Celebrating our 10th Year mailing direct to Asheville and Hendersonville NC homes!

Our most recent magazines

Asheville North Zone

Henderson County / Hendersonville Zone

Asheville South Zone

Advertising success? HVG helps owners put it in the bag (and the bank)!

What does a successful advertising campaign look like? 

Success in this area of marketing can take all sorts of shapes and forms. Digital programs and social media have changed the landscape for local business marketing immensely. Traditional forms of advertising / marketing are falling away, yet still gobble up a ton of local business budgets, often without any accountability. 

That's where the Hometown Value Guide is set apart. Our local direct mailed magazines get their 'feet held to the fire' when it comes to results. Here's a new example of our advertiser's success after publishing their logo, address and offer in our magazine.

No program provides more roi, particularly for restaurants, than ours. How much will 250+ new parties of diners be worth to a restaurant in the course of a year?

Spring / Summer Savings - Coupons in Asheville and Hendersonville - most good thru August 2014

The Hometown Value Guide offers savings and promotions from local businesses in the Asheville, NC area that help consumers save money on area home service providers, retailers and restaurants. Take a look at the latest ad and coupon slideshow to see businesses and the promotions currently offered. Most of the coupons are good till 8/15/12. Use them and share them!  Thanks - JoeHVG

Show me the money!

That's a great line from a fantastic movie. See the clip here.

One simple question I hear often when talking to business owners and managers “How does your print advertising compare to others?”

I don't talk about other magazines or programs when present ours. It is not how I do it. I know that after all the positioning and features / benefits talk by any sales rep or advertising person dust settles, the proof is in the cash register of the advertiser.

Does the ad they buy produce results? Does the Hometown Value Guide produce results?

1/6 Page ad in Hometown Value Guide = $18,925 in 60 days 

This snapshot was taken Friday at one of our advertisers. It is 60 days worth of verifiable results spread on the table = $18,925 in sales. The advertiser still has 30 days left on this promotion. The next HVG mailing is in May, call or message me today to save your spot.

Don't Postpone Joy

I am reminded this morning of how fleeting life is. Word of Laurey Masterton passing-on brought front and center to my mind her call: Don't Postpone Joy. I didn't know Laurey but it's easy to see the positive impact she made was far and wide. Peace be with you, Laurey.

Had such a fun time watching all the children and many parents converge on the best sledding hill in our neighborhood this past week. It was simply joyful. 

Next time you get a chance...I suggest you take it!
That's me flying :)

Direct Mail: Leaves a ‘deeper footprint’ in the brain

Recent findings by Millward Brown, a leading global research agency, revealed “physical media – AKA direct mail – left a ‘deeper footprint’ in the brain.” In other words media that consumers can touch and feel resonated and touched more emotions than those of the digital variety.

And those consumers that are affected by “physical media” are not just the older demo, as many marketers believe.

“Direct mail surprisingly transcends the age demographic, with younger consumers (the 18- to 34-year-old demographic) preferring to learn about marketing offers via postal

mail rather than online sources, according to national survey research from ICOM,” said Lisa Formica, president of FMI, a direct mail marketing and advertising firm.

What about ROI? According to a recent survey conducted by TargetMarketing magazine, the channel that delivered the strongest ROI for customer acquisition for B2C marketers was direct mail. Direct mail also scored the highest among B2C marketers for customer contact and retention.

You can read the entire article here: 

Direct Mail: Alive And Kicking

Small Business Week & Anniversary Celebration @ PostNet Asheville

From our friends Bill and Eydie Merwitzer:

PostNet of South Asheville is hosting a special event, Wednesday, June 19 at their business center to thank the local small business community.

Join them while they celebrate the contributions our businesses make every day, and the power we have to drive America's economy forward.

PLUS...



HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!


WEDNESDAY
JUNE 19th 10am - 6pm

Still like to flip pages? Digital version of our magazines available

Making a digital version of the Hometown Value Guide available has never been easier thanks to services such as www.issuu.com. However, research into Paper vs. Screen effectiveness for magazines continues to shed new insights in to why and how these seemingly opposing media effect us. 

I recently read an article which delved into an important question: How exactly does the technology we use to read change the way we read? Reading on screens differs from reading on paper and is relevant to just about everyone who reads. Even though e-readers and tablets are becoming more popular as such technologies improve, research suggests that reading on paper still boasts unique advantages.

Take a look at this fascinating article from Scientific American:
The Reading Brain in the Digital Age: The Science of Paper versus Screens

4 Direct Mail Statistics You Can't Ignore

http://themoreyouknowbandb.wordpress.com/2012/11/11/4-direct-mail-statistics-you-cant-ignore/

SEEMS TO BE SOMETHING MANY HAVE OVERLOOKED…STATISTICS!

1.  Major corporations like Disneyland, Bank of America and Time Warner Cable love direct mail! “Direct mail ranked as the number one (88%) planned marketing channels..., followed by web/micro-site, email, and social media.” 

2.  Direct mail, compared to other marketing endeavors, has the highest rate of gaining new customers. “For customer acquisition, direct mail (34%) topped email (25%), search engine marketing (10%), and affiliate marketing (8%), with 23% of respondents citing a variety of other channels.” 

3. Direct mail has potential for huge returns on investment. “US advertisers spend an average of $167 per person on direct mail to earn $2,095 worth of goods sold, giving them a 1300% return.” 

4. The paper used for direct mail is green. “Nearly 80% of U.S. paper mills use recovered fiber to make some or all of their products. About 140 mills use recovered paper exclusively.”

How do I know direct mail works?

From time to time our advertisers will write a note and tell us their experience of getting new customers from their investment in the Hometown Value Guide direct mailed magazine program. This always makes us smile, reminding us of one of the reasons why we love what we do :)

Album of some offers and coupons from November 2012 HVG magazine mailing

Take a look at a some of the current coupons offered by businesses in Asheville, NC and Hendersonville, NC.

Album of Coupons from November HVG mailing

Direct Marketing Consumer Survey: “We Prefer Direct Mail”

December 1, 2011 -- According to marketing firm Epsilon Targeting’s latest Consumer Channel Preference Study of nearly 5,000 North American consumers, 50% of U.S. consumers prefer direct mail to email, and the same can be said for nearly as many Canadians.

    

The study, entitled “The Formula For Success: Preference and Trust,” finds that direct mail continues to deliver as consumers’ preferred means of receiving marketing messages from brands, with six out of 10 Americans and even more Canadians say they “enjoy getting postal mail from brands about new products.”

    

The 2011 research shows that despite direct mail’s reputation for being “old school” or expensive, it is the top choice of U.S. and Canadian consumers for the receipt of brand communications in almost every category, ranging from “health to household products, to household services, insurance and financial services,”  Also of note, “the preference for direct mail also extends to the 18-34 year old demographic.”

    

Additional Key Findings: 

• Compared to Epsilon 2010 survey of consumer channel preferences, 10% of U.S. respondents say they used Facebook to research and review product information, a 66% growth from six percent in 2010.

    

• With this said, approximately a third of U.S. and Canadian survey respondents (33% U.S. and 31% Canadian) don’t find ads on social media sites useful. 

    

• Across all key verticals – from financial and insurance to retail and personal care - direct mail is preferred to email by all respondents. 

    

• Nearly 4 out of 10 (37%) U.S. consumers and 29% of Canadians use TV daily to get consumer product information, down from 43% and 35% respectively in 2010

    

• In the U.S., 75% of consumers say they get more email than they can read; 61% of Canadians express the same sentiment.

    

The study suggests that brands should use a variety of channels to build relationships, starting with trusted channels like direct mail.

    

Warren Storey, VP of product marketing and insight at Epsilon Targeting, said the findings are not all that unexpected when “you know the data and consumer trends.”  He is quoted as saying: 

    

“It’s just ‘surprising’ because everything you hear in the media is basically counter to what the consumers are actually telling us, which is that direct mail is still the preferred channel,” and “direct mail is one of those mediums that is always quietly there in the background doing a great job.”

    

“The key learning from this study is that marketers should recognize consumer preferences and establish a trustworthy relationship across a variety of channels,” said Storey. “Consumers appreciate brands that pay attention to their interests and stated preferences.”

Source:  Epsilon, The Formula For Success: Preference and Trust, 2011.

Running Hot and Cold - Asheville & Hendersonville Heating and Air Conditioning

It was over seven years ago when my family and I landed in our 'new-to-us' home nestled in Horse Shoe (in the middle of the triangle cities Hendersonville, Asheville and Brevard, NC). Enjoying our first spring in the rich mountains we now called home was a great contrast to the flat swamps of south Florida we were used to. Then came summer.

When things heated up, we found our new house didn't have the cooling capabilities we needed to be comfortable. That’s when I decided to call Champion Comfort Experts (formerly Champion service Experts). They serviced some of our neighbors’ heating and cooling systems so I gave them a ring about our air conditioning. Since we were not sure if larger changes were required to address our future plans of finishing our basement space, a technician was dispatched and a ‘comfort expert’ appointment was set.

The technician arrived, performed the routine check and uncovered some problems that were repaired. Our tech also shared his observations of some likely long-term issues we should be aware of. He took a complete survey of the system while at our house to pass on to our comfort expert. In just a few hours, from call to completion, Champion Comfort Experts has us cooling again.

A few days later we met our comfort expert. He took time to thoroughly explain the options available and all the pros and cons of each approach. He measured rooms, tallied air flow stats, measured again checking the existing system for additional options.

What we learned was we didn't need a new system. By re-working of our existing equipment, new ductwork for the expansion of living area we wanted to cool/heat and the addition of a zoning system we have been able to obtain six years more useful and more efficient life from what we already owned. Plus, Champion’s approach saved us thousands of dollars! <big smile>

Champion Comfort Experts did what was right, not what was most profitable for them. And that has made our family loyal Champion customers! Owners Ritchie and Amy Holt, Tracy, Sharon and their whole team are ready to serve your home or business heating and air conditioning needs in Asheville, Hendersonville and surrounding areas. You can check out their latest money saving offer at the Hometown Value Guide website.

There is nothing without belief

It wasn't very long ago that I was trapped by my previous choices in a very unhappy 'place'. I just turned 38 years old. My hip, which was surgically secured (fused) in place after a high-school auto accident was causing my knee to become more and more damaged. I was fast approaching 280lbs and getting around was getting harder and harder. I didn't know what I was going to do...An operation to repair my knee was just around the corner if I couldn't reverse my course. My four young children were watching me be unhealthy because I used the excuse of my hip.  My wife didn't nag me, but her fears grew just as my pants size did. She wondered, "Will Joe be at risk for more problems like heart disease, diabetes and stroke...all are in his family history." I didn't believe I could change.

My left hip - fused in place when I was 19 years old.

This all started to change for the better the day I met Kam Parker, owner and head-trainer at The Fire Personal Training Studio. Attending one of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce opportunities to connect with other business owners, I heard Kam give a presentation about her business. I was struck by her confidence and knowledge. It was if she was talking directly to me! After catching up with Kam after the event, we talked about my situation. She agreed to take me on as a one-on-one personal training client. Her only requirement was that my level of commitment to see this journey through was going to have to be extremely high (not wasting her/my time). You can trust she pushed me hard enough that I wanted to give up, plenty. But that's not the reason I've successfully changed my health and fitness levels. It's because I finally believed I could do it, then I didn't stop.

Once I started to push through and start forming better habits, my belief started to soar. Kam has that right mix of experience and drive that anyone at any fitness level or age can benefit from. Personal training and diet guidance got me to a new level, but Kam's understanding of the emotional changes I needed to conquer was the tipping point that has helped me create lasting change. Now I like to share my story with anyone who wants to listen.

After intense personal training to correct the weakness in my left leg, I moved into the regular group personal training sessions at The Fire. Now when I stop in once a week, I'm in the advanced class. I was able to run a 1/2 marathon last year and continue to work toward new challenges. I train my wife at home and my kids are very happy with the more active and fit Dad I am now.

Until I believed it was possible, I was stuck. Not anymore. If you need help getting on your way to a more fit and health version of yourself, contact me, I'll share more details or you can contact Kam at The Fire.

Asheville, NC Coupons most valid through 7/15/12

The latest Hometown Value Guide offers from savings and promotions from local businesses in the Asheville, NC area that help consumers save money and connect with many service providers, retailers and restaurants. Take a look at our coupon slideshow to see some ads and the promotions. Most of the coupons are good till 7/15/12. Print them out, or show them on your mobile device to redeem them. Thanks - JoeHVG

Small Business ROI

There are those times that come along in any entrepreneurial journey when one feels completely assured that all the effort is worth it. Today, a short note tweeted by one of the newer advertising clients in the Hometown Value Guide said it well:

Expand your reach. Measure results. Get new customers.

Joe Jakubielski
Publisher / Owner
Hometown Value Guide
828.335.3553
www.hometownvalueguide.com
www.facebook.com/hometownvalueguide
www.twitter.com/joehvg

7 comments our readers say about the Hometown Value Guide

#7 - “Hometown Value Guide is filled with local businesses.”
We are useful for people who live in the neighborhood.

#6 - “I like the way Hometown Value Guide looks and feels.”
That's why we have not made our magazine smaller in size or reduce the quality of our paper.

#5 - “The Hometown Value Guide gives me a reason to return to a business I haven’t been to in a while.”
Bringing back an old or lost customer is always good for the "bottom line".

#4 - “Each Hometown Value Guide helps me to get to know quality businesses are in town.”
We all like to make a good impression. Quality begets quality.

#3 - “I like the variety of useful ads and, of course, the savings in our Hometown Value Guide!”
Smart people like to save. Wealthy people like to save. Who wants smart, wealthy customers?

#2 - “My family looks for the next Hometown Value Guide issue in our mailbox.”
A captive and receptive audience means our advertisers make impressions. Thousands of them. Tens of thousands.

#1 - “The Hometown Value Guide gives me a reason to try someplace new.”
Somewhat the “holy grail” of marketing...we are proud to deliver new customers to our advertisers.

Joe Jakubielski
Publisher / Owner
Hometown Value Guide
828.335.3553
www.hometownvalueguide.com
www.facebook.com/hometownvalueguide
www.twitter.com/hmtownvaluguide
www.twitter.com/joehvg


Expand your reach. Measure results. Get new customers.

Guaranteed delivery in up to 55,000 homes quarterly, brilliant color and exceptional quality.

Hendersonville Coupon Savings by Hometown Value Guide

The Hometown Value Guide of Hendersonville North Carolina has plenty of coupons from great, reliable businesses in the area. You can pick up our print edition at many locations, or you can print off one of our online coupons, or simply show these coupons on your phone or mobile device to the businesses listed. Here is a photo slideshow of Hendersonville Coupons for you to use. Thank you.

Asheville Coupons - Hometown Value Guide - January 2012

The Hometown Value Guide of Asheville has plenty of great coupons from local businesses in the community. Here is a way to save money and experience so many places in the area. Take a look at our coupon slideshow to see some values. Most of these coupons are good till 2/15/12. You can print them out, or show them on your mobile device to redeem them. Thanks.

The story behind the Hometown Value Guide of Asheville & Hendersonville

It's really just a leap of faith: Story of the Hometown Value Guide

After spending 20 + years in Florida the time was ripe for change. For a young and growing family boarding up the house and running from hurricane after hurricane was finally too much for us. Besides with the fire ants, oppressive humidity with no time to boat, fish or golf...why stay?

I'm Joe Jakubielski (jack-a-bill-ski) and along with my wife Annamarie, we own and operate the Hometown Value Guide direct mail marketing program. This is the story of how we got here.

Since just after the Macintosh was invented, I've been using it as a tool to help local businesses get exposure. I've been designing ads and collateral for a long time and managing the printing of those items. I helped publish a weekly newspaper and monthly magazines for several years. I landed at a progressive printing company when I met my wife to be. After making our vows we started our family right away. It wasn't long before I was looking for more income opportunity.

That's when I met S.B. at a company that publishes local direct coupon magazines. I was trusted with converting the analog art process to a modern digital one. It was a good run. The corporate position was paying very well, but as many know, often the trade-offs are tough. Travel, late and long hours and a sense that if the company leadership faltered, I'd be looking for a new gig in no time flat. 7 years and 3 children later, it was the turbulent hurricane season of 2004 that sent our family in search of something else.

It was August and we were on the run from Hurricane Ivan. We were sitting in a grassy playground field outside Knoxville. The children played in the grass with no fear of fire ants and a breeze kept us from feeling too hot. Annamarie dropped the bomb: "You have one year to get us out of Florida!"

After digging deep about what we wanted, things became crystal clear. It was to create a life where our family was in the center and we could wrap our business life around it. We asked God to guide us and we leaped into the unknown by deciding to publish our own direct mail magazines. We had fallen in love with the mountains. And when we searched for mild climate, four seasons, and positive business atmosphere: Asheville and Henderson County was on top of the list. I took my oldest son on a scouting trip on January 1, 2005 and declared, "We can LIVE here!"

It had only taken us six months to move and another three to get our business underway. Without direct selling experience, in August of 2005 we published and mailed the first quarterly issue of the Hometown Value Guide. Some of the clients in that issue are still advertising with us today.

Making the choice to change our life was a scary one. We moved away from family. We started something from scratch. We know by keeping a grateful attitude for all the people and each opportunity God places in our lives we are certain things will work out just fine.

Seven years have past and we're still at it. We have three magazine zones and our family now has four children, a great dog and a crooked little cat. We look forward to helping more local business owners to grow and profit for a long time to come.

Joe Jakubielski
Publisher / Owner
Hometown Value Guide
828.335.3553
www.hometownvalueguide.com
www.facebook.com/hometownvalueguide
www.twitter.com/hmtownvaluguide
www.twitter.com/JoeHVG