance immediately followed up by an in person visit. Maybe visit and then mail.

Small business CONSULTING services pointing out mistakes is a tough sell UNLESS you have some proof you've used your methods and have been wildly successful. Even then there is a smug arrogance that surrounds many small business owners, because he thinks "my business is different". Good luck.

Gordon Jay Alexander