Creditability In Advertising

I recently saw an ad taped to my mailbox, mind you, my mailbox is shared by many residents of my area. The postal real estate is typically reserved for flyers of lost dogs, cats, small children, etc. This time, however, the ad was soliciting a service which, I feel, requires a personal connection. The ad simply stated: "Affordable, Quality, Licensed, Day Care. Call XXX-XXXX"

While I do not have children yet, I can only assume a responsible parent would look at this impersonal solicitation for their young children and laugh. Would you consider trusting this nameless, faceless, credit-less, organization with your children? Maybe some days this would be appealing, but realistically?

I started thinking about credibility and what an important role it plays in today's business economy. I looked in the yellow pages for a landscaping company ? six pages vying for my dollar, yet all of them lacked personality. Not one said, "We are a credible company you have heard of."

Granted, building a brand name takes longer than a day or a dollar. Not one person on my mailing list has the Microsoft arsenal of marketers, nor do they have the brand recognition worldwide. But thousands of "small businesses" (a term I hate) have incredible local recognition. Think Blue Sky Landscaping (for you Western Washington folks), what about Dillanos Coffee? They are based right here in Sumner. Ever heard of Pink Coconut? Headquartered in Puyallup.

What do you do to make your company say, "I am someone you can trust."? How do your customers get to be your customers? Obviously word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool ? but you can't buy that. If you could, we would all be millionaires and word of mouth would not have the same credibility. What about new customers?

For some, leaving an anonymous flyer on a mailbox will work. For daycare? For in-home services? No.

Write back and let me know what you do to bring creditability to your company. In my next article, I will share some of your thoughts ? think about it, instant (creditable, free) publicity.

S. Nestor writes for StormFront Development, a pioneer in web development. Visit their private forum SF:Club (http://www.thesfclub.com) to learn more. Contact him at snestor@stormfrontdevelopment.com

How To Make Your Advertising Work!

Many believe that when it comes to advertising, it's a... Read More

3 Simple Steps to Getting Thousands in Free Advertising

Many entrepreneurs believe that they understand what public relations is,... Read More

4 Ways to Double the Power of Your Business Cards

Sure, everyone needs business cards. But why not make your... Read More

Outdoor Sign

Many business organizations that needs to disseminate late-breaking information to... Read More

The Seven Second Race: How to Draw Attention Your Ad

You've decided to launch your advertising campaign but you have... Read More

How To Write Kick-Ass, Profit Pulling Adverts For Your Business?

Doesn't that just grab you by the eyeballs and make... Read More

If You Invest Money on Advertising, then You could Save Thousands through this Simple Little Secret

A few years ago, I analysed the statistics of where... Read More

What?s the Score?

You may be aware that in a basketball game the... Read More

Increase Business By Being Nice

I have been reading articles on increasing sales using search... Read More

Cable TV Advertising; Mobile Detailing Customers

If you own a mobile detailing business or mobile car... Read More

Creating a Winning Logo

Creating a logo to get you noticed.When you're branding a... Read More

The Power of...

You certainly must know that Many Big Marketers consider COPYWRITING... Read More

Diamonds Are For Evil

The task of executing successful advertising campaigns for products made... Read More

Humor in Advertising

Many of the most memorable ad campaigns around tend to... Read More

Creativity and Getting Outside of the Box

Sitting in front of a blank piece of paper? Wondering... Read More

Advertising on a Budget -- Part 2: Thinking Small

This is the second article of a three-part series. I'm... Read More

How To Write Really Good Ads

All sales begin with some form of advertising. To build... Read More

Successful Print Advertising Designs

Do you often see print advertisements outdoors, as much as... Read More

Raising Funds For Your Nonprofit Using An Annual Direct Mail Program

A good annual direct mail solicitation program can produce unrestrictive... Read More

The Forgotten Advertising Tip

I'm sure while you have seen many tips on advertising,... Read More