I know from the forum that advertising is one of those subjects that splits peoples opinions but.......... rightly or wrongly I'd like to get some feedback on this subject concerning my company.
I've been advertising each year with Thomsons directory in the Bucks area, the budget has gradually expanded to where last years budget was £3200.00 per year (exclusively with Thomsons).
Now historically this has always more than paid for itself regarding new business, recommendations and word of mouth make up approx. 40% of the turnover, therefore 60% from advertising.
Over the past couple of months there has been a huge fall in enquiries which I realise is not unusual considering all thats going on, but my question is will it be worth advertising to the tune of £3200.00 + in 2009/10 or should we target a more locally based advertising campaign (which would be cheaper). My main concern is that as business has dipped is it even worth advertising? You spend the budget and the phone doesn't ring as the people your advertising for can't finance projects in 2009.
I realise this is a bit of a 'how long is a piece of string' type question but I'd like to hear the opinions of those longer in the tooth on the forum who have been through recessions like this before.
Everyone - keep up the good work.
I've been advertising each year with Thomsons directory in the Bucks area, the budget has gradually expanded to where last years budget was £3200.00 per year (exclusively with Thomsons).
Now historically this has always more than paid for itself regarding new business, recommendations and word of mouth make up approx. 40% of the turnover, therefore 60% from advertising.
Over the past couple of months there has been a huge fall in enquiries which I realise is not unusual considering all thats going on, but my question is will it be worth advertising to the tune of £3200.00 + in 2009/10 or should we target a more locally based advertising campaign (which would be cheaper). My main concern is that as business has dipped is it even worth advertising? You spend the budget and the phone doesn't ring as the people your advertising for can't finance projects in 2009.
I realise this is a bit of a 'how long is a piece of string' type question but I'd like to hear the opinions of those longer in the tooth on the forum who have been through recessions like this before.
Everyone - keep up the good work.