Successful print advertising requires a special attention to detail, a comprehensive understanding of your target audience, and the ability to appeal to the interests of consumers. Though an increasing number of customers are clicking digital ads while browsing the web in search of products and services, research shows that print advertising is still equally or more effective than digital advertising in many cases. If you want to attract more customers to your business with a print ad, follow these important steps.

Step 1: Advertise in the Correct Place

advertise local business directories

Before creating a print ad you need to decide how you can get the maximum amount of exposure for your business at the lowest possible price. You also need to research the average circulation for various newspapers, magazines, and local business directories to determine where your money will be best spent. Though local newspapers and publications may have a steady number of monthly readers, local business directories and phone books often serve as a better option for small and medium-sized business owners who want to run a print advertising campaign. Local business directories are more cost-effective, and the majority of local business directories will also allow you to advertise on their internet yellow pages version for no additional cost.  Above all, make sure you are advertising in a space that will attract the right type of customers.

Step 2: Write an Intriguing Headline for Each Ad

You know what they say: “You never get a second chance to make a great first impression”. This age-old cliché phrase may lean a bit to the cheesy side, but it’s definitely true in print advertising. If potential customers are not intrigued by your ad’s opening headline, they won’t even bother looking at the rest of the advertisement.  When brainstorming great headline ideas, think about what information your customer base wants to know. If you can answer a question or provide a teaser that customers just can’t resist, your ad is more likely to convert. If you’re running low on ideas, try searching “great ad headline ideas” for your specific industry.

Step 3: Create an Inviting Layout

ad in magazine vs local business directories

The only thing more important than advertising in the correct place and creating an interesting headline is the layout of the ad and copy. The font should be easy to read, yet stick out. Make the writing style casual, but friendly and inviting. Images are also a must. A print ad with no images won’t make it very far. The images should relate to and reinforce the ad copy. Don’t be afraid to be bold with your images, but keep your audience in mind.

Step 4: Include a Call to Action

call to action in print ad for local business directories

If you don’t encourage readers to do anything after viewing your ad, why did you spend the money to create and place the ad in the first place? A strong call to action includes: your company’s phone number, email address, and text that encourages readers to act right away. An example might be: Call us with this coupon code and receive 20% off your next meal, or visit our website to request a quote for affordable car insurance. You need to make the call to action intriguing to the customer so they don’t brush it aside.

Call Local Business Directories for Advice

Once you’ve decided where you will advertise, it doesn’t hurt to ask the local business directory what normally works well for their customers. They may suggest various alterations to your ad based on the success of other advertisers in your industry. You’re paying them to advertise, so don’t be afraid to ask questions of local business directories.

Contact Local 360 Media

If you’d like to learn more about print advertising in Utah, Maryland, Delaware, Arizona, or North Carolina, contact Local 360 Media today. We can get your business in front of customers who are interested in your products and services. Call us at 877-286-5346 today! We offer the most effective print advertising Utah, Maryland, Delaware, Arizona, and North Carolina have available!