Internet Business Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses

The Yellow Pages, or similar phone directory book, is a great resource for local businesses looking to boost local traffic.

Every successful business knows that the yellow pages are an invaluable resource for getting and keeping clients.

Here is how you want to do it:

1. Realize that you pay a yearly fee and then divide that number by 12.

This will give you your actual cost per month. Instead of thinking, “Gosh, how can I afford $1,200?” Instead realize that it is only $100 per month. This way of thinking is imperative.

Then you get the bonus of people who still have old phone books. My mother-in-law uses a 2004 phone book because she hasn’t found a newer book.

2. Pay for multiple listings.

Depending on your line of work, you may be able to list your company in different sections of the phone book.

If you do computer sales and repair, list your company under computer sales, computer repair, computer networking, computer rentals, computer service, and any other computer related section.

This is going to cost you more, but it is worth it. It is great for brand marketing and brand recognition because people will see your logo all over the place.

Then they will see your name as a recognized and trusted name and will be more likely to call you whenever they have any computer related problems or questions.

3. Make your ad stand out.

Some phone books utilize multi-color ads, but most do not. If it is an option, color ads in the phone book covert much more often than non-color ads. Worth the price even if it is more money.

Use your logo as big as you can afford and make it stand out. You will help your brand and brand recognition using a large logo.

4. Hire a professional ad designer (optional).

This might be a little more cost than most companies can afford. If you have the budget, consider hiring a professional ad designer to design your ad. Your sales rep should be able to recommend someone they have worked with in the past.

5. BONUS - Ask for a multi-page discount.

Most phone book sales representatives work on a commission basis. If you are ordering multiple ads or spending a good amount of money, ask them what they can do for you. You have a limited advertising budget and want to get the most bang for your buck.

There are a thousand places you can advertise, ask them to make it worth your while to advertise in the phone book.

Next time you think about advertising in the phone book, remember these 5 simple steps to phone book success.