Should You Advertise?

Advertising is one of the things that almost every small business owner believes at some point. Finally, as large companies that promote their businesses, is not it? So, you should not do it so well?

Well, while advertising their place in the promotion, it has a number of drawbacks, which means it is often not the best way for small businesses. Let's take a look at some of these.

First, the advertising for the production of awareness of your company is large. It tells everyone who you are and what you do and people will notice you and realize that you are around. But, while for the construction of great attention, it is not so good to get customers. Only 1-2% of people see, hear or see ads actually buy directly from the display.

Second, advertising must be repeated often enough, so they will stand a chance of effectively. You need to repeat themselves, they will see at least three times, let's face it, you may display and means to do something about it, but can not get around to it. And if you need to repeat it, they can be effective.

Which brings me to my third point brings advertising is doing a pretty expensive way of marketing (- the average cost for an ad in your newspaper and I am talking about a small ad) is approximately EUR 150 + VAT. If you have to repeat your ad at least three times, which is £ 450 + VAT before you even start. And if you radio and television advertising, the costs can end up in astronomy.

With all these handicaps my preference is not to advertise, but to free or low cost methods of marketing focus, that the same effects. Still believe that if advertising is better than the awareness of the target customer, me, there are at least 50 different species as I can remember, right at the top of my head that will bring the same result, but the cost of doing nothing.

Having said that, there are some good deals around at the moment, if you have to negotiate and not afraid to walk away if you can not reach, the price you are willing to pay. And there are some places where it is very cheap to advertise and may well be worth a visit. For example, church magazines tend to make very inexpensive as well as ads in post offices and supermarkets.

Advertising in the Yellow Pages is also free and is a must for all small businesses - you remember the Yellow Pages is a man, if they know your name but can not remember to walk your contact details. Do not be tempted to pay an ad, until you know that it works. If you get your business from a free ad, you will definitely receive business from a paid ad in there. Try it first.