Mud Duck Pottery on mon 14 aug 06
I have now decided it is time to open my studio to the public.
But I would like to get some ideas on the best bang for the buck in
advertising. The local newspaper has been very kind to me in the past with
three articles. So I don't think it would be a problem with getting a fourth
out of them. We are getting more and more tourists coming to town. This is
after all Mayberry. (Andy Griffth's home town)
I also have a fairly large mailing list.
So what I'm asking is what mode of advertising have others found most
effective, especially in the beginning. Other than word of mouth.
Thanks!!!
Gene & Latonna
mudduck@mudduckpottery.net
www.mudduckpottery.net
L. P. Skeen on mon 14 aug 06
Gene, you can't beat the local paper, and radio if you can swing it. In =
our area, the station you want is 98.7 Simon. You can't count on the =
paper to cover you WHEN you want to be covered tho, so place at least a =
business card size ad in the appropriate week. Good luck!
L
----- Original Message -----=20
From: Mud Duck Pottery=20
The local newspaper has been very kind to me in the past with three =
articles. So I don't think it would be a problem with getting a fourth =
out of them. We are getting more and more tourists coming to town. This =
is
after all Mayberry. (Andy Griffth's home town)
Garret D. Bonnema on tue 15 aug 06
Dear Gene and Latonna,
Our studio/showroom has been open to the public for 32 years. The best
advertising we have found, to bring in new tourist customers, is to
distribute rack brochures to all the motels, restaurants, gift shops, etc.,
within a 30 mile radius. Most of these places have a rack with
advertisements of things to do in the area and are glad to add yours,
especially if you reciprocate by putting there cards at your place. The rack
size is approximately 4" by 9". The card/brochure shouldn't be too expensive
since most will end up in the trash, but some will lead potential customers
to your studio. And these are people interested in pottery that are already
in your area.
Another great advertisement is to get written up in a class magazine that is
read widely in your region. In Maine where we live, Downeast Magazine is
widely read on the coast of Maine. I have heard several stories of potters
that were written up and then had a banner summer. Unfortunately for us we
live in the foothills and not the coast.
Good luck,
Garret Bonnema
Bonnema Potters
Bethel, ME 04217
Mitch Kotula on tue 15 aug 06
Bear in mind that I am in rural, western Montana...
The local newspaper has run an article that sparked interest, but radio has proven to be effective. The local station priced a package of 6 X 30 sceond spots per week, I choose the days. Having the radio "reminders" as to new items, or specials or the local farmer's market has increased walk-ins. I pay $25/week. Check with your local stations and you might consider joining with an adjacent business.
For print, I have included a "coupon" to bring into the studio for a discount or extra pot. Unless you ask people why they came into the studio, it is difficult to determine if your ads are working, so the coupon becomes a way to count responses.
One of the very best print venues is TidBits, a small, free weekly publication that everyone reads. They are in all sorts of stores, barber shops, fast food places and people read the trivia article and see the ads. The coupon ad in TidBits is a winner.
In addition to advertizing, I host an open house each quarter, or so. Not like clockwork, but I use my mailing list, have refreshments and the regulars come and buy. It is a very friendly activity and works in this rural environment.
Our tourists only last from May through late August and then it is back to our frugal locals. A sandwich board on the main road leading into town has been helpful in drawing in tourists driving around and through the area.
Hope these ideas are helpful.
Mitch
Mitch Kotula
Development Plus
PO Box 2076
Hamilton, MT 59840-4076
406-961-5136 (Home)
406-546-6980 (Cell)
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