Classified advertising in local markets
Even with the growth of online classifieds and increasing popularity on sites like Craigslist, newspaper classifieds are still the preferred method of advertising for many who want to sell junk items. This is evident in the number of print classifieds that appear daily in newspapers and magazines across the country and around the world. These ads can cost more than those that can be posted on the Internet; however, posting your classifieds in the newspaper will likely increase the chances of a sale as you reach a more local market. It is unlikely that anyone from across the country or the world would want to buy your used Kenmore furniture, lawn mower, or washing machine, and therefore much of the traffic that would come to your internet ad would be useless. However, due to the fact that most newspapers that feature classified ads have a local circulation, the chances of completing a sale through the newspaper are greatly increased as the product is readily available. In contrast, if you found a motorcycle for sale online and the seller lived in Florida while you resided in California, it would be very difficult to purchase the item. Also, with the decreasing costs of newspaper advertising, many people find it a viable method of advertising the products they no longer need.
Another reason classified ads are so popular in newspapers is the reach of many major newspapers. For example, a newspaper like the Boston Globe had hundreds of thousands of readers throughout the Boston area and in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire and Vermont. So, if you're selling a product like a car or other high-priced item, many of these people may be interested in traveling a bit to make a purchase. By advertising in the classified section of the major newspapers, you are reaching an even greater number of potential customers within your local market.
Classified advertising on the Internet has some benefits, such as that it is very easy to run your ad, and under certain circumstances, your classified ad on the Internet can attract more visitors than your ad in the newspaper. Therefore, it is also sensible to advertise your product on the internet. By combining your advertising in newspapers and on the Internet, you are sure to reach a large number of potential buyers in both the local and distant markets.
There are two types of classified ads that I highly recommend running primarily in newspapers. These types of ads would be promoting the sale of cars and low-paying jobs. Many newspapers have a special section for these products / services and therefore advertising for these products in newspapers is likely to reach more buyers in the local market. Advertising higher-paying jobs and hard-to-find items, like a classic car, can work well on the Internet, as people may be willing to travel far from home for these types of jobs or to purchase a one-of-a-kind item. If you sell smaller items such as jewelry, clothing, or books, they can be sold using online portals such as Ebay, as these products are fairly easy to ship to your destination and finding a local buyer is not that imperative.
In conclusion, you must determine the best advertising method for your article. Newspaper classifieds should always be considered as this medium can very often bring you the customer you are looking for to complete the sale. Depending on the type of item you sell, advertising in newspaper classifieds and locating a buyer within your area can be the key to a successful transaction.
