Jacksonville, Florida-founded direct mail marketing franchise thrived throughout the pandemic and is preparing for rapid expansion throughout the Southeast.
Money Pages, a multi-media brand helping local businesses reach their target audiences through direct mail, digital services and its flagship product Money Pages magazine, has announced plans to partner with new franchisees as it begins its expansion to more than 40 cities by 2025.
Money Pages offers small businesses the opportunity to market their companies in big ways on affordable budgets and is building on that momentum. After seeing record growth during the pandemic, circulation has expanded to over 13 million households annually, with distribution growing every quarter.
Bringing local businesses’ stories to life in a seamless model that provides savings to local communities. Money Pages was founded in 2001, when Jacksonville-based radio advertising executive Alan Worley had a vision to provide a sophisticated medium that would give small businesses better access to local marketing through a solo mailed publication.
“I saw an opportunity to have local companies tell their story in a way that they could afford and also control the message,” Worley said. “I was determined to offer something to small business owners that wasn’t being offered. With Money Pages, not only could I bring business owners’ stories to life, I could also give them a better return on their investment.”
With franchisees currently publishing across seven states — California, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia — the brand is looking to expand by launching in additional markets throughout the Southeast focusing on the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee and its home state of Florida.
The company strategically chose the franchising model to expand in order to help local owned businesses work together to grow in the market. We believe franchising provides the best opportunity for local business owners to have access to multi-media professionals who are part of the communities they serve.
A Proven Business Model In a Growing Industry
With prime markets available, low overhead and recurring revenue streams, Money Pages represents a huge opportunity to tap into the stable multi-billion dollar direct mail industry, which is expected to reach $70.66 billion by 2023. And the brand’s strong positioning has not gone unnoticed. This year, Entrepreneur Magazine included the emerging brand in its prestigious Franchise 500 list.
In a digital world where brand messages are often lost among the daily tidal wave of emails, texts, social media posts and news feeds, Americans suffering from information overload are seeking experiences outside of their computer screens. Direct mail marketing provides a more personal, direct way to reach consumers: in their communities and at home, where they are increasingly spending most of their time.
“The pandemic certainly underscored the power of direct mail marketing,” said Danielle Wright, Franchise Development Director for Money Pages. “For our advertisers, it was a tangible way to reach customers and build loyalty. For our franchise partners, it was an opportunity to grow their businesses. And for our brand, it was an important test in resiliency, especially as we look to the future.”
Money Pages has assembled a team of more than 50 industry professionals to support its aggressive growth plans who will provide expertise to new franchisees while supporting the development of every new market.
The Two Paths to Money Pages Franchise Ownership
Money Pages offers two distinct paths to business ownership. The Executive Model is designed for franchisees who prefer to hire, train and lead a small sales team while focusing on networking and marketing. The Owner/Operator Model offers a hands-on role leading the franchise, allowing for immediate career transition at a more affordable entry point.
Money Pages Franchise Owner, Ramona Long and her husband and business partner Brian were drawn to Money Pages exactly for this reason. “We wanted something we could do that wouldn’t require high overhead costs and a physical location,” says Ramona. “Money Pages doesn’t require a brick-and-mortar store or a lot of staff upfront, which means a faster ramp-up, a proven business model and a more attractive work-life balance. A lot of that has to do with the support and training we’ve received from corporate as well. We also really liked that Money Pages offered scalability and multiple streams of revenue. Most other franchises didn’t offer that.”
According to Chris Sexton, Money Pages’ Vice President of Franchising, the brand is laser-focused on franchisee support. Money Pages recently brought on franchise business coach Marie Moon to lead the brand’s comprehensive training and onboarding program, Money Pages University.
“Our corporate team of professionals — with backgrounds in marketing, design, print, mail management, layout, accounting and digital products — give our franchise owners all the support they need to be successful,” said Sexton. “Having a dedicated business coach like Marie is yet another big bonus. It’s truly a team effort. We want our franchisees to feel supported every step of the way.”
A Streamlined Operational Model for Franchisees of All Backgrounds
Sexton says the brand’s ideal franchise candidates don’t require any specialized experience, but they are relationship-oriented, community-minded, ambitious, organized and financially skilled.
Franchise owners engage with area business owners at local events, meet and greet local residents and play an active role in their communities. For the right candidate in the right market, Money Pages represents a rare opportunity to secure prime territory in a rapidly growing sector.
“For small businesses in many small cities across the country, there just isn’t anything like Money Pages in their market,” Sexton said. “We offer an opportunity for them to reach their target customers in an effective, personal way. For motivated entrepreneurs, we offer a home-based, direct mail franchise opportunity that provides the flexibility and lifestyle they seek. There really isn’t any other franchise opportunity quite like it in the nation.”