Ads, flyers and sites

by newseller Banned
47 replies
I was thinking of printing up flyers (as mentioned earlier) and putting some ads in the paper but I'm unsure what to do. I thought it'd be great to have a short paragraph on the flier but the ad is more problematic.

A teaser for the flyer would work better than one for the ad, right? I think people are more likely to check out something they had in their hand rather than if it's buried with a lot of other ads while they're doing something else, ie, reading the paper.
#ads #flyers #sites
  • Profile picture of the author CabTenson
    What are you selling?

    Generally, flyers are a waste of time. They make you feel like you're working hard, but they rarely drum up business. If you're considering using flyers, it might be a sign that you haven't spent enough time exploring your options.

    Have you considered cold emails? I've found them pretty effective when I'm starting something completely new.
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    • Profile picture of the author Bruce Wedding
      Originally Posted by CabTenson View Post

      What are you selling?

      Generally, flyers are a waste of time. They make you feel like you're working hard, but they rarely drum up business.
      I kept my kid in diapers and formula with flyers back in the mid 80s while I was in college. I could work 3 days a week making around $300-400. I got a better response than direct mail post cards too.

      More recently, I got my girlfriend, a Realtor, 3 listings on the same street with a flyer I wrote for her. She distributed only 25 flyers.

      It all depends on the business and the skill of the copywriter but to say flyers are a waste of time is wrong, IMHO.
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    • Profile picture of the author rambo9600
      Originally Posted by CabTenson View Post

      What are you selling?

      Generally, flyers are a waste of time. They make you feel like you're working hard, but they rarely drum up business. If you're considering using flyers, it might be a sign that you haven't spent enough time exploring your options.

      Have you considered cold emails? I've found them pretty effective when I'm starting something completely new.
      Ha, your advice is a "waste of time." Then you recommend Emails? Are you freaking kidding me?

      You can inserts fliers (stand alone is Flyer) into Newspapers (otherwise known as a FSI-Free Standing Insert) or you can distribute via "rack space."

      You can do FSI's about "Contractors" into your Local paper when they have a special "Homes" section. Or you can do that for the "Food" section with restaurants.

      You need a compelling offer and a deadline or some type of scarcity to make it work.

      Yep, fliers don't work, lol.
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      • Soo good to see other Phenomenal Flyer Fanatics!


        Steve
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      • Profile picture of the author CabTenson
        Originally Posted by rambo9600 View Post

        Ha, your advice is a "waste of time." Then you recommend Emails? Are you freaking kidding me?

        I distribute hundreds of thousands of fliers per month for offline clients. I make a healthy 6 figure income sitting on my ass with recurring payments month after month.

        Still gonna tell me fliers don't work? :rolleyes:

        You can inserts fliers (stand alone is Flyer) into Newspapers (otherwise known as a FSI-Free Standing Insert) or you can distribute via "rack space."

        You can do FSI's about "Contractors" into your Local paper when they have a special "Homes" section. Or you can do that for the "Food" section with restaurants.

        You need a compelling offer and a deadline or some type of scarcity to make it work.

        Yep, fliers don't work, lol.
        Did you see me say that flyers are ALWAYS a waste of time? Maybe that six figure income makes you too lazy to read carefully.

        The people on this forum are throwing a tizzy over my comment when it seems that the OP has disappeared and doesn't care what any of us say. If the OP had returned and answered our basic questions, we'd know for certain if the products he is selling make sense to advertise through flyers.

        So please, Rambo, go be rude to someone else.
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        • Profile picture of the author jimbo13
          Call it a communication problem as your post could be construed as dismissive of flyers. In general.

          Having said that your last paragraph is the relevant one.

          The OP, like so many who ask questions all over this forum, hasn't bothered to thank anyone let alone comment.

          Maybe s/he will rectify that.

          Dan

          PS: Ever seen two men fighting outside a nightclub over a girl who has gone home anyway? Waste of time
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        • Profile picture of the author rambo9600
          [DELETED]
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          • Profile picture of the author CabTenson
            Originally Posted by rambo9600 View Post

            You still don't know what you're talking about. I make 6 figures because I learned through trial and error. I know "what works, what doesn't work."

            To say "generally flyers are a waste of time" and then tell the poster to look at sending emails is Insane. You followed bad advice with even worse advice, lol.

            Fliers are only a waste of time to someone like you who hasn't perfected his craft.

            Nothing works better than Direct Mail, anyone on the forum feel free to debate me.

            Now go back to sending spammy email blast.
            Hundred-thousandaires don't make wild assumptions like you do.

            If the OP only needs a few clients or customers to start, cold emails are perfectly fine. I never said email blasts. I never said flyers never work. All I suggested was that a lot of people, when it comes to selling their first product/service, immediately think of flyers. We think of flyers because we can write them quickly, print them out at home, and staple them to a few bulletin boards and then just wait. For many budding entrepreneurs, flyers are an excuse to do as little work selling as possible.

            Now, if you were a polite hundred-thousandaire, you'd stop spilling your testosterone all over this forum.
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  • Profile picture of the author CabTenson
    Ah, yes. Hence the question: What is newseller actually selling?
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    • I constantly do Flyers for a whole range of clients - I've become a Flyer specialist which is good news because I know SFA about any technical stuff.

      (I've been so tempted to do a WSO with all the best Flyer techniques - but have no earthly idea how to do it. Anyway it's a bit "low tech" for the Warriors).

      The thing is....

      Time and time again I've found Flyers get a phenomenal response.

      The best tactic is to put an irresistible offer on them – with a “scarcity element.”

      Also and this saves massive costs - they actually work much better in black and white with little or no graphics.

      Printed on good quality paper - or preferably on card - because this boosts the response even further.

      It makes them stand out far more than the usual run of the mill color flyers that so often get ignored.

      They make more money - faster - for clients compared to sales letters, websites and ads.


      So, no great need to pour weeks into endless research and a month to write a sales letter or a magalogue.

      Save the money by not having to buy lists of names - or pay for all the production and postage costs.

      Not really vital taking ages building an expensive website with all the inevitable glitches and spending fortunes on SEO desperately trying to drive traffic and waiting months for it to kick in.

      Forget about writing Ads with high media costs for an ever declining circulation in a newspaper or magazine.


      If the Flyer copy is really good - they work like magic.

      Best of all - they are great fun to do.


      Steve


      P.S. Here's what happened last week.

      Monday - Spoke with client. Agreed a fantastic offer on a Flyer.

      Tuesday - Wrote the copy

      Wednesday - Client delighted with the copy. Printed that afternoon. Started the distribution

      Thursday - Finished the distribution. By mid morning and all afternoon the response started

      Friday - Response increased - client says the sales were over $7,500.00 and counting...

      Client now has a database of new red hot customers - we can keep promoting more offers - usually creating an annual value of 10 X plus the initial customers spend.
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      • Profile picture of the author Steve Hill
        Originally Posted by Steve The Copywriter View Post

        P.S. Here's what happened last week.

        Monday - Spoke with client. Agreed a fantastic offer on a Flyer.

        Tuesday - Wrote the copy

        Wednesday - Client delighted with the copy. Printed that afternoon. Started the distribution

        Thursday - Finished the distribution. By mid morning and all afternoon the response started

        Friday - Response increased - client says the sales were over $7,500.00 and counting...

        Client now has a database of new red hot customers - we can keep promoting more offers - usually creating an annual value of 10 X plus the initial customer spend.
        How or where were the flyers distributed? That's the key right there. I've seen flyers work like gangbusters and I've seen them go flat as week-old soda, depending on whether they got into the hands of interested prospects or not.
        Signature
        Learn more - earn more: Books for Copywriters
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        • Hi Steve,

          Yes it is vital to get them to the target audience.

          Say it's a high end product for homes - then distribute them in good neighborhoods.

          If it's for retail - give them out to the right shoppers who are in the vicinity.

          The ones who genuinely look like they'll be or are spending (if they're already carrying a bag from a store - they're usually a good prospect).

          And so on...


          Steve
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      • Profile picture of the author rambo9600
        Originally Posted by Steve The Copywriter View Post

        I constantly do Flyers for a whole range of clients - I've become a Flyer specialist which is good news because I know SFA about any technical stuff.

        (I've been so tempted to do a WSO with all the best Flyer techniques - but have no earthly idea how to do it. Anyway it's a bit "low tech" for the Warriors).

        The thing is....

        Time and time again I've found Flyers get a phenomenal response.

        The best tactic is to put an irresistible offer on them – with a “scarcity element.”

        Also and this saves massive costs - they actually work much better in black and white with little or no graphics.

        Printed on good quality paper - or preferably on card - because this boosts the response even further.

        It makes them stand out far more than the usual run of the mill color flyers that so often get ignored.

        They make more money - faster - for clients compared to sales letters, websites and ads.

        So, no great need to pour weeks into endless research and a month to write a sales letter or a magalogue.

        Save the money by not having to buy lists of names - or pay for all the production and postage costs.

        Not really vital taking ages building an expensive website with all the inevitable glitches and spending fortunes on SEO desperately trying to drive traffic and waiting months for it to kick in.

        Forget about writing Ads with high media costs for an ever declining circulation in a newspaper or magazine.


        If the Flyer copy is really good - they work like magic.

        Best of all - they are great fun to do.


        Steve


        P.S. Here's what happened last week.

        Monday - Spoke with client. Agreed a fantastic offer on a Flyer.

        Tuesday - Wrote the copy

        Wednesday - Client delighted with the copy. Printed that afternoon. Started the distribution

        Thursday - Finished the distribution. By mid morning and all afternoon the response started

        Friday - Response increased - client says the sales were over $7,500.00 and counting...

        Client now has a database of new red hot customers - we can keep promoting more offers - usually creating an annual value of 10 X plus the initial customers spend.
        Even though I've been doing Direct Mail for a long, long time, I'm always willing to learn. Crank out that WSO and I'll be the first to buy.

        Warriors would hate Flyers because they are so low-tech, easy to do, make you a boatload of money, and in a short amount of time. Most would rather be tortured by Google, spend years getting ranked, banned by Adwords, Adsense, etc... fliers are just too easy.

        Black & White fliers? Damn! No graphics!

        Can you share with us what paper you used?

        What niche was your client in?

        What type of distribution did you use? Newspaper, rack space, etc...?

        What was your client selling? Product or Service?

        Any idea what his Gross Margin is? Lifetime Value of a Customer?

        Sounds like you did a great job. Can I ask what your fees were?

        Do you own the "intellectual property rights" to your copy?

        Thanks so much. I'm going to PM my email to you.
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        • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
          I posted how a flyer got a home renovator $17,800
          worth of work from spending $86 on his flyers.

          Flyer shown too.

          http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...t-mailing.html



          Enjoy!
          Ewen
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          • Profile picture of the author Andrew Gould
            Originally Posted by ewenmack View Post

            I posted how a flyer got a home renovator $17,800
            worth of work from spending $86 on his flyers.

            Flyer shown too.
            Wow, very nice work Ewen.

            Thanks for sharing it.
            Signature

            Andrew Gould

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            • @ Ewen yes great Flyer

              @Rambo - sent you a Pm with the details


              BTW - you can always turn a top notch Ad into a Flyer - much cheaper and a lot more effective than paying the media costs.


              Cheers,

              Steve
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              • Profile picture of the author rambo9600
                Originally Posted by Steve The Copywriter View Post

                @ Ewen yes great Flyer

                @Rambo - sent you a Pm with the details


                BTW - you can always turn a top notch Ad into a Flyer - much cheaper and a lot more effective than paying the media costs.


                Cheers,

                Steve
                A flyer used as a FSI (Free Standing Insert) in a newspaper is far more attractive than a Display Ad.

                An FSI is loose, it falls out of the paper if it's heavy enough. It is not forgotten once a page is turned. A customer may save it if it's easy to keep, unlike a display ad which has to be cut out of the paper. You can do a Joint Vennture with another business that is non-competing with you and do a much larger insert with 4/4 color.

                Inserts/Fliers rule.
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  • Here are some interesting takes on flyers from the Offline forum including how to use them for a professional practice.

    http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...pon-flyer.html

    http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...-practice.html

    http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...ut-flyers.html
    Signature
    Marketing is not a battle of products. It is a battle of perceptions.
    - Jack Trout
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    • Profile picture of the author davidreese
      Flyers can be extremely effective. I have many clients that market only with flyers.

      The tend to work well for unique services. Organizing services, therapists, classes (film, writing, acting) and related things.

      I own the Thumbtack Bugle. The same one as mentioned in the Guerrilla Guide to Marketing.

      We distribute flyers, posters and postcards throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

      Many of my clients have been using the Thumbtack for over 20 years. You don't need a fancy flyer. You do need a strong offer, a good headline and an understanding of what flyers can and can't do.

      Compared to PPC, Print and other alternatives flyering is another option that can help increase leads at a reasonable cost. It tends to work best for those businesses that are built on continued sales (trainers, therapists, those offerign classes) not those looking to succeed in one shot.

      David Alger
      Thumbtack Bugle
      Signature

      David Alger
      Thumbtack Bugle We Get the Word Out

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  • Profile picture of the author daveshu
    I'd ignore local newspaper ads and go for flyers.

    We managed to get a local restaurant (owned by some friends) TWO free full page stories in the local press (weekly paper, town population of c.75,000), one was on the front page - response from those 2 - zippo.

    Distributed about 1000 flyers locally in black & white with the offer in great big red text in the middle (cost of under $100 plus time to distribute them) - response c. 30 bums on seats each spending roughly $60 = $1800 immediate return, PLUS repeat custom over the next X months or years.

    Unfortunately from that the restauranteur came to the conclusion that flyers are a waste of time and is now continuing with his normal marketing practices - i.e. doing nothing, and complains he isn't busy enough.

    (obviously this was all in GBP I've converted the numbers to USD)
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    • Profile picture of the author Bruce Wedding
      Originally Posted by daveshu View Post

      ...

      Unfortunately from that the restauranteur came to the conclusion that flyers are a waste of time and is now continuing with his normal marketing practices - i.e. doing nothing, and complains he isn't busy enough.
      What is it with restaurant owners? I helped a pizzeria do a door hanger coupon flyer once. He distributed 700 in a nearby neighborhood and got about 75 coupons redeemed. He thought 10.7% return was a complete failure. It is stunning to me that a business owner has no concept of lifetime value of a customer.
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      • Bruce,

        Yes, I've found that restaurants can be notoriously difficult.

        Every time I've done Flyers for them - the results have been excellent.

        But they take a hell of a lot of persuading to keep doing them.

        Other businesses can't wait to run them again.


        Steve
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      • Profile picture of the author daveshu
        Originally Posted by Bruce Wedding View Post

        What is it with restaurant owners? I helped a pizzeria do a door hanger coupon flyer once. He distributed 700 in a nearby neighborhood and got about 75 coupons redeemed. He thought 10.7% return was a complete failure. It is stunning to me that a business owner has no concept of lifetime value of a customer.
        Yes restauranteurs are great.

        I've been helping them out again today, and have had to fight tooth and nail to get them to do a bit of name dropping.

        You see, the food is incredible, which isn't surprising since his head chef worked at a world famous restaurant - lets say the Savoy, although that isn't the one, but it's of that ilk, but where he worked is probably better and definitely has a more WOW factor name.

        AND their food is better priced than the run of the mill dross you get at the "me too" restaurants in town.

        In a little town like this there is nowhere that can boast such an instantly recognisable association, it is a truly unique USP, if somewhat name droppy.

        For an upcoming party that will have 200 women present, and to promote mothers day for him, one of the things I want to do is to give away a little business card type jobby in amongst the nice dessert he's packaged up for them to take away, and is letting them have for free - you know the kind of thing, a business card with a google search box and a search term typed into it.

        On the flip side are the google results with his business as the top answer (well the only answer on the card), and yes, in Google he's actually 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th for that local search!

        On the meta description part of the business card I drop in the name - "our dishes are painstakingly created from the best ingredients by head chef Jim (not his real name), formerly of The Savoy in Paris. At just £xx for 3 courses it's the best food in town!"

        That's the gist of the message on that little business card sized addition, though not word for word.

        But he didn't want to use the name of a world famous restaurant, he wants his business and chef to "build their own reputation".

        While I can see why and agree with the sentiment, at this point where he's struggling to survive, is losing money hand over fist, can't see another 3 months and desperately needs bums on seats - he needs all the help he can get.

        He just didn't see that the name instantly conveys quality, it adds a touch of intrigue and curiosity, and gives people a reason to come and try it for themselves - it's a treat, something special, perfect for mothers day.

        His prefered text of "our dishes are painstakingly prepared from the best ingredients by head chef Jim Smith and his team..." - had nothing.

        Who the hell is Jim Smith? Why should I bother? Where's the incentive to dine there?


        And where are my customers?

        And when you consider that all of this marketing is on a shoestring - i.e. they have NOTHING to spend - wouldn't you think they'd use every scrap that could give them an edge or get them even 1 extra customer?

        Fortunately they've relented and decided since things are the way they are they'll use the name, but yikes, it's taken nearly all day to get sorted.
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  • Profile picture of the author sethczerepak
    Flyers are just like any other print media, they can be a big waste of money and paper or a big success. You need three things to make them work:

    1) Relevance: know who you're targeting, be 100% clear on your offer
    2) Make it easy to respond: make it easy enough for a 4th grader to respond to
    3) Pressure: give them a reason to respond right now

    Testimonials are a good addition if you can add them, but these three ^ alone make the difference between wasted paper and printed money.

    Oh, and it also helps if you have a good closer answering the phone if you're asking them to call.
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  • Profile picture of the author wilmath
    Ewen, on many different levels your flyer is a work of art. I can see why it works so well.
    Nice Work!
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    • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
      Originally Posted by wilmath View Post

      Ewen, on many different levels your flyer is a work of art. I can see why it works so well.
      Nice Work!
      Yeah that guest test is a doozy!

      A woman on the offline forum read thru the "guest test"
      and wanted to phone the guy right then!

      Best,
      Ewen
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      • It's another cracking idea for a Flyer.

        And there are so many...

        But an "involvement question" or a "quiz" works wonders.

        It uses the incredibly powerful curiosity factor.


        Steve

        Phenomenal Flyer Specialist

        (because I'm a bit dense when it comes to any high tech stuff - anyway there's no need - cos Flyers work sensationally well!)
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  • Profile picture of the author Adriian
    Printing Flyers can be a big waste of money, paper, and effort as mentioned.
    You could advertise in the paper, or even online.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chuck Avants
    This a great thread--- thanks to those providing the good information. I see Rambo talk about FSI's and one I think mentioned standing in the mall(?) and handing the flyers to ladies with bags from other stores-- My question is how do you get the flyers into the hands of your target market.
    Signature
    Do the right thing---
    Because it is the right thing to do
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    • Profile picture of the author rambo9600
      Originally Posted by Chuck Avants View Post

      This a great thread--- thanks to those providing the good information. I see Rambo talk about FSI's and one I think mentioned standing in the mall(?) and handing the flyers to ladies with bags from other stores-- My question is how do you get the flyers into the hands of your target market.
      The #1 way I use Flyers is by inserting them in the newspaper. When done this way it is called a "FSI" (Free Standing Insert). The paper minimum is normally 10,000 FSI's, and the cost is between $500 to $1,000. This includes the newspaper Printing & Distributing (P&D) the flyers.

      You supply the completed PDF and they do the rest. They charge your debit/credit card upfront.

      Many newspapers will allow to do target Zip codes and Sub zip codes. Some newspapers are also delivered by the Post Office so you can target via Carrier Route. You can be very selective if they offer delivery via mail.

      My #2 method is via "Rack Space" or "Local Distribution." You can set up display racks in business and leave your flyers in a rack that keep them in order, neat, and easy to pull and replace the flyers.

      I really don't do anything else in regards to flyers. I send out millions per year in newspapers throughout the country. In can be very price effective and give a great ROI to the Customer and YOU.

      There's a lot more to it that posted, but that would take a ebook which I ain't doing.
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      • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
        Originally Posted by rambo9600 View Post

        The #1 way I use Flyers is by inserting them in the newspaper. When done this way it is called a "FSI" (Free Standing Insert). The paper minimum is normally 10,000 FSI's, and the cost is between $500 to $1,000. This includes the newspaper Printing & Distributing (P&D) the flyers.
        Rambo, couple of questions...

        1 do you use one or more advertiser per insert?

        2 do you advertise just one product per advertiser?
        Big nationwide chains in homeware and hardware
        here have a catalogue of deals. Wondering how you approach it.

        Best,
        Ewen
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        • Profile picture of the author rambo9600
          Originally Posted by ewenmack View Post

          Rambo, couple of questions...

          1 do you use one or more advertiser per insert?

          2 do you advertise just one product per advertiser?
          Big nationwide chains in homeware and hardware
          here have a catalogue of deals. Wondering how you approach it.

          Best,
          Ewen
          I normally never use only ONE advertiser per flyer. I have found that using Multiple advertisers actually increases the retention rate of someone Keeping that flyer.

          Ex: Let's say I am advertising for a Roofer. By having a Plumber, HVAC, Window replacement, Siding contractor, etc... on the same flyer someone may not be interested in the Roofer, but may save the Flyer for the Plumber.

          Let's face it, there is only so much I can say about a roofer or a plumber. I don't need 2 sides of a 10x11 ad to get my message out.

          I have found that doing co-op or joint venture deals are very appealing. Instead of a Plumber paying 100% of the fee, I may suggest doing a JV with a Roofer who will not be in direct competition with him. This helps reduce the Cost and Increase Retention.

          I try not to advertise more than 2 offers max per advertiser. I like to have a very compelling offer with a tight deadline. I also use Copy Doodles to draw more attention to my flyers.

          I use a lot of 10W” x 11H” FSI. I can get four nice size ads listed. Many newspapers today are Tabloid style 10"x11". If I am marketing Contractors then I will use a paper heavier than 75#, gloss, text and place that FSI in the Home section of the paper. Many papers have a special home section on Fri/Sat.

          The NY Post is Tabloid size, 10x11 as an example: New York Post - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

          I also do Food, same method. Does that help?
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          • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
            Originally Posted by rambo9600 View Post

            I normally never use only ONE advertiser per flyer. I have found that using Multiple advertisers actually increases the retention rate of someone Keeping that flyer.

            Ex: Let's say I am advertising for a Roofer. By having a Plumber, HVAC, Window replacement, Siding contractor, etc... on the same flyer someone may not be interested in the Roofer, but may save the Flyer for the Plumber.

            Let's face it, there is only so much I can say about a roofer or a plumber. I don't need 2 sides of a 10x11 ad to get my message out.

            I have found that doing co-op or joint venture deals are very appealing. Instead of a Plumber paying 100% of the fee, I may suggest doing a JV with a Roofer who will not be in direct competition with him. This helps reduce the Cost and Increase Retention.

            I try not to advertise more than 2 offers max per advertiser. I like to have a very compelling offer with a tight deadline. I also use Copy Doodles to draw more attention to my flyers.

            I use a lot of 10W" x 11H" FSI. I can get four nice size ads listed. Many newspapers today are Tabloid style 10"x11". If I am marketing Contractors then I will use a paper heavier than 75#, gloss, text and place that FSI in the Home section of the paper. Many papers have a special home section on Fri/Sat.

            The NY Post is Tabloid size, 10x11 as an example: New York Post - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

            I also do Food, same method. Does that help?
            Yes it does help thanks.

            Here's the link to our largest newspaper publishers...

            http://www.soldonapn.co.nz/wp-conten...A4-LowRes1.pdf

            They list all the specialty publications and special features dates for the inserts
            along with areas and numbers.

            What would you charge each of those four advertisers on a 10W" x 11H" FSI?

            And your profit?

            Is it 2 on each side?

            Thanks,
            Ewen

            .
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            • Profile picture of the author rambo9600
              Originally Posted by ewenmack View Post

              Yes it does help thanks.

              Here's the link to our largest newspaper publishers...

              http://www.soldonapn.co.nz/wp-conten...A4-LowRes1.pdf

              They list all the specialty publications and special features dates for the inserts
              along with areas and numbers.

              What would you charge each of those four advertisers on a 10W” x 11H” FSI?

              And your profit?

              Is it 2 on each side?

              Thanks,
              Ewen

              .
              It's hard for me to give pricing without a case scenario. Pricing is dependent upon the number of inserts that are being delivered, what paper I'm advertising in, the paperweight, industry/niche I'm working with, etc...

              If you want 'rack distribution" then there is an added fee for that, plus I do other items that I will not mention here. If you send me a PM I'll give you more details.
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              • One thing I've noticed when you get "ordinary" Flyers.

                They're usually only printed on one side.

                Noooo.

                All that valuable response boosting "real estate" going to waste.

                It's too painful to see all that white empty space.

                Always print on both sides.


                Steve


                P.S. Same applies to business cards - it's rare to see both sides used
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                • Profile picture of the author David Neale
                  Fascinating thread. I currently use PPC and websites and Landing Pages using trackable URLs and phone numbers as the primary method of generating leads (sometimes sales) for offline clients.

                  I would love to try some Flyers inserted into newspapers using a similar method, that is unique URLs and phone numbers so that i can track results and compare to my other methods.

                  Are there any good WSOs or eBooks describing a proven methodology? There is a lot of great info in this thread alone but the actual design, copywriting and whether to use B/W or color is still a big task for somebody with little print background.

                  I am a very big DK fan so perhaps some of his older books I own will offer some samples.

                  Any help would be appreciated.

                  Thanks guys.
                  Signature

                  David Neale

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                  • Hi David,

                    I've been doing Flyers for years.

                    And I don't have any "print" knowledge.

                    A good printer knows all that stuff.

                    And there are really sensational deals from printers all over the web.

                    Really low prices.

                    I haven't come across an eBook or a report on them.

                    There are lots of articles - some are quite informative.

                    And amazon do have a couple of books on Flyers.

                    If you type in "Best Advertising Flyers" they'll show up.

                    But essentially all you really need to use are - the best copywriting techniques.


                    Hope this helps,

                    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author deltbrah
    I have used both flyers and newspaper advertising. I found that advertising is newspapers yielded a much greater ROI.
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  • Profile picture of the author davidreese
    Over the years I've posted literally thousands and thousands of flyers monthly. I've seen super fancy flyers do well and I've seen very simple flyers do well.

    My clients that seem to do best with flyers fit in the following categories:

    1) have a very unique service or business

    2) can close a sale and use the flyer to generate phone calls

    3) have a service or offer with a built in repeat business such as therapists, classes, tutors

    4) use of flyers to promote attendance at a live event where a sample, demonstration or lecture are provided

    I've seen way to many people try to sell something directly from a flyer rather than using it to generate a phone call.

    David
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    David Alger
    Thumbtack Bugle We Get the Word Out

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    • David,

      I agree.

      But you can put a great offer on a Flyer and people instantly buy.

      Worked extremely well for a carpet cleaning company - "Pay for 1 room and get 3 more rooms professionally cleaned for free. If you're not happy - don't pay for the first room (benefit, benefit) etc etc"

      The customers called and immediately booked the cleaners.


      Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author DavidG
    I got my feet wet with offline marketing over 2 years ago.

    I had heard about herbalife, and the amount of money that would be raining on me as soon as I put on a small white badge that said - "I Love Herbalife" while knocking on doors.

    Little did I know that MUCH MUCH MUCH effort was going to be needed in order to be able and sell 1 product.

    In about 3 months I sold 12 products and some of the sales - as anyone could tell - were out of pity.

    Anyways, I had made about 300 dollars (bonuses/repeat sells) in those 3 months.

    Out of desperation I went online and looked for ways in getting more sales. And fortunately for me - I ended up on what's considered - "The most valuable website on the entire internet"

    From that site - I learned about direct response and ate all the newsletters.

    I purchased envelopes and went to my nearest school and printed my first real newsletter.

    Afterwards I walked all around my city and delivered the mails personally. Block by block until I ran out (had 250).

    Long story short - I sold over 50 products. Made well over 800 dollars and was the happiest camper on earth.

    Moral to the story?

    If a dumbass senior in highschool with no experience whatsoever in marketing can make this much money from direct mail, what does that have to say about online marketing?

    You know - I love email marketing but EVERYONE is HERE. The only competition you really only have when it comes to direct mail are those credit card offers and groceries specials.

    Besides - your mail won't go into spam/bulk/junk mail, it doesn't need an open rate, click through rate and you can say the word FREE and attach a dollar to it.

    So yes, I can testify that offline flyers, snail mail, brochures, consumer awareness guides and so forth are excellent.



    @Steve - I agree with you. I remember Gary once saying something like - "The difference between being rich and being broke is a sales letter..."



    regZ
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  • Profile picture of the author Roger08
    A piece of advice my friend.. if you are goin to have a flyers just make sure that its content is direct to the point.. and make it more creative ..
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  • Profile picture of the author DavidAmerland
    Originally Posted by newseller View Post

    I was thinking of printing up flyers (as mentioned earlier) and putting some ads in the paper but I'm unsure what to do. I thought it'd be great to have a short paragraph on the flier but the ad is more problematic.

    A teaser for the flyer would work better than one for the ad, right? I think people are more likely to check out something they had in their hand rather than if it's buried with a lot of other ads while they're doing something else, ie, reading the paper.
    Flyers are effective in the right environment with the right demographics. It comes down to what you are marketing and obviously to whom and how. A top quality flyer aimed at the right crowd will deliver a high conversion rate.
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