Anybody ever had any success promoting a web site via print publications? I'm thinking of testing an ad in my local daily paper. Recently I read a statement by a well known internet marketing guru that print ads don't work well for web sites.
it depends where the ad is places, who reads the paper etc you would want an ad about a sports equipment site, in a newspaper about stock markets.
That's not true. Every marketing tactic out there can work for a website. It just depends entirely on the website and target market. If you're running a local site, that would very likely be a great tactic for example. You need to do the proper market research and planning before jumping into what marketing tactics to use, and then you won't have to worry about something being a waste of time and money.
Hello, Well, at one point in my career I dealt a lot with traditional advertising and newspaper ads work, but here are a few suggestions I would keep in mind... The best results from newspaper print ads are normally "product" related. Meaning, not that you would, but "brand" newspaper print ads are not as effect as "product" ones. For example, if I worked at a bank, all of my newspaper print ads would be rate and location based, "Home Equity Loans as low as 6.5% APR with no closing costs. Stop by these branches [list out branch addresses], bring this ad and get a free coffee mug." What usually doesn't work are newspaper ads like, "Bank with us. Our focus is on you". So, since you don't have a physical location, I would try and phrase my ad to where it mentions your URL and tells the reader why coming to your Web site will fill a need. You could even run a contest or something. Also, this was mentioned earlier, but placement is king. If you are running a sports related ad you do not need to be in the business section. Most media buyers at newspapers will work with you to ensure this doesn't happen, but sometimes you need to ride them a little bit. Also, if you can, find out the stories that will be running. Most newspapers won't tell you ahead of time, but if your Web site is specific to fishing and they are running a fishing related story try and get an ad on the page that has the fishing article. I don't know what your budget is, but I would try and get at least a quarter panel (square) or half panel (vertical) if you can afford it. Also, think of frequency. Is this a one time deal, or are you going to run the same add multiple times? I would recommend multiple times (at least three but as much as 5 to 7). More is better in this case, but money is always finite. Anyway, newspaper ads work, but you need to research to ensure your ROI is worth it. I hope this helps! -PRADCO
there are several factors for this... -where your ad is placed, if it is first, you will get more attention then one 3/4 down the lis -how you intend to draw people in -demographics of the readers -how relevant it is to the section/newspaper it is in -and then when people visit ur site, the only thing to bring them back is if its attractive to them its pretty much the same as any other advertising. i suggest sticking to the net for most people are too lazy to look at the link go to the computer and click it in, whereas the internet you can add color and animation and draw people in with the click of a button. and the people on the internet have internet and probably use it often, newspaper readers may not have internet or not use it so much ( i know older people hate comps and rather get the news from the paper than the net or tv)
There have been some well publicized examples of companies failing to effectively promote their website through other channels. With other media, you need to persuade someone to get up and leave the TV, or put away the newspaper to look a site up on the web. With longer names of websites, or 'tricky' or obscure names, people will not remember. So if the ad can't motivate them, and they can't remember the site, you have lost. Coupon for free sandwich - this week only. McRestaurant.com vs. The website with everything about fast food - americasfastfoodrestaurantsource.com Which one is going to get decent traffic from TV, radio, newspaper, or magazine ads?
The issues in that sense tend not to be with any particular medium though, but instead with the original domain name choice. That's a perfect example of why webmasters really should sink time into business planning before launching a site... then they don't run into those problems.
This may not be necessarily true. If you have a forex site, an ad in Wall Street Journal or New York Times will be a hit.
Print advertising is probably the best medium out there. Think newspaper INSERTS not newspaper classifieds. You want to run a full color 8.5x11 newspaper insert. Companies like Print and Deliver can print 10,000 for you for only $375 and then you are looking at a few cents each to insert in your local area publication. If you can gain your customers' interest with a print advertisement...the first thing they will do is look for your website.