What is the best way to get started advertising on TV with a limited budget?

Question

I'm thinking 10 second spots, sponsorships during the morning new cast to catch business people. My product is web site development and hosting.

Thanks to all who respond,
Art

Answer 1

Television is the wrong way to catch these people. TV advertising is like a great big drift net - it catches everyone, mostly people you don't want, but you pay to reach them anyway. And a ten second spot won't do anything but empty your bank account.

If your business is web site development and hosting, then you'd be better off advertising online. Or try ads in local business publications, including the business section of your local newspaper (both print and online) or sending direct mail to business people listed with the local chamber of commerce or local business chapter is a far more targeted way to reach precisely the people you want to reach.

Answer 2

Hi Art,

The words, “Limited Budget” preclude you from advertising on TV. If this doesn’t dissuade you, then the best bang for the buck is Infomercials. For about 10-12 K you can get a 30 minute infomercial produced. The companies who do this will also promote it.

This is an important aspect as there are some insurance requirements. They buy the insurance for their customers and you are covered by them. It would cost about 100k otherwise.

Then you could have a spot in the middle of the infomercial where you sell a commercial. Yeh, you get someone else to pay for your air time. Then you need to get it to market. It can be as little as $45 and as much as $200 depending on the market. There are a number of plans and cost structures.

Remember, for any ad campaign to be effective, you need to be in front of people numerous times. You can’t run it once and expect to make lots of money. You may need to run it a dozen or more times to get a good ROI.

Much better, research the demographics of who buys web sites and why. Then put your ad’s in front of them.

For a fraction of the money you could put on a seminar and advertise for people who already want a web site. Then teach them what they need to be successful on the web. Result, if you’re perceived as an expert, they will buy your services from you.

Go on the web and learn how to give speeches or presentations. Learn the concept of preselling. Then go out and book a place and sell.

At least that’s how I do it.

Best wishes and hoping for your success,

Steeleyjon.

Answer 3

Contact your local cable company. They can produce a low budget commercial and set you up with a schedule of when the ad will appear. It usually goes on late night. You would be surprised on how many people actually watch those late night shows.

Some people will produce their own commercial and then have the cable company convert it to their format.

Answer 4

Contact either an advertising agency or the advertising department of local tv or radio. late night is cheaper than prime time

Answer 5

Art,
consult a company that places the media and writes & produces the commercial. www.bcpicturesltd.net is one that comes to mind.They can explain all your options to you.
Alan

Answer 6

You should checkout www.spotrunner.com. They develop creative and buy media specfically for small businesses.

Answer 7

you wont find anything more cheap and effective than spot runner
http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2096870-10439675