This sort of thing happens every year.  Just as we get blasted with another 6 inches of snow, we approach the planning stage of another year’s spring marketing.  If you’re like most businesses, you probably have some idea of what you’re going to do this season to bring in new customers.  If not, now is the time to take action.  2011 is high and mighty on the social media trend; facebook this, twitter that, click here to link me in and so forth.  These things are all great, but are they going to drive thousands in new revenue this year?  Probably not.

Print advertising is still driving response, and while consumers are quick to group on to the latest trends, when it comes to businesses getting a return on investment, tried and true coupons in the mail are still a game winner.  The economy is turning for the better, and consumers are still being smart with their dollars.  That means small business owners have an excellent opportunity to cash in on these consumers.  They’re looking for strong discount offers, and they have the money to spend.  Get a marketing plan together to reach these people this spring, and get moving NOW, and use these below tips to maximize the response from your print advertising.

Here are 10 useful tips to maximize your ad:

Have a great headline. – Make sure the headline of your ad speaks volumes of what you do best.

Make an irresistible offer. – Want choosy buyers to respond?  Give them the best reasons to try your business.

Have great copy. – There is an art to professional copy writing, and you have limited time and space to grab the attention of your prospects.  Use good color and images to compliment the writing.  Be compelling.  Stand Out.

Integrate all aspects of your business. – Tell people on the ad about your website with pictures of your work and testimonials!  Tell people on your website to look for your ad in the publication you chose.

Measure Measure Measure. – Keep track of results so you know what is working, and when.

Be seen often. – Print response grows over time.  Make sure your audience is familiar with your ad, and knows where to look when they need to call you.  Effective marketing takes time.

Respond quickly. – Live response is best, but if you cannot be near a phone, get back to your customers quickly.  Your response is your first personal impression, and a reflection of how quickly your company handles customers.

Target Effectively. – Make sure you are reaching the right buyers and audience that spends more in your category.    If you are using a list, make sure it is cleansed and updated regularly.  Data shifts often, and lists become outdated within a few months.

Pay attention to your industry. – Where are they marketing?  If you are competing for market share, and you can’t be the leader, follow the leader.

Continually invest in new customers. – You need to always have new customers coming in.  No business survives long-term on maintaining a customer base.  Marketplaces change regularly.

If you want some more new ideas, or to talk about more ways to reach customers this spring, give us a call!  888-376-8579

Follow Mike and Valpak of Philadelphia on Twitter @valpakphila

PS – Pictured above – Fairmount Park at the horticultural center spring 2008 just after a rain storm.