Speak with company representatives about software for media planning

Some vendors offer programs for specific needs and vary in price and information. Contact local computer stores, as well as professional media planner software companies, to find out which product works best for your business.

I recommend: Find a program specifically for radio, television or print media. These programs will give you media planning training specific to your needs--if you don't advertise with radio, for example, then don't spend the money on extra software. Browser based programs such as MarketPilot allows you to place orders through the web portal with any PC or Mac. Speaking to customer service, if you have the time, is the best way to answer specific questions about the software.

Try media planner software before you buy it

Most media planning software vendors allow you to try their products before buying them so you can see first hand what you'll get. Use the program for its trial period and then decide whether the software is easy enough, thorough enough and worth the amount spent to purchase it.

I recommend: Look for the free trial offer on the vendor's website. Some websites offer online demonstrations that show what the media planner software will do for you without actually letting you test it. Don't buy a product without testing it first--if you have to pay a large sum of money, make sure it's worth it.

Look at advertising planning software in various price ranges

Ask around -- see if anyone has used free media planning software. While free is generally a great price, sometimes you get what you pay for and when it comes to making money for your business, a little investment is worth it.

I recommend: Look closely at free media planning software and make sure it gives you all the options your business needs. Professional systems such as Strata and Tapscan sell for thousands of dollars but are trusted among industry users. A cheaper option is software developed by Mottert Systems, which gives you all the required settings without extra databases the expensive programs include.

Find assistance for media planning tools and seminars in your area

By using a media planning tool, you make the effort to keep sales and purchases organized and budgeted properly. You can buy software at a local computer store or online through a national retailer, but you may need some help learning how to run it and use it efficiently.

I recommend: Find locations near you to help with purchasing and with usage questions. Also consider online seminars to help you use software and learn other tips on media buying and selling.