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Ideas for a newspaper ad?

by Colm Whelan
13 replies
I've been given a 13 week advert for free in a local newspaper's "Local Services" section. (I fixed a computer for the editor which was deemed unfixable by every other shop locally!) Circulation is about 20k copies with readership around 70k verified. I want to use it to promote my Computer Repair Centre - which is a shop-front, trading about 3 years. We fix laptops, PCs etc. and recover lost data

The ad space available is 64mm H x 90mm wide. Its a colour page (but not glossy)

I have no clue how to use the space.

Any suggestions?
#ideas #newspaper
  • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
    Just list what you said in your post. And your contact information. You don't have room for more.

    Computer Repair Centre
    We fix laptops and PCs
    We can recover lost data
    your name and phone.

    You do not want to be funny or witty. You want that guy who needs his computer fixed to call you. This will do that.

    If you offer free pickup or delivery, include that. If you offer a free diagnostics, include that. Free estimates, include that. Use bullet points.
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    One Call Closing book https://www.amazon.com/One-Call-Clos...=1527788418&sr

    What if they're not stars? What if they are holes poked in the top of a container so we can breath?
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  • Profile picture of the author CudaFish
    Along with Claude, make sure anything you do that's free is featured. And maybe give them a discount if they mention the ad? Like 10%-15% or something.
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    cudafish.com | marketing | design | work / life balance
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    • Profile picture of the author Mr. Subtle

      Signature

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      • Profile picture of the author bsbear
        Originally Posted by Mr. Subtle View Post


        This. This is awesome.
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      • Profile picture of the author rfuture2009
        Originally Posted by Mr. Subtle View Post

        I am digging on this ad, I WOULD call if my computer was "unfixable"
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  • Profile picture of the author Stan
    I can heartily recommend Dan Kennedy's "The Ultimate Sales Letter". It would benefit you a lot. Even though I agree with Claude you should still focus on the right copy.

    Just some boring, bland lines won't be enough.
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  • Profile picture of the author crs30
    FREE REPORT - Guide to Selecting Computer Repair

    ComputerRepairGuide.com or call our free recorded message at 555-555-5555

    "Quote from the newspaper editor" - Editor, Newspaper Name
    Signature

    FREE REPORTS (no opt-in required) -
    3 Earth-Shattering Strategies Local Marketers Use to Get Prospects, Leads, and Clients
    The 1 Big Thing Entrepreneurs Must Do to Defeat Information Overload
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    • Profile picture of the author Eddie Spangler
      Originally Posted by crs30 View Post

      FREE REPORT - Guide to Selecting Computer Repair

      ComputerRepairGuide.com or call our free recorded message at 555-555-5555

      "Quote from the newspaper editor" - Editor, Newspaper Name
      I think hanging with Joe Polish has got you too in love with this method. It works but is not the automatic goto style for every market/problem.

      When your computer goes out , you dont want a guide, you want someone who can fix your computer asap. The heck with calling for a recording , CALL ME and I will come fix your shit.
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      Promise Big.
      Deliver Bigger.
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  • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
    Subtle and Ewen have given you some nice ideas and i agree with it.

    Get a testimonial from the editor and use that as your ad if you can make it look right in the space.

    Also seriously to those suggesting a free report. This is the real world. In the real world I don't want a free report. I want to get the job done now. I don't need to read about it. Once again "STOP THINKING LIKE INTERNET MARKETERS!!" It annoys the crap out of the rest of us in the real world.
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    Aaron Doud - Sales & Success
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    • Profile picture of the author misterme
      Originally Posted by Aaron Doud View Post

      Also seriously to those suggesting a free report. This is the real world. In the real world I don't want a free report. I want to get the job done now.
      He: "My chest... feels... crushed... can't... breathe...."

      She: "Oh My GOD!!! You're having a heart attack!!!"

      He: "Where's... that... offer... I... saw... for... free... report... on... 8... mistakes... to avoid... when... choosing... a... cardiolo... uh... oh...."

      As for that really great display ad Mr. Subtle offered up, maybe mention "computer" in the headline?
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  • Profile picture of the author Colm Whelan
    To everyone who replied - Thank you all so much!!

    To Mr. Subtle and Ewen - all I can say is WOW! Thank you both from the bottom of my heart. What both of you have done for me out of sheer community spirit is unbelievable. I am going to buy 7 extra weeks and run both of these adverts - each for 10 weeks and report the results to you back here on this thread. We record the source of every client that comes in the door so it should be really easy to track.

    Thank you all again.
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  • Profile picture of the author kazim
    Newspaper advert is not perfect for online service. For computer repair system IT newspaper is more better.
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    Increase Profit From Your Website Up to 107%
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