Just curious and since everyone has a poll this week I didn't want to feel left out. I know they're old school, but how are the yellow pages working for you? What area are you in? Are you traditional or modern? How much business do they generate? Do you use the main yellow pages (AT&T/Verizon/etc.) or a smaller one? Thanks, enjoy. scott.
Yellow pages are a waste of time, money and paper. They are a cash cow for the phone company or publisher because a lot of folks buy ads. Don't be a folk.
I use the Yellow Pages to simply establish more credibility. Let me explain. The Yellow Pages doesn't mean you are professional or even a legitimate business. But, the more times that a customer sees my name, the more they think "this guy must be a legitimate business". It doesn't cost me that much, and yes, I could probably spend that money in other areas. So far, it's almost paid for itself so I can't complain.
I didn't jump into it thinking it would generate tons of business. I guess it was a small part of a larger marketing plan.
Most of the calls I do get are price shoppers (ie: not my clients).
I use the yellow pages, and they are effective for me. Granted you must have and add that stands out and is clean. I agree with sboerup in that the more they see your name the more legitimacy is associated with your business. I will caution you that for weddings we do much better with bridal shows, most of our yellow page work is Headshots, portraits, seniors, and school prom etc..most weddings inquiries are budget weddings. Two questions must be asked: one what is the cost of the add, how many jobs do I need to book to make that back. The second is if I have a limited budget would the money be better used else where such as direct mail to a targeted audience, a bridal show, or website and search engine optimization. Another thing to consider will you be one of a couple photgraphers or one of a couple dozen, if the latter then you probably get lost on the page unless you have a very dynamic advertisment. If your only going for the wedding market I would be very cautious, if you are a full service photographer then you'll probably make your money back and then some..and any profit is good profit and positive exposure establishes your brand. Hope this helps.
