Marketing 101

Yesterday when I stopped to have lunch I looked around for something to read - and found the local "freebie" newspaper (weekly, 8 pages). After glancing at the 7 articles (yes, always 7) I then turned to the advertising.

I have to hand it to the ladies at the newspaper - they must be very good sales people to get so many local businesses to place ads. It's not their fault that at least 80% of those ads say nothing at all - that part isn't their job. They are often called upon to take the advertiser's information and turn it into an ad, but there's no way that they can do a copywriter's job. Even if they've been taught the difference between a useless ad and an effective one, they simply don't have the time to do more than arrange the information given to them.

Maybe I should take out an ad myself and offer a course in Marketing 101 - It would include things like:

• Have a reason to place the ad
• Take time to come up with a headline
  
• Know who you are trying to attract
• Let them know what it is you actually do
  
• Tell your prospects what they stand to gain by doing business with you
• Include your name
• Include your phone number
• Include your address
  

I don't guess I'll do it, but it's fun to think about.

Meanwhile - I'll keep on writing letters and e-mails and web copy for my clients, and turning occasionally to watch the snow fall outside my window.

I did have to leave my cozy office for a while today - to shovel some of that beautiful white stuff. So much fell off the roof that the pile was threatening to run into the satellite dish that keeps me connected to the rest of the world. Can't have that! And then I had to shovel enough so I could open the gate and feed the horses. I don't think they'd appreciate an excuse in place of dinner.

Life in North Idaho right now seems to revolve around snow - plowing, shoveling, and wading through.

Hope you're warm and cozy tonight!