Two Tip Tuesday
...helping you build a better business!

Quick Ways To Get Ads Working For You

ADvertising is defined as communication whose purpose is to inform potential customers about products and services and according to the SBA, 5% of your gross revenues should be budgeted for advertising. 

For example, if you project $50,000 in annual revenues, your annual advertising budget should be $2,500.00 or just over $200.00 a month.
 
But how do you know where to invest these advertising dollars? The answer is simple---identify your target audience and decide how best to attract their attention.
 
Purposeful Placement
Put yourself in your customer's shoes. Where would they go to look for your business? What do they read?
 
Look to see where your competitors are advertising--they might have done some market research.  
 
Identify publications or advertising media that most accurately aligns with your customer base.
Place your ads where customers will find them easily and logically.

Once you have identified the publication advertise on a regular basis---weekly or twice a month for at least six months. Remember, it's the placement and frequency of the ad and not the size that counts.
 
Some placement ideas to consider: 

-Local and neighborhood newspapers
-Homeowners Association newsletters
-Community magazines and supplements
-Trade publications: real estate, home services, etc.
-Church bulletin
-Newcomers Publications
-Online decorating websites
-Women's Groups newsletters
-School sports team flyers

Content is Key

Ads should be simple, eye-catching and filled with benefit-rich words that elicit emotion. 
1. Make the headline compelling and highlight a specific benefit to the reader---remember, it's always about them and not you!

2. Make statements that are believable.

3. Track your advertising to determine what works and what doesn't. Ask people how they found you when they call. 

4. Make sure your contact information is sufficient in the ad----phone, number, email and web site address.

5. Use visuals---but not the same ones everyone else uses. Think outside the box! For instance:

-In addition to putting your dramatic before and after shots in ads, think about a photo of you, the listing agent and the sellers in front of a 'Sold' sign if you offer staging services.
 
-Use testimonials from clients with a photo of them in their newly redesigned or staged room.
 
-Include an 'action' shot of you redesigning or staging a room in the ad or flyer.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sample Ad #1
 
What A Difference A Day Makes!
Interior Arrangement and One-Day Room Makeover  Services
 
Within a day (your name), owner of __________________, will transform a room in your home or office from ordinary to extraordinary using your existing furnishings, artwork and accessories.  There is no need to buy anything new!
 
CALL _____________________ at ______________________
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sample Ad #2
 
Revolutionizing the Way People Decorate Their Homes!

In just one day, (your company) can give any room in your home a new and revitalized look using your existing furnishings, artwork and accessories.  There is no need to buy anything!This unique process of rearranging a room's existing contents works whether your furnishings are old or new, you have a little or a lot, all one style, or an eclectic mix.
 
It is the perfect solution for anyone who:  

• likes their furnishings, but wants something different
• is confused about how to "pull a room together"
• would like a room to be more spacious, warm and inviting
• doesn't feel their home reflects who they really are

CALL (your name), (your company) at (phone number)
OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www._________________.com

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