I don’t really recommend doing print ads since since they are usually quite expensive and I think Facebook Ads are more effective. Having said that, some of you have good local publications you want to try out especially if you live in a more rural area. Here’s a bit of advice and some resources to use if you’re going to advertise locally.

Don't blow that budget on placing a few big ads in one or two newspapers. Since keeping your name in front of potential customers is important, plan on stretching your ad budget by running smaller ads for a long period of time rather than running only a few big ads. A big ad may look impressive, but unless it is to promote a one day sale or some other one-time event, your money is better invested in smaller, longer-term ads.

Most communities have a variety of newspapers, some paid and some free weeklies. Many people have their newspaper favorites and only read a select few, so spread your advertising dollar among all of the community papers to ensure you reach the largest target audience possible. A list of where to find these papers can be found here:

When it comes to placing a newspaper ad, avoid the temptation to create the ad yourself on your home computer. Let the newspaper's production staff or a local advertising agency design your ad. They can often come up with a more creative idea, and they understand the proper format, size and technical specifications that are required by the printing press facility to ensure your ad will look its best in print media. You would be amazed at how much they are willing to do for you design wise, simply because you are advertising with them!

If they won’t create the design ad, then get the ad specifications and hire someone on Upwork or Fiverr to help you.

Many businesses believe that placing a coupon in their ad will help them determine if an ad is getting a response. However, just because a particular coupon run in an ad doesn't generate the response you had anticipated, don't feel that your ad money was wasted. People don't always respond to coupons especially in our industry, and many people will have seen your ad; even if they didn't use that particular coupon, the ad still kept your name visible in the community's eye.

While I don't recommend a coupon, I insist you create a call to action with a "juicy offer" that the reader can't refuse! I recommend creating a call to action that involves going to your website online and getting something for free like your "Top Dollar Guide" or "Realtor Partner Plan" (if you're advertising in Realtor publications). You can also create a call to action that says they can receive their free "Seller's Staging Essentials Kit" if they call 888-555-1212. You'll get calls and website traffic much more easily if you are asking for a small thing and giving something great in return!