What Are the Legal Ways to Advertise a Small Business?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores various methods for advertising a small business within the constraints of community guidelines. Participants share personal experiences and ideas about legal advertising options, discussing what has worked for them and the challenges they have faced.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses a need for effective advertising methods and seeks clarification on legal options.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using local newspapers for advertising, noting that they received bookings and recruits from it.
  • Several users mention the importance of ensuring that advertisements do not appear online to comply with guidelines, sharing personal anecdotes about violations.
  • One participant humorously reflects on the absurdity of vague ads that do not specify what they are selling.
  • Another participant suggests using logo wear and catalogs as subtle advertising tools in everyday life.
  • One participant raises a question about the legality of sponsoring a race car without using the company logo, seeking opinions from others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness and legality of various advertising methods, with no clear consensus emerging on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and interpretations of advertising policies, highlighting the nuances and challenges of promoting their businesses legally.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for creative and compliant ways to advertise their businesses may find the shared experiences and ideas relevant.

emiscookin
emiscookin
Messages
311
Hey everyone. As you all know I am new to the business and REALLY need to expand it!!

What are the things that I am allowed to do to advertise my business?

I understand I can't post on Craigslist or have a fan/group page on Facebook correct? I also understand that I can't put flyers in people's mailboxes because it's illegal. Someone mentioned putting them in the newspaper holder next to the mailbox, but could I get in trouble for that too??

Can I advertise in the newspaper?

Would love to hear from you and any clever ideas you have that have worked. Thanks! :)
 
In our policies online you can read the dos and don'ts but here are some basics. On our PC website Merrill has some ads we can purchase for ($3.25?) They are in a email format that you can send in to newspapers to put in their paper. These are made by the company with a variety of sayings. You can make your own to post in a paper, but you can only use pictures that are not copyrighted. That's why using merrill is the best choice.I have used advertising in my local paper several times. I usually got 2-3 bookings a month and I got a recruit from it! You can put your flyers in the paper boxes. The reason you can't in the mailbox is it's a federal offense. * billboards okay
* door flyers okay (find a company that puts these out for you- makes it easy. We have one in our town I'm going to use)
* business that will let you leave your information
 
lockhartkitchen said:
... I have used advertising in my local paper several times. I usually got 2-3 bookings a month and I got a recruit from it! ...
Click to expand...

... as long as the paper doesn't offer an online version. I learned that lesson the hard way. I thought I was following all the rules for advertising in my local paper ... not one of the top 100 ... no web address, etc. Then I got a complaint from HO where someone had reported me. When I called, it took forever to figure out that it was because they offered the classifieds online that made it a violation. :(
I suggested that they add that clause to the advertising section of the Policy & procedures ... because I followed that section by the book! I had a true moron trying to help me because the "right" person was out of the office. So I'm not sure that the "right" person got the message relayed or if the "wrong" person ever really understood why someone would be confused.
 
Oh, but the moron did tell me that I could put an ad in the paper with my name & number and that would be okay ... as long as I didn't advertise what I sell. Hmmm, let's see ... I wonder what kind of calls that I would get off an ad like that??? I doubt it would be any potential PC customers, PC hosts or PC recruits! It would probably be a bunch of men looking for a good time. :(
 
Oh, that's funny. I can see it now:

I have great stuff to offer.
Call me.
Sheila Dacey
XXX-XXX-XXXX

Oh yeah, that would bring in the PC business. LOL!
 
Don't forget logo wear and the catalog tote. Even a catalog sticking out of your purse can work as a simple idea.
 
raebates said:
Oh, that's funny. I can see it now:

I have great stuff to offer.
Call me.
Sheila Dacey
XXX-XXX-XXXX

Oh yeah, that would bring in the PC business. LOL!
Click to expand...

Oh, I'd have to make it more fun than THAT Rae! ...

Let's call all your friends over for a fun evening and you can earn stuff for free & at a discount! My hosts NEVER pay full price! :D name/number

LOL
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Sheila said:
... as long as the paper doesn't offer an online version. I learned that lesson the hard way. I thought I was following all the rules for advertising in my local paper ... not one of the top 100 ... no web address, etc. Then I got a complaint from HO where someone had reported me. When I called, it took forever to figure out that it was because they offered the classifieds online that made it a violation. :(
I suggested that they add that clause to the advertising section of the Policy & procedures ... because I followed that section by the book! I had a true moron trying to help me because the "right" person was out of the office. So I'm not sure that the "right" person got the message relayed or if the "wrong" person ever really understood why someone would be confused.
Click to expand...

Hmm...thanks for sharing that. I wonder if I tell the newspaper people not to post it online, will they?
 
emiscookin said:
Hmm...thanks for sharing that. I wonder if I tell the newspaper people not to post it online, will they?
Click to expand...
I wouldn't bet on it. They aren't going to make a code modification for one person most likely. You can ask them if it is an option for you to NOT be listed online. They may have a way to leave it out entirely....just depends on the company. Can't hurt to ask.
 
Sheila said:
Oh, I'd have to make it more fun than THAT Rae! ...

Let's call all your friends over for a fun evening and you can earn stuff for free & at a discount! My hosts NEVER pay full price! :D name/number

LOL
Click to expand...


Now THAT could get some interesting responses. :o
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
lockhartkitchen said:
In our policies online you can read the dos and don'ts but here are some basics. On our PC website Merrill has some ads we can purchase for ($3.25?) They are in a email format that you can send in to newspapers to put in their paper. These are made by the company with a variety of sayings. You can make your own to post in a paper, but you can only use pictures that are not copyrighted. That's why using merrill is the best choice.
Click to expand...

Could you send me a link to that? I can't find it on the Merrill website. Thanks!
 
Sheila!!! Second career maybe??? I understand you can make a LOT OF MONEY that way! Could you imagine? Pull out a Baker's Roller and offer a message! Then give them a half priced item as the Happy Ending!
 
Ok, here's a conundrum - what about a "race car sponsorship" but it doesn't use the logo and it's just a script that says Pampered Chef by Laura and my phone number?
 
As long as it's local I don't see the problem, Laura.
 
Yep. Just a local little dirt track. LOL!! No Dale Earnhardt, Jr. or anything. HAHA!!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the legal requirements for advertising a small business?

When advertising a small business, it's essential to comply with federal, state, and local laws. This includes truth in advertising regulations, which require that all claims made in advertisements be truthful and not misleading. Additionally, businesses must adhere to specific guidelines regarding endorsements, testimonials, and any promotional materials that may involve sensitive information.

Can I use social media to advertise my small business legally?

Yes, you can use social media to advertise your small business legally. However, you must ensure that your advertisements comply with the platform's advertising policies and guidelines. This includes avoiding false claims, respecting copyright laws, and disclosing any sponsored content or partnerships clearly to your audience.

Are there restrictions on using email marketing for my small business?

Yes, there are restrictions on email marketing, primarily governed by the CAN-SPAM Act in the United States. This law requires businesses to include a clear opt-out option in their emails, provide accurate sender information, and avoid deceptive subject lines. Always ensure that you have permission from recipients before sending marketing emails.

What are the rules for advertising discounts or promotions?

When advertising discounts or promotions, it’s crucial to be transparent about the terms and conditions. Clearly state the duration of the promotion, any limitations, and eligibility requirements. Misleading consumers about the nature of a discount can lead to legal issues, so ensure all claims are accurate and verifiable.

Is it legal to use customer testimonials in my advertising?

Yes, using customer testimonials is legal, but you must ensure that they are genuine and not misleading. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that testimonials reflect the honest opinions of the customers and that any material connections between the business and the reviewer are disclosed. This helps maintain transparency and trust with potential customers.

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