June is National DJ Month! This is a month that’s celebrated every day at radio stations around the country. The radio isn’t only for entertainment—It’s also for marketing! Radio advertising was one of the first traditional advertising methods on the market, and it has only continued to grow in its reach and success. As technology evolves, so does the radio—And how we advertise on it!
The Past of Radio Ads
Radio advertising started over a century ago in New York City. In 1922, the Queensboro Corporation, a NYC real estate agency, became the first company to ever advertise on the airwaves. The radio commercial aired on WEAF for 15 minutes, advertising apartments in Queens. This advertisement was the first of its kind, showing companies around the country a new way to market and reach their audience even while they were at home.
Radio marketing offers a variety of benefits that are unique to this tactic. The ability to reach your audience anywhere is what made this tactic stand out among other traditional advertising methods. The low cost and flexibility in promotions and added value continued to boost interest in radio marketing.
As radio marketing grew, so did the different types of spots offered. Live reads, jingles, sponsorships, and testimonials are all examples of radio advertising that you may hear. Different spot types aren’t the only change in the radio advertising industry—With the growth of technology and advertising, the present and future of radio marketing look very different than in the past.
The Future of Radio Advertising
Today, traditional radio advertising has shifted to offer more modern, digital options to fit every business needs. Streaming is one of the most popular radio marketing tactics. In streaming, you air a typical radio spot that airs on a streaming app or device instead of on the traditional radio. This option is often offered in conjunction with a traditional radio schedule. With the combined efforts of traditional and streaming radio, you have the best chance of reaching your ideal audience, even if they are on-the-go.
Podcasts are another popular method in the radio advertising industry. Podcasting has only continued to grow in reach—Over 25% of Americans listen to a podcast at least once a week. Podcast advertising also offers a way to connect with your audience through the talent and content they are listening to. Many podcast listeners value the talent and their opinions, leading them to be more likely to make a recommended purchase. Over 70% of listeners have bought a product from a sponsored ad after listening to the podcast for over 4 years.
Modern radio advertising also offers enhanced targeting, allowing you to directly reach your audience. Through this advanced targeted, podcasting, and streaming options the radio marketing industry has continued to grow and evolve with the times. The benefits of traditional radio advertising continue to withstand the test of time, while the new tactics offer a different way to reach your audience no matter where they are.
Media Venue is Here to Help
While radio advertising continues to evolve, it can be hard to keep up—That’s why you need experts, like the team at Media Venue, on your side. From radio ads to digital marketing and everything in between, Media Venue team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about all the different marketing methods and what would work best for you!
