Should I advertise?

Is Radio right for me?

How do I get started?

How much does advertising cost?
What are the most frequent mistakes advertisers make?
I want to build my business, what do you suggest?
What’s the best way to advertise?
How long does it take for advertising to begin working?
What is TOMA?
Who makes my commercial? 
What should I say in my commercial?
How much is commercial production?
How can I guarantee success?
I’m a small business with a small budget – can I still advertise effectively?
Do you have sales or specials?
I’m a retailer, what’s best for me?
I’m NOT a retailer, what’s best for me?
I’m having an event, how should I advertise?
What about television and cable advertising?
What is Imagery Transfer?
What about newspaper advertising?
What about yellow pages?
What about billboards?
What about other radio stations?
Should I hire an advertising agency?
Should I have a jingle?
What’s a positioning statement?
What is image advertising?
What is branding?
How does a buying cycle affect my business?
What are Arbitron Ratings?
What’s an "Online Marketing Analysis?”
Tell me about your radio station?
Tell me about your programming?
What’s a radio demographic?
What are your payment terms/credit policies?
I advertised once and it didn’t work, why would it work this time?
What is co-op advertising?
What is “cause related marketing?”
Do you have any success stories?
I don’t have a large budget, what do you suggest?
What is drive time?
Should I advertise during nights and weekends?
Is there a charge for an account manager to meet me for a marketing analysis?

What is a “Unique Selling Proposition”?
What’s a “noting score?”

 

 

 

Should I advertise?
 

If you have competitors working to attract your customers, or if you want to consistently grow your sales and make more money, then advertising is a necessity. The key is to know who your customer is, and why they like to do business with you. Once you know the characteristics of your best customers, you simply need to target your advertising in a way that converts prospective customers with similar characteristics into loyal customers. It is important to remember that most businesses are simply unable to effectively be all things to all people. Always keep in mind that when you select a particular advertising vehicle (radio, television, print, outdoor), you are buying an audience. The goal is to buy the right audience for your business and improve your chances for success.

 

Is radio right for me?

If people who listen to radio do business with you, then radio is an option to explore… and 96% of us listen to radio every week*.     *Radio Advertising Bureau

Radio has the ability to:
Expand your market reach
Target your best prospects
Generate sufficient message frequency
Reach mobile consumers
Motivate people to shop
Establish a relationship with customers
Break through competitive clutter
Make a lasting impression
Maximize advertising investment

If radio were invented today, it would be all the marketing rage.  Why?  Because we live in an on-the-go society, and unlike newspaper or television, radio is with us everywhere; in the car, at work, and in the home.  Radio is an affordable, mobile, and intrusive medium that provides advertisers with the ability to target a specific audience. When used correctly, radio provides a cost-effective marketing platform for nearly any type of business.

 

How do I get started?

Research our website to answer your basic questions.  When you’re ready to take the next step, contact us so we can perform a custom marketing analysis for you. You can do this online, or you can meet personally with one of our account managers. After answering a series of questions and telling us what you want to accomplish, we can put together a customized game plan for your business. Once you agree on the advertising schedule, we will develop a commercial that effectively tells your story or makes the case for your product or service.

 

How much does radio advertising cost?

Although you can purchase a low impact advertising schedule for a few hundred dollars, most of our advertisers invest $300 to $1,500 per month. Finding a budget that you’re comfortable with, while providing a sufficient return on investment, can be developed through a marketing analysis.

 

 

What are the most frequent mistakes advertisers make?

1. Not having the right level of commitment and focus. Many business owners think they need to do a little of everything instead of doing one thing well. It’s been said, “I throw my advertising dollars against the wall and hope some of it sticks.”  Almost any business can get all the customers they need by simply attacking and dominating the right radio station.

2. Throwing in the towel before the advertising can work.  Advertising is like trying to get in shape. Getting started is the hardest part, and the rewards for your time and effort are not always readily apparent. However, with a healthy dose of commitment and focus to your plan, you will eventually enjoy the results. Successful advertising is no different.

I want to build my business, what do you suggest?

Be realistic about your expectations and the investment that you’re willing to make. Then submit a marketing analysis online, or meet one of our account managers to do an in-person marketing analysis interview. We will then be able to assess how we can help you. Assuming that our audience is right for your business, we will develop an appropriate campaign and develop a commercial that effectively tells your story or makes the case for your product or service.

 

What’s the best way to advertise?

Unless you’re having a special event, TOMA (top-of-mind awareness) advertising yields the greatest long-term benefits.  Not everyone needs your products or services today, so advertising for a month is a crapshoot. Reminding a large group of consumers who are most likely to do business with you about your Unique Selling Proposition over and over is most beneficial.  When any of our listeners need your product, our goal is to have your business in their top-of-mind recall.

 

How long does it take for advertising to begin working?

This depends on what you are selling and the offer you’re making.  Tell people to visit you for a free $20.00 bill, and you’ll have a traffic jam outside your business.  Otherwise advertising is similar to pushing a car, it’s tough at first, but the more you push, the easier it gets.  Soon enough you can move the car along with minimum effort.  We tell our new clients, “In three months you’ll hate me, in six months you’ll talk to me again, and in ten months you’ll be inviting me to your house for dinner.”  Stick with your plan and you’ll be provided a healthy return on investment.

 

What is TOMA?

TOMA (top-of-mind awareness) advertising yields the greatest long-term benefits.  Not everyone needs your products or services today, so advertising for a month is a crapshoot. Consistently reminding a large group of consumers, who are also most likely to do business with you, about your Unique Selling Proposition, is most beneficial.  When any of our listeners need your product, our goal is to position your business in their top of mind recall.

 

Who makes my commercial? 

We can produce your commercial using our award winning production partner. Although production is free to most of our advertisers, a small production charge may apply for smaller orders. Obviously, we will gladly accept your pre-produced commercial.

What should I say in my commercial?

Ask yourself, “Why should someone do business with me?”  Be specific.  “What truly makes me a better choice than my competitors?”  “What makes us special?”  “What is our Unique Selling Proposition?”  Take a look at your strengths versus your competitor’s weaknesses that can result in taking business from them.  Our goal is to grow your business by getting you an unfair share of the market’s dollars from your competition.  A completed marketing analysis can help us fine-tune your message.

 

How much is commercial production?

In most cases, writing and producing your commercial is free. However, a production charge may apply for smaller orders.  Just contact us or fill out our questionnaire for more details.

 

 

How can I guarantee success?

After ensuring your business is in fine operating order, stick to a well-constructed advertising message month after month.  If you deliver your message consistently to the right people, your advertising will yield rewarding results.

 

I’m a small business with a small budget – can I still advertise effectively?

Generally, we recommend a minimum investment of $300.00 per month.  That level of investment just might get you one newspaper ad, but that same investment with radio will provide your business with a monthly schedule that will enable you the opportunity to reach some of our audiences effectively.  Contact us or fill out a marketing analysis online so we can suggest a plan of attack.

 

Do you have sales or specials?

We do. View our Specials Page.

 

I’m a retailer, what’s best for me?

Do you live and die by sale events, or do you want more consistency for your business?  Sale event advertising can drive customers, but it’s the “drug of marketing.”  The more sales you have, the more advertising you need.  However, if you want a steady, less fickle customer base, we recommend the safer TOMA approach.

I’m NOT a retailer, what’s best for me?

The right message delivered consistently. Whether you’re a doctor, lawyer or carpet cleaner, a well-developed commercial (great copy) stating your unique selling position will keep you in the consumers mind when the day comes that they need your services.

 

I’m having an event, how should I advertise?

Heavy advertising works best for event marketing. We recommend eight to twelve commercials a day for a minimum of three days prior to an event or major sale.

What about television and cable advertising?

Although a sometimes effective marketing weapon, producing a good commercial that doesn’t look cheap runs thousands of dollars, and buying prime time can cost hundreds of dollars for just thirty-seconds. Television advertising that is effective, meaning acceptable frequency and good placement on a popular network or program, can be costly.

What is Imagery Transfer?

If you have been running on television, use the audio from your TV ad or let us develop a similar copy, and benefit from “imagery transfer.”  Seventy-two percent* of consumers will visually see your TV ad while hearing your radio ad at a fraction of the cost.  It works well for AT&T, Budweiser and Coke; it can just as easily work for you.  *Coffin & Tuchman, NBC TV

What about newspaper advertising?

Newspaper is more of an information medium than it is a motivational medium. What is important to remember is that your potential customers will read, see, note, or associate you advertisement or message at a time when they are already motivated to buy, but seldom before that. Newspaper was great twenty years ago when we had the time to sit and read it everyday, but unfortunately, it doesn’t play as well in today’s mobile and fast paced world. Newspaper does not afford you the ability to target your customers, so it tends to be a “Spray and Pray” medium. Additionally, in many instances, controlling the placement of your advertisement within the newspaper can be difficult at best.

What about yellow pages?

Like newspapers, the yellow pages is primarily an informational rather than motivational medium. Place your business’s name in the consumers’ sub-conscious prior to opening the yellow pages, and the yellow pages just might work better for you. Most consumers say they would be more likely to call a business with a smaller yellow page ad that they had previously heard of, from radio perhaps, than an unknown business with a larger yellow page ad. Radio can prime your prospects with your unique selling position prior to ever going to the yellow pages, giving you the best shot to receive their phone call.      

   

What about billboards?

Billboards are a great tool in introducing a new product or service to a marketplace or in providing directions to your location. However, telling the story of your business’s benefits in just a few words and a picture is difficult at best. Billboards tend to be too expensive to use as a major part of most businesses marketing campaigns, however, a high-profile billboard can add a splash if you have the budget and are already effectively TELLING your story on radio or television.

What about other radio stations?

We’re big radio fans because of radio’s ability to deliver a targeted audience. If our audience doesn’t fit your target, let us know.  We’ll be happy to provide you with any contact information that you require.

Should I hire an advertising agency?

If your budget is sufficient to develop a complete multi-media marketing approach with extensive creative, there are some experienced and talented advertising agencies to choose from locally.

 

Should I have a jingle?

If you intend on using electronic media (radio, cable, TV), a jingle can really tie it all together.  Let us know if this interests you and we can put you in contact with reputable jingle companies. 

What’s a positioning statement?

All successful marketers use a Positioning Statement. A Positioning Statement separates you from your competitors, and reminds consumers of what makes you special. You can use your Positioning Statement in all your advertising (radio, print, TV).  Just remember to keep it simple and be sure it focuses on your Unique Selling Proposition.

What is image advertising?

When you advertise image, you’re establishing TOMA (top-of-mind-awareness), and avoiding the “another sale” syndrome.  Establishing your unique selling position with clarity, creativity and consistency is at the heart of image advertising.

 

What is branding?

Branding is establishing in the consumers mind your Unique Selling Proposition. It helps prospects understand why they should do business with you rather than your competitors.

 

How does a buying cycle affect my business?

We all have needs that create buying cycles.  As a business owner, you want the consumer to think of you when they need your goods or services.  A specific listener may not need an attorney, dishwasher, new sidewalk, or retirement plan today.  But, what about those who need these items next month…or next year?  Create your business as a point-of-destination in the mind of the consumer.  When they have forgotten about your competitor’s ad minutes after they pass over it in print, you’ll be there to TELL them your story; with consistency, day after day.  That’s how you create top-of-mind-awareness and that’s how to fight through a consumers buying cycle.



 

What are Arbitron ratings?

Arbitron is an information source that radio stations and advertising agencies alike utilize for establishing “quantitative” listening patterns.  Unlike the electronically measured “Nielsen” ratings, Arbitron is a recall-based paper survey done twice a year.  The accuracy of Arbitron ratings are not of the level of televisions "Nielsen" ratings. However, radio electronic measuring devices should be coming out in a few years. 

 

What’s an “Online Marketing Analysis?”

This is the worksheet used to discover your needs and find out if we might be of assistance in helping you achieve your marketing goals.  An account manager can meet with you one-on-one for a free, no obligation marketing analysis.  Or you can fill one out here, submit it and we can provide you with a specific marketing plan of attack.

 

Tell me about your radio station?
Take a look at our media kits for more information.
 

Tell me about your programs?
Take a look at our media kits for more information.

 

What’s a radio demographic?

It’s a group or cell of the population who listens to our radio station.  Our goal is to match your targeted demographic (target prospects/customers) to one or more of our programs.

 

What are your payment terms/credit policies?

We gladly accept cash or check. We are also pleased to extend net 30-day payment terms with approved credit. Just contact us with any questions.

I tried advertising once and it didn’t work, why would it work this time?

Experience has shown that if you consistently follow the basic rules for successful advertising, your chances for success improve greatly. If you choose not to have a good game plan for marketing your business, or if you choose to break the basic rules of advertising, than your chances for success are not good. Our job is to assist you in developing a game plan and to keep you focused on your marketing objectives. That’s why we go through a regimented process that includes our marketing analysis, the assembling of an effective schedule, and development of great copy for your message. This process stacks all the odds for success in your favor. Our account managers are trained not to be good salespeople, but good marketers. Suggesting a campaign that does not work is as unacceptable to us as it is to you.

 

What is co-op advertising?

Co-op advertising is advertising paid partially by you and partially by one of your vendors.  For instance, you may carry a new widget from Acme Company.  Acme would pay up to 50% or more of your advertising bill for promoting their product(s) in your ads. Contact your vendors and ask if you have co-op dollars available.

 

What is “cause related marketing?”

Cause related marketing is promoting your business through advertising, while at the same time, providing support to your favorite non-profit, organization, or event. 

Do you have any success stories?

We do. Just contact us for more information.

 

I don’t have a large budget, what do you suggest?

First, complete a marketing analysis online or meet with one of our account managers. We can then determine if we can help you. We will also tell you if we can’t help you. That’s what separates us from many of our competitors.

 

What is drive time?

Morning drive is 6am to 10am, and afternoon drive is 3pm to 7pm.  The other primary radio “dayparts” are mid-day, 10am – 3pm and evenings 7pm to midnight.  Though drive-time rates are available, the most cost-effective rates are TAP (Total Audience Plan); where your commercial is heard equally in all four primary dayparts, including drive times.

 

Should I advertise during nights and weekends?

It’s not always cost effective to “anchor” your commercials in drive time only.  When our clients buy “TAP” (Total Audience Plan), their commercials run equally in all dayparts; including drive times. Attacking a night and weekend audience is a great way to stretch a small advertising budget. Think we’re kidding? Just think about the large number of potential customers you could easily influence who work night and weekend shifts in our area, or the potential customers that are running errands on the weekends (driving in their cars listening to their favorite radio station!). Plus, there’s less advertising during the evening and on weekends, which means your commercial has the potential to be noticed even more than usual. 

 

Is there a charge for an account manager to meet me for a marketing analysis?

We do not charge a fee to meet with you in order to perform a marketing analysis.

What is a “Unique Selling Proposition?"

A Unique Selling Proposition is some feature or benefit of your product or service that customers and prospective customers can associate with your business. A Unique Selling Proposition distinguishes you from your competitors, and is yours alone.

What’s a “noting score?”

A newspaper term that refers to how many people “notices” a print ad.  Did you know only twenty three percent of people even notice a one-eighth-page ad?  And the “noting” difference between a full page and three-quarter-page ad is only four percent!  If you have to use print, here’s a great strategy for substantially improving your ads noting score.  Just advertise that day on radio and tell your targeted customers to look for your ad in today’s paper.     *RAB