Colleen Toms
BRANT NEWS

Wag Jag’s Blaire Sylvester is in the business of creating business for local retailers. And in today’s high tech, digital world, an on-line presence with phenomenal deals is helping independent businesses stand out.

“It is a really good way to advertise,” Sylvester said of Wag Jag, an online advertising tool operated by Brant News that gives consumers discounts of up to 70 per cent. “There is no upfront cost for advertising and you get guaranteed results because people actually purchase it.”

When advertising through Wag Jag, businesses work closely with Sylvester to determine what product and deal will best work for them to bring in business traditional advertising wouldn’t.

“I know what sells on there and what price points are going to sell,” Sylvester said. “Even if it is offered at 70 per cent off…it’s great to create this deal and get people in the door.”

New businesses and smaller, independent retailers generally benefit most by offering discounts on the Wag Jag site. “If it’s a new place that just opened then it is a great way to get people in to try them out,” Sylvester said. “It works best for small businesses like restaurants, salons, golf courses and for excursions of any sort. Any adventures like zip-lining, horseback riding, mini golf, tend to sell best.”

Statistics show that 75 per cent of Wag Jag shoppers are women in the 25 to 36 age range. Many shoppers purchase products as gifts because they are so affordable.

“You have a lot of moms looking for that affordable, family fun deal,” Sylvester said. “They are very budget conscious.”

Brantford-raised, Sylvester is pleased that Wag Jag is a Canadian organization with a strong local presence.

“We are owned by Metroland and they employ a lot of Canadians,” she said. “They also employ local reps in every community and we are out there pounding the pavement. For smaller cities like Brantford, Wag Jag is great because it is very local.”

Prior to selling Wag Jag, Sylvester taught a social media class for local businesses.

“I really enjoyed the business aspect of it,” she said. “I also like the online media aspect. I went to school for public relations and marketing and I really like talking to people.”

While Sylvester didn’t expect her career path to take her into sales, she felt Wag Jag was a perfect career opportunity that fit her background and personality.

“I said I would never sell, but I think this is the only way I would sell because I really believe in it,” she said.

Other internet sites offer deals on purchases, but Wag Jag differs by offering clients both print and online advertising, with Wag Jag online ads running for seven consecutive days.

“So you are getting a lot more exposure,” Sylvester said. “It’s a good way to drive business.

And it’s a great way to build databases, too.”

For more information, contact Sylvester at 1-226-929-1139 or e-mail bsylvester@wagjag.com.