Riptide

May 20, 2013

Leads:

22 Inside Leads
5 Outside Leads
5 Speed Leads

Attendance:

60 Firms are currently members of Long Beach Execs
42 Firms were present at today’s meeting

Next Meeting:

Date: Monday, June 3, 2013
Location: MOLAA
Program Company: Lynn A. Fasnacht, DDS
Program Member: Lynn Fasnacht

Book Signing:

Business: Beeler & Associates
Address: 5199 E. PCH, #608
City: LB, CA 90804
When: Monday, May 20 – Monday, June 3
Jackpot: 200.00

Member Focus Talk

Jay Beeler
Beeler & Associates
5199 E. PCH, #608, LB
Phone: 562-597-9000
Email: jay@beelerusa.com
Website: http://www.beelerusa.com

Thank you to Jay Beeler who volunteered to speak today about Beeler & Associates.  While we all know Jay and know that Beeler & Associates does Advertising, here are some tips of how to lay out a good ad.

How to Lay Out a Good Ad

by Carole Morgan, Editorial Director, Beeler & Associates    

    Increasing competition, changing consumer spending habits and the continuing squeeze on profits has made it vitally important to get full value for your advertising dollar.

    Studies indicate that more people read larger-size ads; ads directed at their own sex; ads produced with color; and ads that tie-in with local or special news events. Here are some other time-tested suggestions for producing an ad that sells:

    Make your ads easily recognizable. Ads that are distinctive in their use of art, layout and typefaces enjoy higher readership. Try to make your ads distinctively different in appearance from your competitors — and then keep them consistent. This way, readers will recognize your ads even before they read them.

    Use a simple layout. The reader’s eye should be carried through the message easily — from headline to illustration to explanatory copy to price to your company’s name. Avoid the use of too many typefaces, all capital letters, overly decorative borders and reverse type. These devices are distracting and reduce readership.

    Use a dominant element — a large picture or headline — to increase visibility. Photographs and realistic drawings have equal attention-getting value, but action pictures of real people, especially local people or places, win more readership.

    Use a prominent headline with a benefit. The first question a reader asks is: “What’s in it for me?” That’s why you should feature the main benefit your goods or services offer in a compelling headline. Amplify this message in subheads, and always try to appeal to one or more of the basic desires of your readers: safety, fun, leisure, health, beauty, savings and popularity. “How to” headlines command high readership, as do those with specific information or helpful suggestions

    Use white space. Don’t overcrowd your ad. White space draws the reader to your ad and makes your headline and illustration stand out.

    Make sure your copy is complete, enthusiastic and sincere. Highlight the most appealing benefits, such as sizes, colors, design, performance, convenience and durability. Studies show that copy written in complete sentences is easier to read than copy composed of phrases and random words. 

    Use a price. Dollar figures attract attention. Readers often overestimate omitted prices, so, even if the price is high, explain why it is a good value. If the price is low, support it with factual statements which create belief, such as a close-out sale or special purchase.

    Specify name brands. Manufacturers spend large sums to sell their goods, and you can capitalize on their advertising while enhancing your reputation by featuring these items.

    Include related items. Make two sales by offering related items with the featured one. For instance, when a washer is advertised, also show a dryer.

    Ask for the sale — now! Stimulate action with phrases like “limited supply” or “this week only.”

    Include all information. Always list your company’s name, address, telephone number and hours of operation. In a large ad, you should mention your name several times in the copy.

    Don’t be too clever. Readers tend to distrust cleverness in advertising and often misunderstand an ad. Headlines and copy should be straightforward.

    Don’t use difficult words. Avoid trade or technical terms. Always use simple language.

    Don’t generalize or make excessive claims. Be specific at all times. Facts sell. Don’t make claims you can’t back up. Go easy with superlatives and unbelievable values. If you claim your prices are unbelievable, readers are likely to agree.

Announcements

President's Corner:

Referrals are a warm lead, not a guaranteed sale.  Following up is key.  

50/50 Drawing Program:

Our next 50/50 Drawing will be on Monday, June 3, 2013. 

Classification Postings:

None at this time.

Membership Postings:

None at this time.

Welcome New Members

Rusty Deeble, Digital Installers (Sponsored by Dan Schoepf)

David Day, Day-n-Nite Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning (Sponsored by Jerry Bloeser)

Other Membership News:

Resignations:

1.  Clayton Thomas, Process Pink Bankcard Proccessing

2.  Glenn E. Thomas Dodge

April/May Classification Focus:

- Restaurant  - Contractor

May/June Classification Focus:

- Roofing Contractor  - Automobiles Sales

ADVERTISMENTS/WANT ADS

Coast Tickets:

"Tickets Make Great Personal, Business and Holiday Gifts. Gift Certificates Available too. Give Coast Tickets a call at 562-595-6510 for Great Gift Ideas".

Incredible Journey Employee Recognition/Client Promotions:

Hanalei Bay Resort, Princeville, Kauai - Fabulous 2-bedroom/2-bath air conditioned luxury oceanfront ocean front Hanalei Bay Resort condominium with unobstructed views of Bali Hai! Contact Pat Ellington, Incredible Journey, for more information!

Kauai Condo For Rent - 2 bed.-2 bath. Deluxe waterfront condo poipu beach-special exec. rates - call Jim Nesmith 562 -900-2230

La Quinta Patio Home for Rent: 3 Bed, 4 Bath on the golf course patio home for rent. Call Jim Nesmith 562-900-2230.

Board Meeting at a Glance