Yellow Page Advertisers: Your Calls are Going to Decrease -Heres the Remedy – Marketing
Yellow Page Advertisers: Your Calls are Going to Decrease -Heres the Remedy
Dr. Lynella Grant
Response rates to Yellow Page advertising are declining
Theres no getting around it, traditional Yellow Pages are in trouble. Fewer people use them every year. Even the best- pulling ad in the section isnt getting the number of callers or sales it used to. At the same time, the monthly cost to maintain your same-size directory ad keeps going up.
Simply tinkering with ad size or options like color cant compensate for the adverse developments. Declining usage impacts each directory category differently. Some like contractors and lawyers are declining more steeply than others. Emergency service providers tow trucks, plumbers are holding their own. While categories like cell phones and lawn furniture are growing rapidly, with increased consumer demand.
Advertising only in the Yellow Pages is no longer a safe bet
Over half of all customers go to the Internet first to find product information and sources - even if they intend to spend their money locally
People increasingly trust the Internet as a source of information about major purchases and has overtaken the newspaper for used car sales
Internet Yellow Pages IYP are kept up to date unlike print directories and can be searched from anywhere - their usage is growing 25% a year
Local Search lets search engines like Google include small, local businesses in their search results even without them having a website - over 25% of all search queries request Local Search results
A large percentage of young adults or business buyers never consult the Yellow Page directory at all - and they control an expanding chunk of dollars spent
Rethink the role Yellow Page advertising plays for your enterprise
Take a serious look at how much you rely on the Yellow Page directory to bring new business. Are most or all of your promotional dollars spent there Do your expectations match the number and kinds of customers your ad actually brings you
Your strategy needs to take consider all the ways you attract new customers. Recognize changed customer preferences and buying habits for your specific type of operation. The issue isnt whether or not to advertise in the Yellow Pages. If youve been there you should continue. But switch some of those dollars into marketing methods that connect with buyers who wont look for you there.
Follow these steps, with them all sending a clear, consistent message
Get listed in Internet Yellow Pages IYP; there are many of them; some are free
Make sure your website provides the information search engines require for Local Search. Learn how to do that at www.yellowpagesage.com/localsearch.html
Beef up your website with the information customers look for or join a portal of local businesses
Submit articles about your enterprise online; find extensive assistance at http://www.promotewitharticles.com
Keep track of whats delivering new business. Commit to asking every new customer and caller how they found you. Thats the only way to know which method is winning; or where to shift emphasis and money for the next year.
Pursue ways to increase business from your existing customers
The value of Yellow Page advertising is mainly to attract new customers. People who know you already are more likely to find your number in the business white alphabetical listings. Start working harder to strengthen those relationships so they stay loyal. Efforts spent to serve them better or to get referrals from them does more for profits than constantly chasing new customers can.
Get started well BEFORE the directory deadline
Some day soon its time to renew your directory listing for another year. Let this be the year that youve figured out your strategy well in advance. Make you new strategy a front-burner, squeeky-wheel priority. Yellow Page Smarts, http://www.yellowpagesage.com/smarts.html explains how to make your Yellow Page ad and Internet marketing support each together effectively.
If your next directory deadline hasnt come yet, theres still time to change your ad for next year like add your website address address - a study found 60% of directory users only call Yellow Page ads with a website!. If youre already committed, spend the next year getting the rest of your strategy in place. Your timely efforts can compensate for the decline in Yellow Page advertisings effectiveness. And you wont be caught off guard.
© 2004, Lynella Grant
About The Author
--Dr. Lynella Grant Author, Yellow Page Smarts, Make more money from your Directory ad in tandem with your Web site. Get a YP ad critique. 719-395-9450 mailto:grant@yellowpagesage.com
Free YP resources at http://www.yellowpagesage.com
grant@yellowpagesage.com
Heres What a Jacuzzi Will Do For You – Home
Heres What a Jacuzzi Will Do For You
Mike Yeager
Jacuzzis are a great recreational and health benefit for a home. Having some idea what type and what uses you will have for it, are keys to purchasing the right one for you.
Theres nothing like going to a hotel and finding out you are in the jacuzzi suites! Of course, many people request this when traveling. Jacuzzis can take away a lot of stress and worry just in a few minutes time. Jacuzzi tubs can be added to your home as well giving you a great place to unwind after a long day. A jacuzzi tub is normally larger then the average bathtub and requires a lot more knowledge to install. Obviously, the wiring and power to the jacuzzi is important and should be handled by a professional.
So, where to start Start by knowing what you can afford and how much room is available to you. Jacuzzis come in many different shapes and also in different qualities. Some often fit the corner of a bathroom as opposed to along a single wall like most bathtubs. This can give you added space in a small bathroom. Finding the right jacuzzi isnt all that hard. Most major home improvement stores will have a selection to start to look at. If, you are not satisfied with the selection there or would like more options, check into specialty stores for more choices. Often times, these places will also offer installation as well. Beware of the extra costs for installation though. Home improvement stores also offer jacuzzi parts if the need arises as well. But, make sure to keep your warranty and guarantees safe since these parts will undoubtedly be expensive if they are not covered by your policy.
Jacuzzis arent just found in your local jacuzzi spas anymore. Jacuzzis have long been known for the way the relax and help us unwind. Having one at home will not only help you unwind from a long day, but it gives you an extra measure of privacy not found in jacuzzi spas. While this investment can be costly, it can have great long term benefits for the owner. It is an investment in your home as well as your health. And the process is not that difficult in finding one that suits your needs.
About The Author
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-bathroom-4u.com/
mjy610@hotmail.com