By Julie D’Aloiso
Some businesses have stopped or cut back on advertising in print, on the radio, online, etc. But that may not be the best strategy.
Some of the reason for cutting back may be:
- my store is not open
- our income has been cut dramatically
- I don’t think it is appropriate now with all that is going on
If your store is not open, you still need to remind your customers that you will open when you can. It is also wise to stay in the minds of your customers. If your competitor is closed but still doing some advertising, that may not work well for your business. The best bet is to cut down your advertising. You can run smaller ads or cut back the places that you advertise.
If your income has been cut, you are not alone. A large number of businesses have seen a reduction in sales. As I said above, make some changes. Trim your budget.
Some businesses don’t think it is appropriate to advertise now. If you change your tone and show your customers that you care, people will respond.
Look at this campaign promoted by Jackson Comfort Heating and Cooling.
They took some of their advertising dollars budgeted for the rest of the year and changed the plan. They started this program that helps local businesses and the people helping the local businesses. That is a win-win-win! 
What I like about what Jackson Comfort is doing is they are helping local businesses. And local businesses are struggling now. Even the ones that are open.
If your business is not open now but will be opening soon, you need to communicate to your customers when you will open and what special protocols you will have in place. Will they need to wear a mask? Are you limiting the number of customers in your store?
We can help you get the word out. We have the biggest online audience locally. No one has more people accessing our information. And we offer more ways to advertise. Your can run ads on our website, Facebook, Twitter, email newsletter, and now a print newspaper!
Here is a glimpse into our Facebook stats for last month:
Reach refers to the number of people who see your content, while Impression refers to the number of times the content is displayed. … Engagement refers to the number of interactions people have with your content, such as likes, comments, shares or retweets.
At the end of April, I decided to cut our advertising prices 50% for small businesses (new ads). I hope more businesses will be able to afford to have some type of advertising. Our next newspaper comes out the week of March 18th. Print deadline is May 15th.
Watch “Jabbering with Julie” (my new weekly video show) for an extra special deal!
Email me at juliedaloiso@gmail.com for pricing.
Remember, when you can BUY LOCAL (even your ads).
