Thread: re; generating business thru newpaper

Has anyone ever explorered the publication of a ( Home Inspectors tip of the Week ) in the local newspaper to generate business, in this area we have about 4 papers and none has any tips from anyone. It would cost a few bucks but I think it could generate a little business with some free tips. any feedback. thanks

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Google Walter Jowers (sp?) a writer who is or was also a home inspector.

I suppose it depends on your skill set.
Your writing skills, facts, etc. will be out there for all to see.
Make sure you are up to the task.
Do people in you area actually read news papers anymore?

I've thought about this also but never done it. Mostly because I don't have the time to put it together. I put a business card size ad in some of the local community papers from time to time. I always thought your type of ad would fit into that space or slightly larger.
My issue is that I would want a stockpile of ads on hand before doing it. I wouldn't want the pressure or time constraints of having to come up with the next ad.
Wording and structure with this would be very important since you are probably looking at 3-4 sentences. I guess you could do a bigger ad but then the cost also goes up, especially if it will be a regular thing.
I've never gotten much out of my paper ads. They barely pay for themselves but since they are cheap its ok.
Note - advertising is my weakpoint so don't put too much into what I say.

I did this about 10 years ago. I got calls from every nut case that bought the paper! I guess it did help to get my name out, but it turned into more of a Mr Fix-It type article. Folks would call asking me how to repair things around their home.. That was not why I did the article!

It was before my website and the age of the Internet. At the time I really thought it would help to get my name out and it did! But only to folks who were getting into the DIY work around their home.

Generally speaking buying print-ad space is a loosing proposition. Although lots of people read the paper few will "remember" your article. Of those that actually "remember" your article what is the percentage that may be buying a house? I say pretty small.

You have a better chance of seeing some return on investment by improving your internet search engine ranking.

//Rick

Originally Posted by Rick Bunzel

Generally speaking buying print-ad space is a loosing proposition. Although lots of people read the paper few will "remember" your article. Of those that actually "remember" your article what is the percentage that may be buying a house? I say pretty small.

You have a better chance of seeing some return on investment by improving your internet search engine ranking.

//Rick

I agree, but you can also look at this way. Name recognition is a big deal, so a few thing I have done is to be a sponsor for various local events, as long as they will use your logo and not just your name. I had a 3'x6' banner that was in the local high school football stadium last year, I was able to help the booster club and get the exposure at the same time.

I think it helps if people know who you are (even if it is indirectly) before they need your services.