Advertising Question

[Maggies Mama]

My husbands boss is thinking about advertising in the Sonoma County Family Life Magazine. If you saw an ad in there for a mechanic who is offering 10% off on labor to any local moms groups, would you try them?

Not sure if this is the right forum for this or not. Hope so. :blush

[My3sonsplus1]

I think ads on SCL get passed up too easily. I would think advertising in the (santa rosa/sebastopol/rohnert Park/windsor) Mothers Clubs or MOMS club bulletins would attract more moms.

[Lynette]

I think Lisa is right. Mechanics seem to be one of those trades that people seem to feel like they get ripped off a lot because cars are so complicated nowadays so when they find one they trust, they stick with them or get a referral from a friend so maybe he could offer a discount or free brake inspections for referrals? FWIW my brother is a mechanic so I am not picking on them or anything :D

[LMS]

I looked into advertising SCM in that magazine and i have to tell you in MY experience, it's more trouble than it's worth. Every week or so I get three (that's right, THREE) identical messages saying "we haven't heard back from you regarding whether or not you would like to advertise in our next issue".... well, I emailed you last month saying I was not plannign to advertise with you at this time, AND i emailed you last week saying I wanted off your list.... GRRR So I finally just flipped out and told them I'll never advertise them again b/c in my eyes spamming my inbox doesn't count as good customer service.

[daisydoc]

GRRR So I finally just flipped out and told them I'll never advertise them again b/c in my eyes spamming my inbox doesn't count as good customer service.

Gee... really? spamming isn't good customer service!?!?! Why not?!?!? ;)

[Lynette]

You mean you don't buy whatever people are selling when they spam the hell out of you?! But why not?! I just sent a cashier's check to a nice man in Zimbabwe who kept telling me over and over that he needed my help and will split $10mill with me as a thank you! I can't wait!!!

[becky]

I agree. I still have yet to figure out if spending the money in SFL is worth it. I get calls every week from John asking if i'm still interested and I always tell him that its not worth my money at this time.

Personally I think its bettter to advertise in the MOMS CLub or mothers group newletters. I had an add in my MOMS CLub for over a year and that i knew it worth my expense but as for the mag. i just dont see myself spending the money.

I have only gotten responses from the SFL mag becuase of our mention for the MOMS Club and i know these moms were specificly looking for moms groups in a moms mag. Know what i mean.

I would have your husband tell his boss to save his month IMO

[LMS]

I have to admit, spending money in SFL just isn't logical for me right now. I have VERY limited time for sessions as it is (only on weekends.. and i try to only book one session per day) and as it's been going, i've been only have an average of 1 appointment go unused each month... the rest is just from word of mouth. I think maybe if i hit a lull, i might try, but for the time being it just wouldn't be worthwhile.

Yall are cracking me up. Lynette: The guy in Zimbabwe got my money too! What a little hussy!

[KaisaG]

I think you'd have a better "hit" ratio if you advertised in "mom-friendly" places. Maybe CPI, My Gym, etc. would let you drop off flyers. For the WAHM that do things associated wtih kids (Jackie-photography; Becky-announcements/tins, etc) You might try asking places like Prenatal Peek in Windsor if you can advertise there. There's nothing like getting someone excited about having a baby as seeing that first image on the sonogram... and they could pick up your flyer in their office. Just a thought...

[becky]

Oh that place in Windsor is so weird. I spoke to the gal that owned the place at the Fair grounds last year (i can't remember what fair is was the Parent Pack had a booth). Anyway she had some strange guy contact me and wanted me to sign up for all the advertising stuff just so i could get my flyers in thier welcome packets. Just talking to the guy on the phone sounded strange so i never persued it further. I dont know why some businesses do things like this. Its so frustrating.

[KaisaG]

Becky- It might be different... I know that they have changed ownership somewhat recently...

[LMS]

Kaisa: What kind fo place is that? Is it a novelty sono place or an actual ob/mw office? I'm looking for someplace that i can set up a display

[becky]

I'm pretty sure its just a novalty ultra sound place that does those 3D pic.

[KaisaG]

Jackie- It's a novelty 3D/4D place.

If anyone has a service that they have a flyer for their business, I can post it in the break room at my job. People post stuff in there all the time for services they know are good. Who knows- it's worth a shot...

[Maggies Mama]

Thanks for the info girls! I will be sure to pass it on. Im sure it will be very much appreciated.:)

Prenatal Peek was AWESOME when I was pg with Maggie. One of the best things I spent money on while pg. As far as advertising, I have no experience in that dept, but, how weird about the guy that called you. Probably better off you went with your gut and dropped it. I have learned the hard way to listen to my "little voice" ;)

[LMS]

Jackie- It's a novelty 3D/4D place.

If anyone has a service that they have a flyer for their business, I can post it in the break room at my job. People post stuff in there all the time for services they know are good. Who knows- it's worth a shot...

Kaisa: I'm deffinatly interested in printing something up for you. I'll let you know when i get a chance to put something together

[justamom]

I am always looking for businesses who would be willing to offer a discount to my group (The Parent Pack), on an ongoing basis.

[becky]

If anyone has a service that they have a flyer for their business, I can post it in the break room at my job. People post stuff in there all the time for services they know are good. Who knows- it's worth a shot...

Kaisa: i would love to give you something to post inthe break room. Please PM and let me know what and how to get something to you.

[justamom]

As would I...Let me know as well!

Kaisa: i would love to give you something to post inthe break room. Please PM and let me know what and how to get something to you.

[LMS]

Kaisa: Thanks for taking those cards for me.... If you need any more later, let me know! (I may just have to set up a referral thing for you since you're willing to do this for me)

[daisydoc]

Kaisa: Thanks for taking my flyer! If anyone comes and lets me know they were from your work you'll get referral credit!

[becky]

Kaisa i have a ton of business cards if you can leave those in your lunch room. I can give those to you when i get my knife from you the next time i see ya.