By MICHAEL CALDWELL

Publisher

As we prepare for our annual Progress edition kick-off this week (more on that to come soon), I have been working on The Advocate-Messenger’s media kit and marketing information. Improving how we communicate the message of who we are has been on my mind.

Even after nearly three years here, I am amazed at the diverse offerings and myriad of products we create to serve our readers and our advertisers. I am also still surprised at how many people still don’t know that we produce a newspaper five days a week, a variety of digital products and a host of other seasonal niche publications.

Growing up, as a kid who stayed up way past his bedtime, I was always a fan of late-night television. Nobody brought the laughter like David Letterman. He had so many hilarious segments, but the Top 10 list always stuck with me.

So, in honor of the gap-toothed host who has long-since retired, here are my Top 10 reasons to advertise with The Advocate-Messenger.

Reach — The Advocate-Messenger reaches more than 10,000 households each week through its print and digital products.

Quality — Higher income, higher education, top-earning adults are avid newspaper readers.

Immediacy — Newspaper advertising is among the fastest forms of advertising with extremely short deadlines that allow ads to be tailored and reach potential customers very quickly.

Flexibility — Newspapers, unlike most media, allow the advertiser to build an ad in many sizes.

Trust — More than any other medium, consumers believe respected and reputable businesses use newspapers.

Target Marketing — Newspaper advertising can be targeted to specific demographics, sections, regions and zip codes.

Selection — The Advocate-Messenger offers options ranging from preprinted inserts to daily campaigns to niche products to digital offerings that encompass the full array of advertising opportunities.

Environment — The editorial environment of newspapers adds credibility and legitimacy to the brand being advertised.

Value — With a much greater return on investment compared to other media, newspaper marketing costs just pennies per customer.

Proven Results — Newspaper advertising works! Newspapers create traffic, move merchandise and establish brands.

My list was nowhere near as funny as even the worst of David Letterman’s, but I would argue it is more important than his. Advertising — whether it is with The Journal or other media — is a vital component for business success. 

Strong marketing plans help your business end up at the pinnacle of your own top 10 list.

Michael Caldwell is publisher of The Advocate-Messenger and Danville Living magazine. He can be reached at (859) 469-6400 or by email at mike.caldwell@centralkynews.com.