* Internet - posted as a classified ad at websites and in email newsletters (ezines). * Print - run as a classified or display ad in magazines. * Direct Mail - printed on a postcard and sent to targeted mailing lists. * Email - added as a "signature" to bottom of my email messages.

A small classified or display ad doesn't provide enough space to generate sales directly from ad. Instead, use ad to generate inquiries from prospects seeking more information or to generate visitors to your store or website. Apply your usual selling procedure to close sales when you get inquiry or visitor.

A SIMPLE 4 STEP PROCEDURE

By trial and error I developed following 4 step procedure for creating successful little classified or display ads. You can follow this same simple procedure to successfully create your own profitable little ads.

STEP 1: PROMOTE ONE PRODUCT TO ONE TARGETED MARKET

Select one product or service to promote and tailor your ad to one targeted market. You can develop ads for many different products and target them to many different markets. But each ad will be most effective when it promotes one product to one targeted market.

STEP 2: DEVELOP A HEADLINE WITH YOUR STRONGEST BENEFIT

Fortunately there is a bait shop on way out, so we tie up to dock and go inside. There we talk with owner who tells us they are biting on several different kinds, so taking his advice we buy several. At first we each use a different kind, and if they seem to favor one bait over other, we all start using one that is attracting fish.

Hmm - sounds familiar doesn't it. We do same thing when trying to lure customers into our online offers. Like in fishing, you need essentials in your business. Our web site and email programs can be compared to fishing equipment, but we have to have proper bait. This is where your advertising comes in. Your ads are your bait, and you will need to use different ads to attract different customers.

Writing ads is a skill you must master if you wish your online business to prosper. There has been a lot written about writing effective ads. Sometimes what might be considered a bad ad by pros is one that actually works. Why you might ask? Different styles appeal to different people, and you have to realize, that while web might provide a level playing field for entrepreneurs, likes and dislikes of potential customers are vary widely.

While "Glitz", and exaggerated earnings claims might appeal to some, to others it is a turn off. Wild claims about earnings potential might gather some prospects, but will be an automatic "click away" for others who prefer a low key approach. You must experiment with different ad copy, and keep records of what is drawing.