Use the Media4Biz
Gain Advantage. Boost Sales

Advertising in the media is a great way to boost sales, although it can get pricey.
When you start your business you should at least put a small ad in the newspaper to see what type of response is generated. Continue doing this and keep track of your ad-to-business ratio to see if the ad is effective.

The best way to reach present and potential customers is to advertise in one of the mediums below:

Basic steps in planning and creating an effective media campaign include:

Step 1. Decide what you want to achieve—what is your goal? Exposure of your product or service? Image and reputation? Attracting prospective clients? Creating closer community ties?

Step 2: Clearly define an angle for increasing the impression of newsworthiness to the media. Make sure that your story has appropriate 'tie-ins' with an event, celebrity, community program, etc.

Step 3: Compile a media list database that contains contact names, numbers and addresses deadlines and frequency of publications and program schedules; utilizes media source directories; targets media outlets; etc.

Step 4. Develop a Press Kit or media packet (sample).

Step 5: Prepare a pitch letter, a short, one-page piece of correspondence that accompanies a press release or a press kit.

Step 6: Mail the materials to the reporter, media representative, or public service director and follow up.

The steps above are simplified but sufficient for home-based business entrepreneurs to start a media plan.

Your marketing campaign can become much more involved, considering your product or service; the amount of money that you have budgeted to spend; and the specific media campaign that you choose.

Media Links continued >>