How to Sell Print Newspaper Ads Space

Placing advertisements in the local and regional newspaper is an affordable and effective way to bring attention to your business.  Unfortunately, electronic methods of advertisement are featured more often than print, so advertisers think print advertising isn't a useful tool anymore.

1. Create a classified section for the newspaper.  If the paper does not already have a classified ads section, create one.  If the newspaper does have a classified ads section, you may need to redesign it to help create interest.  Make sure to include bold, accurate headers within your classified ads so that readers can easily locate the type of ad they are interested in.  If the sections you created include a wide range of advertisements, consider adding sub headings also.  Reserve one block for prices and contact information for your advertising sales team.


2. Create a sales sheet, in addition to highlighting ad sales within the classified ads section.  The sales sheet needs to specify how the ad will be priced, what sizes are available, what bulk pricing is and what additional services are offered.  The sales sheet should be available at the newspaper building and also periodically printed and distributed with the newspaper.


3. Create a list of contacts.  Make a list of contacts to solicit ad sales from.  Research companies and search the yellow pages of the phone book to find companies that would benefit from advertising with you.


4. Create a sales pitch and use it.  Contact the people and businesses on your list to establish a sales base.  Once you have a regular group of people and businesses advertising in your classified ad section, others will follow and your ad sales will continually increase.