The Laughable News

I'm anxious to get this thing started, however i don't have near enough
advertisers as of yet to turn a profit. I'm assuming that it may be
easier to sell advertising after i've got a couple of issues published.

That being said...

Do you have any ideas of how to make the "empty" space profitable?
Or should i just add more content?

I was thinking that a space or two would be reserved for my own "other"
business.

Would you recommend adding some "national" and / or "affiliate" type
ads?

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Bob

Hello Bob,

Yes, you are correct that it may be easier to find advertisers once the newsletter is published. It adds a feeling of legitimacy when people can see an actual copy in a store, and they feel more comfortable dropping their advertising dollars - in fact, once you have your newsletters in the stands, you'll notice that people will start to find you requesting to advertise. People you never would have considered or solicited. (ie. Home based businesses).

So, I agree that you will want to start publishing as soon as possible. But, you don't want to start publishing until you can at least cover your expenses. You are starting your business to EARN money, not to LOSE it . But, if you reserve your area first, it'll give you lots of time to get your business rolling, find advertisers, etc.

In the beginning, I would recommend that you put together a simple promotional package that includes something like the following:

• Sample newsletter
• Price sheet complete with ad sizes/examples
• A sheet with some reasons why advertisers should choose your medium

Print off a stack of them and go door to door. You will likely face lots of rejection, but due diligence will pay off. Remember, filling the first issue is the hardest because you are new and no one knows who you are. If you can sell ads in that first issue, the rest will come easy!

Do you have any ideas of how to make the "empty" space profitable? Or should i just add more content?
Increasing your content and filling empty spaces with cartoons is a great way to start off the first few editions. The newsletter will be extra fun/exciting for people to read. Advertisers will see it and be pleased with the medium, likely increasing the number of calls you'll receive to advertise.

But, here are a few ways to fill the spaces with ads - both paying ads and not:

• Call up local charities and offer to put their ad in the paper for free - or honorable mention in one of their publications
• Create a simple TEXT AD section in the ad column. You can place anything in there - garage sale listings, help wanted, local events, church service times, and more. Charge a nominal fee, like $5 or $10 per week. On your first run, give away as many ads as you can so the space is filled up. Once people see the section, they will call to place their own text ad.
• like you said, advertise your own businesses! If you have any side projects or companies, advertise the heck out of them. Take the time to create a variety of ad sizes. That way you can showcase your business at the same time you showcase your different ad sizes.
• Advertise the newsletter - fill up any leftover spaces with ads promoting the newsletter. We have a bunch of them in our download section. (ie. Advertise here, This space 25% off to the first advertiser, Space for rent, Home based businesses get 20% off, etc

Hope that helps,

Ryan

I'm in the same boat as Bob -- I'm currently trying to fill up my first issue with at least enough advertisers to cover expenses. I've been giving business owners promotional packets, and most seem to think that it is a great idea; however, they also say that they don't want to start advertising in it until they see it in distribution to see how it does.

I was thinking about offering advertisers an introductory price just to get the paper going...what do you guys recommend?

Thanks!

Sure, giving them a deal on the first few issues is a good idea. Sell it as a "Introductory" or "Grand Opening" special. I'd rather have 50%, rather than 0% And, when they start getting calls on it, they'll be ready to sign up for a larger time line.