Media Sales Today

Newspapers are delivering their content to consumers on a variety of platforms. Their presence on multiple media formats means they have a better chance of attracting the attention of consumers who are multitasking. And new research indicates these efforts appear to be paying off.

Whether they’re online or on paper, shoppers faithfully check weekly circulars for specials at the supermarket. Even as we emerge from recession, consumers are continuing to buy private label products. To boost sales of branded products, marketers are increasing their use of traditional ad circulars.

Newspapers have been improving their online sites with new content. These efforts, combined with the increasing numbers of consumers who are turning to the Internet for their news, are boosting traffic for newspaper publishers. As their online attractiveness to advertisers grows, newspaper publishers may start to generate significant revenue from the digital front.

Comic book store operators know they are facing a tough economic situation. But comic book publishers are ready to help their retailers revive the industry. In the past year, a major industry publisher, DC Entertainment, has been reworking its image, its platforms and its future. Reps should stop by their local comic book stores to discuss the revamped product line from DC Entertainment and new advertising plans to help these retailers expand their audience.

The peak time for toy sales remains the holiday season but consumers purchase these products at other times during the year. Not surprisingly, digital marketing is becoming increasingly important for parents as they research what their children ask for. And, new data indicates that marketers could boost results by shifting their ad strategies.

Traditionally, consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers have used coupons to get shoppers to try new products or services. During the recession, coupon distributions rose significantly but analysts reported that these numbers dropped in 2011. And, in 2012, marketers may be making some changes to their coupon strategies.

The healthcare and financial services industries have come under closer consumer scrutiny this year. The healthcare industry is about to undergo a transformation with the upcoming national reforms becoming more apparent in 2012. And, the financial services industry is still struggling to redeem itself after the recent economic collapse. Some analysts believe both of these industries will be rolling out image campaigns in the next year.