As we discussed in our last blog, we're creating new content for the newsletter.  It is a great way to fill any empty ad spaces you might have, while still maintaining a professional look.  Advertisers will not see your lack of ads as a failure - they will see your newsletter as full and complete, and worthy of their ad dollars!

So, what new content do we have planned for the newsletter?  Here are 3 things that we've come up with.

About a month ago I was approached by one of my publishers. He was having a problem selling ads. The problem was due to advertiser perception.  They felt his newsletter wasn't that great, and therefore weren't interested in advertising.  Keep reading to learn why they thought that, and what we're doing to fix it.

The Problem - Empty Ad Spaces

It doesn't take a marketing guru to understand that a newsletter full of ads is more impressive to a potential advertiser than one that isn't.  When an advertiser sees a publication that is full of ads, he'll assume that it is doing great, and will fight to advertise.  But, if he sees one that has lots of empty spaces, he will assume that it isn't doing so well, and turn his nose up at it. That is just the problem this publisher was having.  

An obvious point has recently come to my attention:  

Not everyone in the world has the same fonts as me.

Obvious, right?  Sadly, it wasn't obvious to me.  Up to a few weeks ago, it wasn't even on my radar.  I happily designed content (ie. newsletter templates, sales tools, headers, etc), upload them to the website, and expect everyone to be able to use them "Out of the Box".  Then, I started to get emails from people asking me, "Where is this font?" or "How do I fix this font error?".

This business is all about sales - without sales, nothing else matters.  Most of us know that finding advertisers falls squarely on our own shoulders.  We need to get out there and do the actual work.  It involves tracking down companies, thinking up a game plan, speaking with owners, trying to convince, etc.  

Savvy publishers might make use of Commission Salespeople to sell ads, thus removing some of the responsibility and effort. 

Here are 6 reasons that you should have a website for your Community Newsletter business.

1.  Keep Your "Door" Open For Sales 24/7, 365 Days a Year

It our hectic world, people are busy, and may not think about your newsletter until after their work hours.  You cannot be expected to be open, taking sales calls all through the day and night.  Unless you are hiring a full time staff, it just won't happen.  But, if you have an online presence, people can "visit" and snoop around 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  

We have just recently built a new "Products and Services Directory".  It is a place to find Printers, Ad Design and Newsletter Layout people, Website Designers, Stand Providers, and more.  You can check it out here.

It is the best way for our community to find, rate, and review different options available.  It should really benefit all of us, and make our choices a lot easier in the future.

Most people, when they start a new business, feel that they have to do everything for themselves.  This way of thinking usually comes from being cash-strapped and not wanting to spend any money on unnecessary expenses.  But, is it really a good idea to hang on too tightly to the reins?  We don't think so.

Should you really do it all yourself?

I assume all of you are smart people, and have the drive necessary to succeed.  That is why you are here.  And, I'm sure that if you put your mind to it, you could learn any skill necessary, whether it be ad design, building websites, sales, accounting, etc. Being a jack-of-all-trades is often quite useful in life.  You can tinker here and there, and fix almost any problem that pops up.  And that is great when you are just spending your idle personal time.  But, in business, it can kill your profits.

Having trouble selling ads?  Just can't seem to get your foot in the proverbial "front door"? We've all been there.  And we all know how defeating it can be to be turned down time after time.

So, why is it so hard to sell ads?

The most common response I hear from publishers is that business owners seem jaded.  They see you coming a mile away, and they turn you down flat.  That negative attitude can lead you to become a tongue-tied, nervous wreck - hardly the kind of person who will close the deal.

We know that "Word of Mouth" is the best kind of advertising! Nothing can beat it. That is why we're making you an offer you cannot refuse.

Refer a friend - And Earn 2000 Member Points!

That's right. All you need to do is mention The Laughable News to your friends, family, co-workers, email pen pals, strangers, etc.  Then, when they sign up for a Paid Membership @ LaughableNews.com, we'll add 2000 points to your account. All they need to do is mention your name on the registration form.

If you are a publisher of The Laughable News, we want to hear from you!

Blogging about your experiences can be a valuable tool for yourself, and for others. Consider it an online diary that where you put down your thoughts, share ideas and advice, and even post comments from your readers.