Realistically, whether we're selling products or services, we have to realize that exposure (or eye-candy) is what gains attention. In field of advertising, we personally know that we, as consumers, are smart shoppers. We watch, listen, learn and investigate.

Before we even decide to invest in a product or service, we have a pretty good idea of what we want. For example, if I am interested in attending a particular school, I will research area for schools that meet my criteria. Hypothetically speaking, let's say there are 5 acupuncture institutions in one state - 2 are listed, 3 are not. Automatically, my choice of prospective schools has been narrowed down to just two. Now, of 2 educational organizations, one is 60 miles away and one is just 10 minutes up street. Okay, my option became a bit closer, but what does school A offer that school B doesn't? Or visa vi? This is where successful marketing plans come into action. Understandably, clients must want to achieve specific goals, so viewer-ability is a crucial component in becoming deciding factor for potential consumers.

Exposure is key element to promoting products and/or services. The unique aspect of Internet advertising is that 1) it's less expensive, 2.) it reaches individuals one-on-one, 3) it gains worldwide exposure. With boom of Internet advertising, people are able to attain information at their fingertips - literally.

Television commercials convey consumer information to viewing public. We might see a Land Cruiser ad, but that doesn't mean we're going to go run out and buy one right then. BUT, notion has been planted in our heads to take a deeper look at Toyota vehicles. The same applies to Internet advertising, but there's a slightly unique difference: Because Internet is interactive, we can invest our money and time instantly should we choose to do so. But like many wise shoppers, we selectively peruse our viewable options - But notion has been planted in our minds for further review.

How Do You Sell Yourself? Below is a list of questions one should ask: 1. Necessity: What is it about my product ( or service) that makes it essential to consumers? 2. Consumerability: What sets my product (or service) aside from other competitors? 3. Communication: Do I inform my potential consumers with detailed accuracy? 4. Location: What makes my location attractive? 5. Amenities: Do I have any to offer? 6. Accessibility: Is my product (or service) easily accessible and within reach? 7. Catch-Phrase: Do I have a memorable slogan? (e.g., Wendy's "Where's Beef?") 8. Presentation: Is my product (or service) being presented in its best light? Can I improve its viewer-ability? 9. Affordabilty: Is my product (or service) affordable? Are financing or other loan options available to consumers? 10. Extra: Do I offer any special tools (e.g., workshops, guides, etc.) that enhance my products and/or services?

Overall, marketing your services and/or products boils down to proficient exposure. The better presentation, more likely consumers will be receptive. Clients who work closely with their advertising firms will attain prolific results. If something is not adequately working, it is important to review deficiencies and redefine how to better improve upon ourselves to attract more productive exposure. (See: How Do You Sell Yourself above)

Advertising methods, if understood and implemented properly, are vital foundation to abundant and powerful, commercial exposure. Knowing, or Knowledge, is still ultimately key to success; and key to goal achievements.

*To learn how Holistic Junction can help you promote your products and/or services, feel free to email membership@holisticjunction.com today.

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©4/2005 - Advertising Methods: Understanding & Implementing Key Marketing Strategies by C. Bailey-Lloyd aka. LadyCamelot Public Relations' Director & Writer www.holisticjunction.com www.mediapositiveradio.com

7. Interview associates whose expertise would interest your readers (while not competing with yours). E-mail interviews are incredibly easy to do. Just send your interviewee 3 to 5 questions via e-mail, edit their answers, and have them approve final version. Be sure to give them a short plug in your e-zine as a thank you. (A one-sentence description of their business, phone number, their Web site URL, and e-mail address should be fine.)

8. Recommend books and resources that you use, and offer full reviews on them. In one issue of my first e-zine, “AKB MarCom Tips,” I featured reviews of my favorite four copywriting resource books. I then later posted them at my Web site.

9. Invite readers to write you with their own questions, and answer one in each issue. Right after their question, publish person’s name, business, e-mail, and Web site address. They’ll enjoy attention/publicity!

10. Invite readers to send in profiles. Ask them to tell you about themselves — their names, businesses, locations, and how they use information gained in your e-zine. Feature one profile in each issue or one every few issues.

11. When all else fails, borrow an article! There are dozens of Web sites offering hundreds of articles that you can use in your e-zine. The articles are free and available for you to use immediately. The only catch is you’re required to leave entire article intact, including author’s promotional information.

Here are three places to check out for free content: Business Article Announce List — http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aabusiness Marketing Seek — http://www.marketing-seek.com World Wide Information Outlet — http://www.certificate.net/wwio/index.shtml

One last note: Keep in mind that if your e-zine’s main objective is to get you more clients and customers, you should not feature other writers' articles more than once in a blue moon. Showcasing other professionals on a regular basis undermines idea of establishing YOU as expert in your readers' minds.

(c) 2002 Alexandria K. Brown

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