The economy’s been down for so long many, many local businesses are now looking for that silver bullet that is going to finally pull them up and out and back to the promised land.  In 2010, it seems the pull is towards social media – primarily Facebook and Twitter.

And the rush in this direction, combined with how short handed many small businesses are, has resulted in a lack of attention to other advertising methods.  There may even be a short term benefit, exacerbating the problem.

Head down this path, though, and your brand will suffer in the long term.  Think about the brands that you are most loyal to for a moment.  Do they reach out to you beyond your Twitter account.  Without knowing you or the company you are currently thinking of, I know the answer is “yes.”

While the jet-setting lifestyle in this article may not be relatable for you, the underlying principals should be.  The whole article is a good read, but since you are busy, here is the high point: (more…)

Of course you already knew that.  Yet it amazes me how many businesses continue to ride this plane into the ground.  I heard this on the radio the other day and I think, in addition to being really funny, makes some great points.

So what do you think?  Can you come up with any great places to keep the phone book?  How about a worthwhile use beyond a prop for a bouncer at a bar to make a point with?

Still afraid to let go of your prime yellow page ad location?  Click here to see more on the topic.  Still unconvinced?  Let’s go to lunch and review your options.

So it appears that Clear Channel now has Ad Words like capabilities in placing their customers’ ads.  The upside is that advertisers now can better align their message with the content of the radio station.  Here is a brief explanation from Media Post’s Laurie Sullivan:

So be aware that this is coming Southern Oregon businesses.  Your radio sales rep will tell you that this is the greatest thing since sliced bread.  (S)he’ll tell you that this is exactly like an Ad Words campaign on Google.  There will be amazing anecdotes like this one (more…)