It’s easier than you think to reduce what you pay for advetising.

There are seven easy steps you can take. Here they are:

Did you know that the advertising rate sheets the reps carry are flexible? Well, they are, so negotiate for a bette price.

Some media outlets will trade advertising for things they want in exchange for advertising. When I sold ads for a local independently owned newspaper years ago, I got my first computer that way. I did a three-way deal: the publisher got some equipment, the business owner got advertising and I got a computer as my commission.

One great way to save on newspaper advertising is to buy a whole page or a half page and split it up with other business owners in the same area, or same profession, but a different part of town. Your cost per unit goes down. For example, if a fourth of a page sells for $300, the whole page might cost $1,000, which makes your cost $250.

Many large corporations have co-op programs for people who sell their products. This means if you show or mention their products in your ad, they will pay for part of it. For more information, ask the ad departments of the companies you are considering doing this with.

Use a media buyer. These are people who specialize in buying ads and making good deals. Find them on the web. Please keep in mind that you must have a decent budget to interest them. But if you do, they can save you some bucks.

A great way to keep current customers and prospects coming back is to send them a regular email newsletter. Be sure to get their permission first. You can fill your newsletter with information about new products or improvements. You can also offer info on how to better use products and even ask for customer questions and feedback.

If you want to get free publicity, send the media a press release. If they are interested in your idea, they will do a story on you for free. Being interviewed in the media also builds credibility.

So there your are. Use the tips that are appropriate for your situation and watch your ad bills go down.

About the Author:

Danek S. Kaus is a business reporter and author. If you want to discover how to grow your business get his free newsletter at small business tips and a his newsletter on how to get free publicity at free publicity