Abouts Books

By Carol Denbow

Short-term paid advertising rarely produces good sales with any business. In fact, statistics show that business owners spend an average of $100 just to gain one new customer. Whatever your business sells, advertising can be responsible for up to 23 percent of your businesses total expenditures. Finding the best "bang for your buck" is crucial to keeping that expense down and bringing new customers to your door. One proven and long-term method of advertising which is rarely considered by business owners is advertising their businesses in published books.

A books shelf life well exceeds that of a newspaper or magazine. Readers will be seeing your ad for years to come. Books suitable for libraries will produce many more page views than unsuited literature.

Advertising options might be offered in the following ways:

• A listing in the business related books reference pages. Generally, this is the most inexpensive placement available.
• One or several mentions in the books text.
• A full page ad in the back matter of the book (the most expensive).

Choosing the right book is the most important means to hit your target audience. If you sell tools for instance, you might seek advertising space in a "do-it-yourself" book. If you're a book designer you might look into a book related to self-publishing. If you are an author who has published your own book, you might consider an ad in a subject related book.

Not all publishers readily sell ad space in their new releases, but there are many who do and contacting those publishers may be your best bet for consistent and typically one-time cost advertising. Before signing on to purchase ad space in books, ask the following questions:

• How many books will be printed in the first run?
• Will my ad continue in future runs or new editions?
• If there is an e-book edition, will my ad remain?
• Will there be similar businesses advertising along side my ad?

Advertising can be costly. Finding a good direction to send your valued advertising dollar is one of the most important ways to promote your business and gain new customers. Book advertising is good safe bet.

Carol Denbow is a business start-up expert and the author of three books including, "Are You Ready to Be Your Own Boss?" (2006). To learn more about this book, how to start and grow a successful business, or where to advertise in a published book, visit http://www.BooksByDenbow.Weebly.com