Waste of money???

[*Mike*]

Has anyone tried advertising in one of the free local publications - like a Kids Directory or a Wedding Ideas?

They have full color ads at an ok price - starts around $300 for a month - cover is around $800.

I was wondering if anyone tried one of these?

Please tell what your response rate was.

I was wondering if it helped your biz or was a waste of money.

[LSCSN.com]

$300-$800 a month - Man you can advertise with us for an entire year for less than $2,000!

[Steelsun]

Think of who gets "free" publications.
They (the publishers) make all their money on ad sales.

In our experience in several businesses, free publication ads are usually not worth the cost (ie: $ spent per legit lead/customer).

Some exceptions are alternative weekly newspapers (like the Houston Press), that do have a legit circulation.

Also, a problem with ads in free press is that you will find most of the calls generated will be from cheapos looking for a bargain, and just plain freakos. That is alot of potential income lost in time dealing with them.