Trade publications

Author
Discussion

Imran-vx

Original Poster:

11,800 posts

236 months

Wednesday 5th September 2007
quotequote all

Every so often I get hounded by 'trade' mags trying to sell me advertising space, sometimes under the guise of writing a feature article for them and the it emerges that the advertsing and the article are intrinsically linked.

I work as a supplier in HR and research services and recently an online public sector procuremnet mag has been emailing me to register to receive the publication but the online form asks for contact details which I am guessing will lead to a sales call for advertising. If half of what they claim is right they can access my desired client group.

These days there are more and more 'free' online trade mags which they all claim has comprehensive coverage and gets right to the decision makers but I wonder just how many people with the buying power or even influence have the time to read the ads in the trade mags? I know that when I was buying in such services I depended on google for specilist stuff, the trade shows for new stuff and word of mouth for for the rest .

Are trade publications worth the time to talk to and advertise in do you think, and what tips do you have to hget the most bang for the buck so to speak?


JustinP1

13,330 posts

231 months

Thursday 6th September 2007
quotequote all
You would get a better chance of a return if you chucked it on the gee-gees!

Have you ever noticed that you have never heard of the 'trade magasine' even though you are in the trade... and after you advertise you get sent it every time?

Thats where they get the distribution figures from. There may be some actually meaningful publications out there, but not many.

Here is a way to weed out the scammers: Reverse the risk.

If you are being cold called and being asked for money or long term business, and the magasine are sure that they can offer great results, then they should have no qualms against letting you place a small ad for free as a test.

Of course, they know full well that if you get the results they promise then you would be foolish not to pay for the ad the month after, or even a bigger ad now the principle has been proven. This never happens though.

If they know full well that their publication doesnt really get read by any potential consumers anyway and most advertisers dont rebook they will politely decline...

Imran-vx

Original Poster:

11,800 posts

236 months

Thursday 6th September 2007
quotequote all
JustinP1 said:
You would get a better chance of a return if you chucked it on the gee-gees!

Have you ever noticed that you have never heard of the 'trade magasine' even though you are in the trade... and after you advertise you get sent it every time?


...
Oddly, yes!

JustinP1

13,330 posts

231 months

Thursday 6th September 2007
quotequote all
Imran-vx said:
JustinP1 said:
You would get a better chance of a return if you chucked it on the gee-gees!

Have you ever noticed that you have never heard of the 'trade magasine' even though you are in the trade... and after you advertise you get sent it every time?


...
Oddly, yes!
Well now you know the trick!

Dont get scammed! smile