Advertising in "Book of Lists"

[cm800]

After having had my business open a full year, I've decided to start paying for some more serious advertising, including a web ad in a local weekly magazine. When I contacted the media person about this, they also suggested I advertise in the "Book of Lists", which is an annual publication that lists important local businesses in the area. The media contact said "The Book Of Lists is a business resource used by businesses in our community to find services. It is not geared toward job seekers or sales researchers. It is an “evergreen” publication because it is used all year."

The cost to advertise in the Book of Lists for a full year would be $500. So it's a considerable amount of money, but if it would generate a lot of business, it would be worth it to me. The thing is, when I search for "book of lists" and try to find info on how helpful this is for advertising a business, I don't get many results and mostly see ad type sites that encourage businesses to get on the book of lists, but not a lot of discussion among individuals about how beneficial this kind of advertising is.

Does anyone have any insight on this or experience with this?

Thanks.

[Harold Mansfield]

I've never heard of it but there are all kinds of "Business" lists and directories out there that no one ever uses and only exist to get people to pay to be in them.
Not saying this is one of those things, but you have to just think logically.

When people are looking for your product or service, where are they looking? In a book of lists, or on Google, Bing..or if you're in Home Improvement and repair maybe an Angie's List, YP.com, or Home Adviser?

Have you ever looked in a book of lists for a business?

[cm800]

I've never heard of it but there are all kinds of "Business" lists and directories out there that no one ever uses and only exist to get people to pay to be in them.
Not saying this is one of those things, but you have to just think logically.

When people are looking for your product or service, where are the looking? In a book of lists, or on Google, Bing..or if you're in Home Improvement and repair maybe an Angie's List, YP.com, or Home Adviser?

Have you ever looked in a book of lists for a business?


You make a good point. This is what I was thinking too. Thanks!

[David Hunter]

I've never heard of the "Book of Lists" either, but I do get a local business directory at the beginning of every year of the businesses who decided to advertise in it.

Can it work? Of course it can. If you're like all the businesses who just use their Business Cards as their advertisement then you probably won't get much, if any business.

If you offer something of value to your customers/clients then you'll probably get results.

What type of business do you have?

[cm800]

I've never heard of the "Book of Lists" either, but I do get a local business directory at the beginning of every year of the businesses who decided to advertise in it.

Can it work? Of course it can. If you're like all the businesses who just use their Business Cards as their advertisement then you probably won't get much, if any business.

If you offer something of value to your customers/clients then you'll probably get results.

What type of business do you have?


I have an editing business. I decided to go ahead and advertise there. At first I thought they were asking me to include myself as one of the listed companies but I came to understand that the point is that I can advertise my business in this book that lists the top local companies. I'll hope for the best. Thanks for your feedback!