by Adam Clark

Created on: March 16, 2010   Last Updated: December 11, 2010

Advertising, as we know it today, took its form around the seventeenth century and was made popular by Thomas Barratt (1841 - 1914) who undertook the task of advertising the brand of soap that became world famous; Pears Soap. He used the newspaper as his medium of advertising and frequently there would be picture ads with a small description of the item along with prices and uses.  

Advertising techniques have come a long way, and since then almost all businesses irrespective of size, have adopted advertising techniques to propagate their business. Small businesses have benefited much and have been able to grow and upgrade, largely due to the advertising industry.


There are many ways small businesses can advertise their goods and services. Some of them are outlined below.


# 1. Newspaper Ads


The newspaper has played a major role in defining many products, services and businesses ever since its initial use and it still remains the back bone of advertising for businesses. People generally open the newspapers to check out the daily events, headlines, recent happenings, classifieds and job opportunities, and each and every page offers a host of advertisements ranging from businesses to products and services of every kind. Any small business will do well to follow this pattern.  


# 2. Newspaper inserts and fliers


The newspaper not only offers a base for advertising services, but also offers packages to insert and distribute leaflets / pamphlets and flyers from house to house. The newspaper agents themselves insert these additional pages within the sheets of the newspaper and distribute it around for a fee.  


# 3. Surveys and studies of catchment areas


Any business will do well by conducting surveys and studies about their catchment areas prior to setting up a business. This is an exhaustive and time consuming phase, but is very effective, as it will require the business owner to personally visit home, door to door, to conduct surveys and find out what customers want or think about the launch of a product. In many cases, this is the best time to get to know prospective customers, and offer free samples if possible. For those willing to give an email address, updates and offers may be sent to such customers from time to time. 


# 4. Local Radio


Local radio station announcements, especially at prime time can reach a wide range of audience. Rates for advertising vary, depending on the time duration of the advertisement and the time it is being aired. This is

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