Placing Effective Newspaper Advertisements

For small business professionals, placing advertisements in newspapers and magazines requires a lot of forethought and planning. There are many parts to placing an effective ad, the least of which is designing the ad itself. Consideration must be made to how and where the advertisement is going to run, as well as the length and amount of exposure the advertisement will receive. The following is a basic guide to help you develop the most effective fitness and personal training advertisement. Developing an effective advertisement begins not by sitting down to write copy, but instead begins with research. Find out what periodicals are available to advertise in, and what periodicals your clients read. Make a list of local magazines, newsletters, and newspapers that you would be interested in. Contact the advertising departments of these periodicals and ask to speak to your area accounts representative. Many magazines and papers have reps covering specific areas of your county, city, or state. When speaking to the person, explain to them who you are and what you wish to accomplish. Most representatives are very helpful in making suggestions regarding proper placement of ads, and may be able to offer suggestions that you had not yet considered. When speaking to your local rep, you should make sure to obtain the following information: 1. Rate Card: Have the rep fax or mail you a current rate sheet so that you know exactly how much your advertisement will cost. 2. Current Demographics: Each newspaper and magazine tracks the number and type of people that read their publications. Many publications also track the spending habits and reading habits of their demographic. Make sure to obtain a list of the periodical