These publishers are all willing to talk to you if you want to get more information. Below their names are some comments on how they sold their online display ads:
Bob Waitt, www.gmnews.com, Freehold, NJ (12 newspaper group)
"Putting the print display ads on the web site was a no-brainer. The program has been received well and there has been very little if any push back. The program generates revenue in excess of $300,000 per year. Every newspaper should consider putting their print display ads on their web site."
Joe Moss, www.carrollcountycomet.com, Delphi, IN
We added 5% to our regular annual 2% increase in June 2006, got no complaints and customers love it."
Jeff McDonough, www.jamestownpress.com, Jamestown, RI
"In 2006 we added Internet Display Ads and increased ad rates 15%. We lost no advertisers."
Gareth Charter, www.thelandmark.com, Holden. MA
"Selling the ads was a no-brainer. We charge a flat amount $3, $4, or $10 depending on the paper. The up sell is shown as a separate item on the bills and is very easy for to track. Participation has been over 90%.
Billy Fleming, www.earlycountynews.com, Blakely, GA
We sent out notices to our advertisers and the only feedback we received back was positive. 3% of print ad cost with a minimum of $1.
Cody Sossamon, www.GaffneyLedger.com, Gaffney, SC
Two years ago we were going to do a 3% general price increase but decided on a 7% increase using the display ads. We consider the decision a success and have received no complaints from our advertisers."
