Paid Newspaper Advertising

Newspaper advertising is not difficult and can yield great return. The following information will be helpful as you explore possibilities.

COSTS
The cost per column inch of newsprint depends on the circulation of the newspaper. The larger the circulation, the more expensive it is to advertise. Keep in mind that with a larger circulation more people will see your ads.

As a church you qualify for not-for-profit/church advertising rates. Be sure to inquire about the availability of this rate with your ad representative.

WHO TO CONTACT
Call the newspaper in which you wish to advertise and set up an appointment to meet with an ad representative who places religious ads. We have found our ad reps to be knowledgeable, helpful, and willing to work within a budget.

At your meeting the ad rep will probably tell you about the paper’s circulation numbers, reader demographics, and more ideas for the future. Be prepared to share your purpose for advertising, the intended message, the budget, and ask for suggestions on placement and timing of ads.

GRAPHIC SERVICES
Most newspapers have a graphics department that will create an ad for you as part of the advertising price. The church nameplate and seal are available for download. The newspaper's graphics department can keep these on file. Share the standard guidelines of using the nameplate and seal with them. After graphic services creates the ad you will be asked to proof and review the ad before it is printed.

If requesting specific placement on a page is available, we recommend an “upper left-hand read” because people usually scan a newspaper upper left, to upper right, and then back to the left again.

COMMUNICATIONS HELP
Communications is happy to assist you with questions if you are unsure of the process. When you place ads in the paper, send a copy for our sample files. We use these for congregations and mission centers that are starting an advertising project and would be helped by seeing examples of what has been done by others.