Selling Ads, for Yearbook or Journalism Options

[OhMyAnniee]

This year is my first year in yearbook and I have no idea how to sell business ads. If any of you have sold them before, how do I approach perspective ad buyers? Say if I go to a store, do I ask for the manager? What are some places that would most likely agree to advertise?

[Gigi]

Ask your yearbook advisor/teacher (if s/he hasn't given you any of this information yet) for a list of businesses or people who have bought ads from last year's annual. If they bought them once, it's likely they'll buy them again.

Check out local stores; for example, do you have a mall nearby? Or a certain hangout where students go and buy stuff? If so, check those out...and yes, you should ask a manager. It's a good idea to go with another person, firstly so you feel more confident, and secondly so you don't get abducted or something (my teacher's advice, not mine). Also, it's a good idea to meet with or call a local politician, as they're always looking to find ways to publicize themselves.

As for approaching them...you should try introducing yourself, what school you're from, and then asking them if they would like to buy an ad. Of course, bring an example from last year's annual, tell them stats on how many students buy them a year, what kind of awards your yearbook won, etc.

Remember, you can call a business or an individual to arrange ads, but meeting them in person is always the best choice!