Montana newspapers are an effective means of obtaining current news and other information for your business. They are packed with information on real estate and can provide insight into the attitude of Montana residents toward your business and the market for your products and services.

Newspapers in MT also represent an opportunity to announce any news related to the move or establishment of your business, or new products you might be introducing. Benefit from this by advertising with display ads or in the classified section, or give an interview to a local business reporter. Specialty, or niche, publications also allow you to promote your business to a focused audience.

MT newspapers will almost certainly have a website. You can do the following with Montana online newspapers:

1. Research real estate listings in different areas of Montana to find the best location for your business.

2. Use the search features on the website of a Montana newspaper to display all of the articles on a particular event in chronological order so you can track the story as it unfolds.

3. Get informed on current events from many different cities without a subscription. Most newspaper websites offer free registration.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take advantage of the reach of major daily MT newspapers

These newspapers are frequently known as 'state' papers because their coverage includes the entire state. A metropolitan paper may have bureaus in other cities and can provide a great depth of information because of their large staffs and many resources. State papers also usually have the most comprehensive MT obituaries. Because of their statewide circulation, major metro daily newspapers offer an opportunity to advertise your business to the largest audience.

I recommend: The Missoulian is the Missoula, Montana newspaper and one of the leading dailies in the state. The Gazette is the Billings, Montana newspaper and another of the state's top publications.

Use smaller daily and non-daily Montana newspapers

Daily and weekly newspapers in smaller communities focus on local news such as church events and Little League scores that a publication with a larger Montana newspaper circulation tends to ignore. Reach a local audience by advertising in a daily or non-daily publication, or buy and sell used office equipment through their classifieds.

I recommend: The Chronicle, a mid-size daily, is the Bozeman, Montana newspaper and focuses on community information. The Eagle keeps the residents of Big Fork informed on local events on a weekly basis.

Target your advertising in specialty Montana newspapers

Most major cities have some type of entertainment newspaper, business journal or other niche publication that caters to a specific interest. These papers also may have blogs that can give a personal view of life in that community. If you're looking to increase your business network or promote your business to a specific group of readers, a niche publication may be the approach you need.

I recommend: The Outpost in Billings is an alternative newspaper for residents of Yellowstone County. The Independent covers the arts, independent news and other events in Missoula.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider the advertising rates Montana newspapers charge for advertising a small business. The ad rates are usually less at a smaller, local newspaper than for a metropolitan paper and your audience is more likely to live near your business location.