Local Radio Advertising Dead? Think again!

I'm really interested to hear about these results.  The cost seems so high.  There was a special for several stations and  15 second spots on each (I think 5) it was $5,000.  Too rich for my blood.   I think I'll look into it again.  Thanks!

Wanda - good for you.  It's nice to know that with all the technology we have that radio advertising still works.

I know a Broker who runs a radio ad like three times a day. I am sure it is working for him which is why he is still doing it. I might have to look into that. Some people are not Internet users like the most of us. Thanks for sharing Wanda. Great post.

I worked in radio from the time I was 14 until 23 and then real estate for 30 years. Radio has eroded with all the other choices and the fact XM, ipods with no commercials abound. Or folks turning to  NPR for the full news. I think video is the real driving voice in this visual society, and audio is 40% like radio of that video. Radios stength is portable..hitting folks stuck in traffic, cooking meals, outdoors..it goes with you. And the picture it forms in your head using your imagination is huge with the right words, sound effects and your unique voice talking to them one at a time fashion. Not at them or with read copy. The station I worked at in my hometown was owned by Howdy Doody and in Bangor Maine Stephen King the horror writer.

Wanda,

I am not suprised the old technology  still brings in clients.  Great signs at your property locations continues to work also!  I would like to check prices in my area for radio marketing.  Great post!

Wanda, we've used radio in the recent past with mixed results.  The problem was mixing the right station with the proper target demographic.  Do that properly and it's a golden opportunity.  Thanks!

Somethng else you might consider, which not only helps you but provides an excellent community service, is to underwrite radio advertising with a local university, high school or educational broacasting entity. It not only helps your business and provides you with an excellent advertising source, but you can save money and support secondary education, your colleges and universities at the same time.

Radio seems like it would work best as either a broad hit in small markets  or  for a very narrow niche market - with the right station - in bigger locales.

Congratulations on the lead Wanda!! We never know where our next client is coming from any more do we! Glad to hear that radio is still working.

Wanda,

Great success story. I'm of the opinion that all marketing works, if its done right.

Rich

Our Brokerage had agent contributions of $30 a month and the agents voted to stop the advertising to save money.  Some people just don't get it do they?

Hi Wanda-

Thanks for bringing this up.  I am thinking of pursuing some of these other media options!

--Sara

We had a local talk show that ran from 6:00-10:00 a.m. and had been on the air for something like 30 years. The talk show team was let go December 31, 2009. The whole city was in an uproar, but they have not come back. I thought they would show up on Sirius with Howard Stern, but nothing. I used to patronize all the advertisers on their show. Now I don't even listen to their station any more. I have new favorites.