Bigger and better than ever, the new Blue Book phonebooks are here. Distribution is underway for the 2016-2017 Corpus Christi Area-Wide Telephone and Internet Directory, the only phonebook in the area that still prints the white page residential listings for the entire 361 area code. It is also the only area-wide phone book, covering the greater Coastal Bend region.
This year, the book has a new look, including a refrigerator magnet for Roto Rooter.
“Take it off the book and put it on your refrigerator,” sales manager Bob Hotchkin said. “That magnet represents the ease in which you can find important service providers in our phonebook. It’s quicker than looking it up online, no matter what device you’re using. You need a plumber? The number is right there!”
The strength of yellow pages has always been with local service ads. Consumers still see yellow pages as the most credible source for information about local providers, according to research data. You don’t have to click through search engine results that include outdated entries and bogus business names. You can count on the information in the Blue Book to be accurate and up to date.
“I’m excited about the new book and the results our advertisers will get from it,” Hotchkin said. “Print — and phonebooks in particular — still offer the best rate of return on advertising dollars.”
The typical business receives a sales return on its phonebook ad investment of about $26 to $1. That is, for a $3,300 expenditure on an ad, the business receives about $81,000 in sales. (Results vary by heading.) The ROI across all media is $9 to $1.
Also, an analysis of data from hundreds of thousands of phonebook-generated calls shows 96 percent of yellow pages ads generate enough calls to make the ads profitable.
The Blue Book comes with an online component as well.
“We back up our book with an interactive website that provides daily news and other editorial content that drives readers to our advertisers online,” Hotchkin said.
Phonebook advertisers get the advantage of both print and online exposure at 101corpuschristi.com because the Blue Book is published by a multi-media company that understands the importance of showcasing local businesses.
A locally owned and operated business that has served the Coastal Bend for 16 years, Texas Publishing produces the Corpus Christi Business News, Corpus Christi Living magazine, 101 Fun Things to do in Corpus Christi, ccbiznews.com, 101corpuschristi.com and a series of subject-specific guides that further enhance advertising opportunities for its phonebook clients.
“The phonebook is an integral part of a comprehensive package of advertising opportunities that include online, print and social media,” said Dan Alvey, owner of Texas Publishing. “Each of these works hand in hand with the other to provide the best coverage and exposure for our customers as possible. Texas Publishing puts its customers first. Our business is making your business grow.”
WHERE TO GET YOUR PHONEBOOK
With a press run of 132,000, the 872-page Blue Book will be delivered to homes in and around Corpus Christi. Phonebooks are also in racks around the city. For locations, visit 101corpuschristi.com/area-wide.
