The Laughable News

Is it a good idea to establish where the papers will be distributed before trying to sell the ads? How do you go about convincing the establishments to carry the newsletter? Do you just walk in and ask them if you can distribute your newsletter there, or do you call them?

I'm just trying to figure out the best approach -- thanks for any suggestions!

That's going to be my plan. I figure it will be easier to sell the idea of placing an ad in the paper if I can produce a list of restaurants and other such places that have already agreed to carry it. I would also be walking in to the areas I intend to distribute rather than a phone call. I figure it's much more personal, plus I can show off a sample of the newsletter if they want to see it.

Keep in mind, I haven't gotten this far yet so take my plan with a grain of salt. Just sharing.

Chris...

Hello Ashley,

Is it a good idea to establish where the papers will be distributed before trying to sell the ads?
You will definitely want to setup all your distribution locations first, before selling the ads. Companies will want to know where their ads will be seen. Having a list in your promotional package will add credibility to you and your business.

How do you go about convincing the establishments to carry the newsletter? Do you just walk in and ask them if you can distribute your newsletter there, or do you call them?
You can find a more detailed explanation of everything to do with Distribution locations here: www.laughablenews.com/Distribution-areas/ (You'll need to be logged in to view)

But, for a short answer, yes you just walk in and ask (Don't call - for the reasons Chris gave ). Speak to a manager or the owner. Show them a copy of the newsletter and explain that you're wanting to distribute them for free into their business. Explain how it'll be a win/win situation where they pay nothing, the customers will have some light reading/jokes, and you'll clean up/replace them each week.

Just keep a simple log of the business name, address, and name of the person who approved it (for future reference).

Thanks for the suggestions!!! I just did a test run of my newletter and am going to be setting up establishments next week, then I'll be ready to sell my ads.

I'm in that establishing the distribution phase. I had a prototype printed for neglible cost and have been showing to restaurant managers and have had no one turn me down yet. A couple fo bigger franchises like the local McDonald's that owns every location around me has me jumping through hurdles but so far it has been very well received. I suggest going door to door with a prototype. I also get a signed authorization so that some other shift manager doesn't think they can just throw it away. On the authorization form I ask them to indicate their average weekly traffic so that I can use it to show my advertisers how many people their message is exposed to. I carry a list of the distribution outlets to show the advertisers as well.

I did the same thing with a prototype and it worked out great!