Advertising
And Generate New WebSite Traffic
by: Charles Kangethe
Here's a simple way to use "No Results, No Pay"
radio advertising and build traffic for your website.
Step #1 - Understanding "PI" - Per Inquiry
Advertising.
Radio has a unique advertising format known as "PI"
or per inquiry advertising.
"PI's" main benefit is that your commercial
is aired and you ONLY PAY for inquiries phoned into
the station from listeners !
Inquiries are in the form of callers asking for more
information.
The radio station counts each caller, and re-directs
them to your web site address.
Step #2 - How To Start a "PI" Campaign.
Find a good directory of all commercial radio stations
where you intend to advertise.
Some sample Internet resources :
http://www.mediauk.com - UK
http://www.web-radio.fm - USA
http://www.radiodirectory.com - International
Other online resources can be found by searching for
keywords like "Radio Directories."
Alternatively, visit your library and in the references
section ask for the Yearbook of Independent Local
Radio Stations.
Note details such as :
• Ad manager's names,
• Telephone numbers,
• e-mail addresses
• Programming and schedules
Listener profiles:
• Age,
• Income,
• Sex,
• Location.
Step #3 - Decide on Strategy and "Wanted Response."
Before you contact the radio stations, be clear on
strategy, goals and have your draft commercials in
outline.
* Are you advertising a product offer at your website
?
Specify product details fully to avoid paying for
"tyre kicker" inquiries.
* Is your "Wanted Response" to build an
opt-in list ?
Decide how you will entice visitors to your web site.
Will you offer FREEBIES, or a competition of some
sort ?
* Are you advertising for market research purposes
?
Tell listeners how and why they should participate.
* Decide how much you are prepared to pay per inquiry.
Step #4 - Use Your Strategy To Build A "PI"
Proposal
Two aims in this step :
• Make it as easy as possible for the station
to schedule your commercial.
• Negotiate the lowest Per Inquiry cost during
the best advertising time slots.
Keep in mind :
• Listener profiles you want to reach.
• Times you want your advert to go on air.
• Which commercial will best deliver your "Wanted
Response".
Write to the ad manager by e-mail or normal mail.
In your letter :
• Introduce yourself.
• Inform them this is a "PI" Per Inquiry
advertising proposal.
• Inform them you of what you are trying to
achieve, refer to your strategy.
• Detail your product or service prices and
how much you are considering paying for each inquiry.
________________________________________
Sidebar
If your "Wanted Response" is not selling
a product, you must pay for inquiries out of your
"own pocket". Negotiate a keen cost per
inquiry !!
________________________________________
* Explain how you will handle all the administration
For instance writing the commercial Outline, handling
product fulfilment, dealing with refunds and product
support questions.
Depending on your negotiation skills and size of Radio
station you might be able to work a deal where you
only pay for *Converted Inquiries*.
This is practically *FREE* advertising, because you
only pay for referrals once a sale is made !
Step #5 - How To Deal With Radio Ad Managers
If you do not hear back within a few days, call the
station.
Commercial radio is a busy environment. Be prepared
to explain yourself and answer questions quickly and
clearly.
Radio ad managers are always looking for advertisers.
That is their job and advertising fees are the lifeblood
of Commercial Radio.
However, "PI" is not the only money earner
for stations, so be prepared for a polite but cool
reception.
If this happens, pick another station and start the
process again.
The rewards of a successful "PI" campaign
will pay back your effort many times over.
Step #6 - The Commercial Ad
Write your commercial's outline to maximise your "Wanted
Response."
Write the outlines for at least two 30 second, and
two 60 second commercials.
Writing commercials for broadcasting is very different
to writing ad copy for printed media. However, stations
will help you by taking your outlines and turning
them into finished commercials for a fee.
Alternatively, if your copy writing is good and you
have time to tweak it for broadcasting, then do it
yourself.
Listen to the station's ads, jingles, and catch phrases
and pre-record your own following a similar model.
Ask objective people to listen to your ad and give
you critical feedback.
________________________________________
Sidebar
When recording for radio you may or may not want to
use your own voice. Radio stations have "Voices"
to record your commercial for a fee before it goes
on air.
They also have royalty free music to include with
your ad.
________________________________________
Make your commercials memorable, with clear contact
information for listeners to follow up on.
When such ads go on air during relevant programming,
you cangenerate considerable traffic.
________________________________________
In closing, "just do it" and learn more
than I can show you in a brief article.
Radio is often overlooked by online advertisers, but
it can bring good results depending on your "Wanted
Response" and at a surprisingly low cost.
Ad Managers are tasked with maximising revenue for
the broadcaster. They are flexible and as long as
you demonstrate a financial benefit to the station,
they will listen to your "PI" proposal actively.
This is good news for you because for minimal outlay
and sometimes for free you can drive quality traffic
to your site, product and services.
"PI" is the lowest cost form of broadcast
advertising. Make this a new part of your overall
advertising strategy.
________________________________________
Charles Kangethe of http://www.simplyeasier.com is
a leading new wave Netpreneur and a published author
from England. The "Simply Easier" brand
name is your guarantee of high value, quality Marketing
Products, Services and Resources
About The Author
Charles Kangethe has been involved in direct response
marketing since 1982. He now lives in Suffolk County
and spends his time working on new Online Marketing
campaigns, with particular focus on helping new netpreneurs
at http://www.simplyeasier.com
Back
to Web Development Articles 1