Classified Concepts Latest Program Boosts Newspaper Auto Ad Revenue
Santa Barbara, CA, January 15, 2007—Map-based solutions provider and classified innovator Classified Concepts has recently launched its latest program, the Automotive Directory Program. In conjunction with Cars.com and McClatchy newspaper the San Luis Obispo Tribune, Classified Concepts has taken a new approach to automotive listings by reverse publishing Cars.com's database in an easy-to-read layout for newspapers that displays photos, dealer/seller information, and a corresponding auto dealer map. The result is a dynamic automotive section that attracts readers and advertisers and allows newspapers to compete with weekly automotive magazines like the Auto Trader and Trade Express for valuable advertising revenue.
"The response from dealers and readers alike has been phenomenal," says Cheryl Cuming, Director of Advertising for the San Luis Obispo Tribune. "Readers have commented that the information is better organized and easier to read when compared to the other used car publications currently in our market. We have seen a 15-20% increase in monthly auto ad revenue as a direct result of our new section." The newspaper has even created its own sponsorship program with dealer opt-ins and, according to Cuming, "Almost 60% of the county's dealers got involved after the first week."
Newspapers also benefit from the ease of implementing this new program. Similar to their other Locator Map Programs, Classified Concepts promises a quick turnaround time and delivers a multi-page digital document that can easily be placed into a newspaper's existing layout. Because Classified Concepts receives a listing directly from Cars.com, there is no added work for newspapers. In addition to the layout, Classified Concepts provides an online map with auto dealer information, driving directions, and a listing of used cars per auto dealer.
For more information on the Automotive Directory Program and other Classified Concepts Programs, please contact Peter Sproul, National Sales Manager, at 866-685-3100 or
peter@maps.com.
About Classified Concepts
Formed in 2003, Classified Concepts is the New Media division of Maps.com. Classified Concepts was formed to help newspaper and television stations generate revenue with innovative new programs and currently runs over 100 weekly programs in more than 60 newspapers across the United States and Canada. For more information, visit
www.classifiedconcepts.com.
About Maps.com
Founded in 1991, Santa Barbara-based Maps.com is the industry's most comprehensive mapping services company with offerings in the business, consumer, and education marketplaces. Whether it's creating a regional wall map or planning a multi-stop travel route online, Maps.com strives to meet the mapping needs of today's digital era. Today, over 2 million monthly visitors, 8,500 U.S. Schools, and both small and large companies, such as Lowe's Home Improvement, Nextel, UniversalMap Enterprises and AAA currently benefit from Maps.com's vast service offerings. For more information, visit
www.maps.com.
