APG-L Archives

Archiver > APG > 1999-01 > 0915561172


From: <>
Subject: Re: Marketing Issues
Date: Tue, 5 Jan 1999 13:32:52 EST


Few thoughts to add in as well:

1)Invest in having a professionally developed business image (includes logo
and stationary planning), brochure & ad. When you're in a crowded market, and
you want to do well (i.e. you're relying on this company to pay your bills and
plan for your future), you have to be the one to get people's attention first,
and that means you need to stand out from the crowd.

If you're the only professional genealogist in your local area, you may not
think it necessary, but if you're planning to advertise in one of the
"crowded" magazines, you need to stand out from the crowd, and bigger doesn't
necessarily mean better, though it doesn't hurt. ;)

2)Volunteer for community broadcasts to gain exposure.
Radio Stations are always looking for filler spots for topics of local
interest, and right now Genealogy is a very *hot* topic. They would love to
have you come in and be interviewed for about 5 minutes on the subject of
Genealogy. Types of questions usually include: What is genealogy? How do
people get started? What is one of the funniest stories that you've ever
encountered (make sure you can discuss it)? How can they reach you if they
have any more questions? It's easy to talk over the Radio.
Community Television is always looking for local people they can spotlight
(usually 5 - 7 minutes) and again, genealogy is a hot topic, and everyone
wants to hear about it. Most cable companies have to devote some time to
community television, and most of them have some kind of "talk-show" format,
and it's fun! After you've done this a few times and feel comfortable, you
could volunteer for one of the local network news morning shows, but it's
easier to get on there if you've published a book.

Hope that helps!

---Jan DeLucien

This thread: