By Rix Quinn, for Mediabids.com

How often should I advertise?
There are absolutely no rules here! An old adage says, "The more you tell, the more you sell." Logically, the more your name goes in front of potential customers, the more likely they will remember you. Even more important...they should think of you in a favorable way. So, you must always be showing them a product they want...or showing them how to solve a specific problem.

Should I always advertise in the same publication?
We believe you should give a publication time to work. This means trying, at minimum, three or four ads before testing another publication.

Should I always attempt to have my ad located in the same spot?
For lots of companies, this makes sense. For instance, a sporting goods retailer would probably want to request his ad run in the sports section of a newspaper. But a stockbroker might want to move his ad around, running it in the business section one day, the news section the next, the metro section the next. Ask yourself this question: What do my primary customers read most often.


About the Author:
Rix Quinn is a former business magazine writer, editor and publisher, writes marketing columns for several magazines, and gives workshops on niche marketing and sales writing for college and university continuing education programs. He also serves as a journalism consultant for two Texas school districts. 817-920-7999 or e-mail rixquinn@charter.net.

About Mediabids:
Mediabids offers free media planning and buying tools that help you to save time researching publications and negotiating for ad rates in U.S. newspapers and magazines. Ad space is purchased via an auction format where you set the price and publications compete for your advertising dollars - or you can purchase ad space directly from a publication at terrific discounts. Mediabids services are free and there is no obligation to make a purchase (publications pay Mediabids a commission).

You can use Mediabids services yourself by going to www.mediabids.com or call them toll free at 866-236-2259 - and they'll act as your free media planner & buyer. .