Q. How does the Big Birthday Book work?

A. Area businesses buy half page or full-page advertisements and offer a free item to local residents for their birthday. The Big Birthday Book then gets direct mailed to area residents during their birthday month.

Q. Do the coupons have expiration dates?

A. Yes, we require all coupons have a minimum of 30 days of eligibility, but we will work with each business when designing the advertisement to determine the expiration date.

Q. How many businesses will be featured in the Big Birthday Book?

A. For Smith County, a maximum of 40 businesses will be included in each month’s publication of the Big Birthday Book. Additionally, we will limit the number of certain types of businesses as to not have too many of the same offering.

Q. Do I have to give away something for free, or can it be a discounted item?

A. While we prefer items in the book to be free (And we think it's the best way to get a customer in the door), we realize this won't work for everyone. We will also except discounted or buy one get one deals.

Q. What are some examples of free items you might see in the Big Birthday Book?

A. A restaurant might give away a free appetizer or free desert. An ice cream shop might give away a free Ice Cream Cone. A coffee shop might give away a free coffee. A carwash might give away a free carwash. A realtor might give away a free home evaluation. A salon might give away a free hair or skin product. Businesses can also give away gift cards ($10 to spend in the store, etc).

Q. Why would I want to give away something for free?

A. Great question! Our goal is that by giving away something free to someone for their birthday, they will become a long-time customer. Additionally, a lot of times a free item will get them in the door where they will spend more money. For example, someone with a free coffee coupon might also buy a pastry, or might bring a friend or family member and buy them a coffee. We believe that giving away a free item will bring consumers to your business, and they will appreciate the gesture which will hopefully keep them coming back for more.

Q. Who creates the advertisement for the book?

A. We do! After you reserve your spot, we will reach out to you to start designing your half page or full-page advertisement. We will use artwork and logos you provide as well as our design expertise to create these ads. You will get to see and make changes to the ads prior to printing.

Q. If I sign up for 6 months, do I get priority for future printings?

A. Absolutely! We will reach out to current advertisers for the 2nd quarter printing, prior to reaching out to new companies.

Q. I am ready to commit, what are the next steps?

A. Reserve your spot by clicking the reserve links on this page. You will select a half or full page advertisement as well as your desired commitment (6 or 12 months). After your first payment, we will charge your payment method each month thereafter for the duration of your commitment. The charge will happen on the 15th of the month prior to publishing. (For example, the February edition will be charged to your payment method on January 15). Once paid, we will reach out with the next steps including to gather art work and information for the advertisement design process.