Powerful Page for Professional Women

Where should businesses turn when looking for effective advertising? We live in a multi-media world. Advertising options move at the speed of light and understanding the right mix of advertising can give even the savviest of marketing executives a headache. One thing is certain, if you don’t market yourself, growth will be a challenge.

Simplicity still rules when trying to gain attention with your customer base — how to create a clear and attractive message and how best to deliver it — are the real big anxiety producing questions for most businesses. The first item on your agenda should be to closely identify where your marketing priorities lie. Take time to create a marketing plan. Clearly identify what your goals are. Do you want to get the word out about your company, product, or service? Create sales specifi c to a product or price? Beat the competition with a dynamic ad? Or, simply inform availability or location? Whatever the reason, advertising can play a gigantic role in your success.

The next step is to determine what your ad says and how it looks. An advertising agency with professional graphic designers on staff can help you determine the best place to put your ad and what it should look like to attract interest. But if professional help is not in your budget, then closely study similar companies and products in your market and in other cities. Where should you place your advertising? Of course the world of interactive media plays a big role these days; optimizing your online identity is imperative for success. Then there is TV, radio, and of course, print. Planning and strategy are always important for success.

In a world characterized by constant interruption, magazines remain an oasis of engagement. Readers know that magazines provide a journey, one they choose and control by deciding how long they will stay and when they will go. In fact, it is one of the last remaining mediums that is a controlled escape for the consumer.

If you have a simple, attractive message in media that is specifi cally targeted to your prospect base, you will surely score new business. Advertising can increase your sales, your bottom line, and your image. It should be a very important part of your business plan.

Denise Evans-Elsbree is a founder and Partner of TRIO media group, a full service integrated marketing fi rm, based in Atlanta, working with local and national clients. www.TRIOmediagroup.com.