Zip Code Phonebook: The New Neighborhood Phonebook
Yellow Pages, a California-based research company has been extensively doing studies on U.S. ZIP (Zone Improvement Program) Codes. They can now predict, with certain percentage of accuracy, what you ate for breakfast based on your zip code.
ZIP Codes are the smallest, most organized accumulation of information by which we can evaluate the demographic flavor of a given area.
From a marketing standpoint, most retail businesses use ZIP codes along with the Perretto Principle that 80% of your customers reside within the ZIP codes that connect to your collection. In theory, they live no more than 7 miles from where you are.
A Changing Marketplace
The phonebook we have grown accustomed to was developed over 30 years ago. The only way it has grown in in terms of thickness, weight, and aesthetic design.
From a marketing perspective, except for its dominance and near monopoly, it has been rendered useless by a more mobile and more efficient market.
When the Yellow Pages were first introduced, the world of "malls", "strip malls", "executive centers", and "postal & mail box centers" were unknown to American consumers. Today, it is easier for us to dial directory assistance than to use the phonebook.
Use Old Patterns
To make it easy for advertisers and consumers to swallow something new, make it look like it's old. So, use simple patterns and designs borrowed from old phonebooks, including rates charged for your territory. Establish your advertising rates based on the number of homes and businesses your ZIP Code phonebook is going to.
You can have as many ZIP Codes covered, just make sure you do not pile up a marketplace too large you are practically competing with the phone company. The best rule of thumb is to break the phone companies general distribution area into 7 phonebooks.
GTE used to have what they called "The Neighborhood Phonebook". I think the reason it died is that it broke down its neighborhood either very conceptually or too similarly to the way all other phonebooks do. Advertisers want solid numbers. ZIP Codes are solid. Just ask the postal service.
Related Articles
All-Cruise Travel Club
Minimum Start-Up: $500 Average Start-UP: 10,000 Revenue: $25,000 - $250K Profits: $10,000/Month One Person Business: Yes
Couponing: How to Run an Easy and Profitable Business Selling Special Coupons
Look in your mailbox. What do you see almost every day? Coupons. Look in your newspaper. What do you see EVERY day? Coupons. It seems like coupons multiply like rabbits. Why? Prices are rising, unlike a majority of people's incomes.
The Boring Way to Become Wealthy
When some people think about becoming rich, they might imagine suddenly coming into a bunch of money. Maybe they'll win the lottery. Maybe a rich relative will die and leave a fortune to them. Or perhaps they'll suddenly make it as a famous actor. Planning to become wealthy this way is a non starter.
How to Sell Pine Cones
Ordinary pine cones, of any size, can be made to look almost exactly like tiny owls simply by adding "eyes" which can be purchased at any hobby or craft shop.
27 Service Businesses to Start Now
There are hundreds of opportunities in the service arena offering low-cost start-ups and high profit returns. Almost all can be run from home.
A Furniture Refinishing Business in Your Home
If you have a garage or work building and are willing to learn a craft, upholstering, re-upholstering and/or furniture refinishing would make an excellent home business.
How to Give Away Magazines and Make Great Profits
People are always interested in saving money. If you can develop a product or service that will help them save, you are almost guaranteed success.
16 Ways You Can Make Money Collecting Things in Woods and on Beaches
16 Ways You Can Make Money Collecting Things in Woods and on Beaches
How to Make $50 Mailing 150 Envelopes
Order 5,000 3 x 6 commission circulars from your printer selling $1.00 items that you earn 50% commission on every order you receive. Have your name printed on them - it will save you hours of stamping time.
Big Profits In The Sign Fabrication Business
A few years ago it would have been foolish to even consider a sign business unless you were well qualified to hand paint letters and illustrations.