Thomson Local

[Mully79]

Has anyone out there with a small business used Thomson for advertising? Was it worth it - online or just in the directory, all their google and other links etc?

I can't find any rates online. When I filled in a form to enquire, a salesperson phoned me. Very nice, informative, but a bit pushy as I'm not ready to advertise right this minute. Presently I have no funds to start advertising but in August, when launching a new section of my business I should have funds, I just don't know where to go or where to start looking for the right advertising.

[Taylortax]

They're VERY pushy.
I was with them for a few years - they're cheaper than that yellow mob - but I'm not aware that I got a more than one or two enquiries because of them. Most people automatically reach for the bigger, brighter-coloured book.
When I decided to stop because I had enough clients and plenty of personal recommendations, I had the devil of a job getting rid of them. In fact, I still have the (admittedly free) one-line listing because they WILL NOT let me come out of their book.
They seem to think I am obliged to advertise!!!!

[craft1948]

I'm not a business person so would probably be your customer...........when I want to find a local business I never use Thomson Local...........I always look in Yellow Pages or use 192.com. I actually throw the Thomsons book out as soon as it arrives......I don't know if they've improved in recent years but they used to be very bad at getting the most crucial information i.e. the telephone numbers correct.

[albaqwerty]

I can't remember the last time a copy was delivered to me.
About 20 odd years ago, I worked for a small company and they were pushy then. I use Yellow Pages when I'm looking for a business.

[Markandshez]

Both are pushy to the extreme - they are sales people on commision.

Ask your potential customers if they use any publication before you advertise in it. You will save yourself a fortune. People advertise in the Yellow Pages because they feel they need to, but unless you are measuring and making sure you know where your customers are coming from you are wasting your money.

To prove my point, take your Yellow Pages and look under Insurance. There will be over 100 PAGES of insurance companies advertising. There is no way you will ever convince me that all of those companies make money from their Yellow Pages Ad - I guess over 95% of them are wasting their money