Newspapers and Magazines

Daily Newspaper

Send them a press release to announce the opening of your new business. See the Press Release Template for and easy-to-use standard format.

Send out press releases to announce new equipment purchases, donations of rental time to non-profit agencies or schools for fund-raisers, or any other reason you can think of. They may or may not run your story, but you stay on their minds if they need your services or decide to do a piece on birthday party ideas.

Get advertising rates and see if it is feasible to run a small ad. Remember your target audience and advertise in the sections they are most likely to read. Ask about targeted publications like neighborhood editions or special advertising supplements. Even if you are not ready to advertise, try and build a relationship with the newspaper ad rep- they are more likely to call you when something that fits your profile comes up.

Newpapers will often layout and design your ad for you as well.

Weekly or Monthly Newspapers

Don't overlook small community papers. Send them press releases the same time you send them to the big papers. They are more likely to need news and run your story.

Advertising in smaller papers can be very cost effective.

Parent Directories

This is a no-brainer- you MUST be in this publication if there is one in your area. Parent Pages, Pink-and-Blue Pages, or Parent Directory are often names for them but they are regional and may go by a different name in your area.

If your budget is low, stick with a simple listing. If you can afford a bigger ad, go ahead. If you have lots of competition, you need a big, eye-catching ad. For many small rental companies, this advertising media will keep them busy.

Local Magazines

Try and get a feel for local publications- they may be reasonably priced. Remember your target audience! If they don't read the publication, it doesn't matter how reasonable the advertising is.