I have started a newspaper. Business is steady. But I am trying to bring in a big crowd and a lot of business. Please give me everything you know: tips, ideas, advice. Thank you very much!
2006-11-23 13:03:13 · 3 answers · asked by Imagine, Its Contagious! 3 in News & Events ➔ Media & Journalism
There are a lot of variables to consider: is your newspaper a daily, weekly, or monthly? What's the size of the market you're in, and what kind of competition is there? Are you a "general news" publication, or a 'special interest' newspaper? How is it distributed (free, or paid circulation)?
I was a mid-level manager involved in the start-up of USA TODAY, and also owned and published my own newspaper for fifteen years before retiring last December.
If you're a 'general interest' publication, try a local contest that ties in with one of your auto dealer-advertisers. Place an open convertible in the center of an arena (school gymnasium, park facility, etc.). Invite people to make paper airplanes from your newspaper and let them "fly" their airplanes at the car. The first one whose paper airplanes lands inside the convertible wins the grand prize (in large markets, it might be the car itself; in smaller markets, it could be a big-screen TV or some other prize that you might be able to 'trade out' for advertising). Of course, you'll have to create official rules, ways of identifying the winning airplane, and ways to promote the contest. But - if the prize is valuable enough - this can usually attract a good crowd. Since it's the holiday season, you might also consider giving away a "shopping spree" from participating merchants. I've used numerous promotions and contest over the years,and learned that you have to keep trying....some work, some don't. But the more 'creative' you can be (and the more you can involve your local advertisers or potential advertisers) the more successful the promotion. Good luck! If you'd like more info, let me know.
I'll be glad to help if I can. -RKO-
2006-11-23 15:23:29 · answer #1 · answered by -RKO- 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I cant think of a contest, but a good prize might be a free dinner at a local restaurant or a gift certificate to a spa.
2006-11-23 21:12:38 · answer #2 · answered by di12381 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try doing articles on locals. People like to read about them selves and thier friends in the papers.
Do a good news column. Something upbeat. Soemthing people can look forward to seeing.
2006-11-23 21:11:34 · answer #3 · answered by raredawn 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋