What is the best place to advertise?

[Peter Dunn]

If you had one shot to get a message out to Indianapolis, what media would you use? If you say the internet, what site would you place ads on?

[George Roots]

Colin,

You're on pace for the gold!

[Arik Flanders]

Blogs increase SEO by branding your name across numerous networks. It both increases your Google page rank and targets your name based on the specific keywords that have been used in the blogging discussions.

Therefore, it reduces your need for Google Adwords as your SEO rankings rank among the top for your targeted keywords. In other words you may not need to pay for all of the keywords you are paying for, as they are already being displayed.

Interesting blogs that discuss your related topic can also increase your chances of being picked up by a major or even minor media outlet. In other words you are still reaching that critical mass without paying the thousands in advertising costs. This has been seen by experience.

Don't get me wrong Google Adwords is a strong supplement to your marketing efforts, but the value in the blogosphere is extraordinary.

I disagree strongly with your claims, as the experience I have had with blogging proves otherwise.

Note: I am not much of a blogger either

[Greg Cooper]

Let's see...Gary Vaynerchuk built a wine biz from 4M to 60M and is now buying every wine blog he can find because of the incredible ROI. That's enough for me at this point.

[Nicki Laycoax]

This is Gary Vaynerchuck

[Erik Deckers]

@Peter, it would definitely depend on what you're trying to do. If it's a B2C message, I would recommend targeting the consumers directly. Use direct mail, because you can purchase a mailing list, and tailor a message directly to the customer. If it's a B2B message, you could still do direct mail, and just get a list that targets only the businesses or occupations you need to reach.

Chris, there are too many blogging professionals here who have seen companies and individuals launch a successful, money-making blogging strategy for us to accept your dismissal. Just because you're not a blogger or you don't accept it as a powerful marketing tool does not mean it's not. It just means you haven't taken the time to understand it. Blogging has become more powerful and useful than static websites, and the companies who want to succeed in search marketing have joined the 21st century and embraced it.

[Nicki Laycoax]

Is the Printed Coupon industry thriving these days?

If it's successful, is Smaller Indiana contributing to your success?

[Peter Dunn]

Thanks everybody. I have enjoyed the spirited debate. Just so you know, here are some more hypothetical details. Let's say that you have a $10k budget. You can advertise on Indy.com or IndyStar.com or buy TV ads or whatever you want. But you have to reach the largest cross-section of people in central Indiana. Do you buy radio ads? What's the solution for reaching adults and getting a message out.

[Jon D. Speer]

Too vague to answer. What are the behaviors of the largest cross-section of people who are interested in your product / service? Know the answer to this and you're on to the solution.