How to Determine Which Phone Book to Advertise in

Advertising in a local phone book is a great way to generate business.

The phone book is one of the oldest yet easiest ways to advertise your business. Its simple and concise layout makes it is easy for people to find you if they are in need of your services. The circulation of a phone book can vary depending on the area code, but it allows your business to target a specific portion of the population. There are multiple options to choose from when determining which phone book to advertise in. Be sure you pick one that fits your needs.

Instructions

1. Study the area you wish to advertise in. Look into which phone books are available, whether it be the Yellow Pages, Yellow Book or the White Pages.

2. Research the price to advertise and how the cost varies according to the size of the ad. Be sure to understand that while this is a one time ad due to the nature of the phone book being renewed every 12 months, the price may be based on a monthly or even a daily fee. Check your advertising budget and make sure that the cost fits your needs.

3. Inquire about whether or not the phone book has an online database. Most phone books do, which will help expand your audience. The key here is to make your business known to those in a close proximity of your location.

4. Understand the circulation of the phone book has. Some are home delivery only. Other phone books cater strictly to businesses. A few have their books at grocery or convenience stores. Then there are the ones that are all-inclusive in their circulation, leaving their books practically everywhere.

Tips & Warnings

• Some phone books allow for free advertising online when you purchase space in the physical edition of their phone book.

• Be sure to stay within a close radius to your location. There is no point in advertising in a phone book that advertises to possible customers who are too far from your business, especially if you are aiming to be local. Note that the people who are selling you ad space for the phone book are usually paid by commission, therefore the size of the ad they are trying to sell you may not be conducive to what you need for your business. While the phone book is a great tool to build leads, also note that you need to expand your business advertising in other ways as well. Do not spend all of your advertising budget on a phone book advertisement.

References

• Advertising with Yellow Book
• Small Business Tips: Phone Book Advertising
• Advertising with Yellow Pages