How much should I charge for magazine ad space?

Business owners, Executives, help! What makes you buy ad space in publications?

• I am trying to start a small magazine in a small region in Southern AZ. I am having trouble saleing to the conservative business owners. Do you have any advice? What makes you buy print ad space? What if the print ad could get a ton of people to its site? Is there a promo that might make you buy, like free ad space on web, 50% off first ad. 25% off for three months, etc.? What makes you turn away from an advertiser?

• Answer:

  I'm neither a business owner nor an executive; but I'm involved in the field of business. Some of these questions and perspectives might help you. As the owner, ask your self: What kind of people make up my potential customers? What is my target segment? What am I doing to market my magazine to that target segment? How am I making potential customers AWARE of my publication? What sort of promotions am I running? Does my magazine really stand out from the tons of ads people receive in the mail and in newspapers everyday? Why should people read one more publication full off ads? Overall, how much value am I adding to my customers' businesses? As a potential customer, I would ask you: What is the subscriber strength of your magazine? How much of a geographic area is your magazine covering? Do I get discounts if I purchase ad space for several days in a row? The ad space is not big enough or conspicuous enough for the price you're asking of me? Are you willing to negotiate on that? Most importantly, what are you offering me that other publications are not? Look at your venture from both perspectives and you'll see a bigger, better picture. Most importantly pal, is to find out ever so accurately, whether or not there is a strong demand for a publication such as yours in the region you're operating? Contact me if you concerns/questions. I'll be happy to help. All the best!