The Green Industry's Resource Center

meicher806 · #1 03-11-2009, 11:20 PM

I have been kicking around the idea of running some spots on local radio stations, was wondering if anyone had gone this route before? any constructive imput would be great. also wondering if i would see better results on am or fm channels. im aware more people listen to fm channels, but seems to me more of the business people listen to am what way would you go? or did you go and what were your results?

Lucky Star Lawn Care · #2 03-12-2009, 01:40 AM

I work at some bars also and know some of the radio guys from there and was gonna see if I could weasel them into throwing my name on air here and there....I think its worth a shot aslong as you have some extra dough to do it. You will never know unless you try it

topsites · #3 03-12-2009, 08:34 AM

It all depends but I think the reason most folks have never done it is because of the cost,
the only feedback I've ever gotten was from a guy who said one little spot (yes, one) on an
AM station got his phone to ringing so good that for 3 days he couldn't get nothing else done LOL

Thou it's only funny unless the person answering the phone is you,
I think if one were to consider this route then one would have to take
into consideration the kinds of things only an experienced radio marketer
might have the answers to.

And hopefully another Lco does use these regularly and has a better answer than this.

txgrassguy · #4 03-12-2009, 11:21 AM

I have run a radio with a local FM station simulcast on a second station.
To date my results have been much less than satisfactory.
Market saturation has been achieved as the ads have run for over six months.
The feedback I have received has indicated the ad(s) sound professional however the end result has been no increase in actual client contact.
As a result of my experiences I would make sure the market demographics are being served by the radio station. In my case they are not which is why I will not place an ad again once the contract expires.
Concentrate on where the market is getting their information, check with the local chamber of commerce, professional associations in the area, etc for the most up to date information as possible.
Then make your decision.

nickroqs · #5 03-16-2009, 05:38 PM

I don't think they'll be very effective. People have selective listening skills. And even if they happened to be in the market for a lawn service and hear your ad, chances are they won't remember how to get in touch.

Exact Rototilling · #6 03-16-2009, 06:33 PM

I think if you live in a small town and the greater population base is less than 8,000 and the radio station is the only one around then I'd say it would probably work....maybe.

The problem I have with radio, newspaper, coupon books, flyer left on car windshield at the mall....etc. for this service industry is that your calls from customers will be spread all over. The phone may in fact ring but you will be too busy zig zag all over the area. That is what I did last year and it really hurt my bottom line. Fact is my other business off set my losses last year and has allowed me to stay in business. As soon as the warm weather hits the phone rang off the hook and every call I let go to voice mail was generally lost. They called the next person in the paper especially for anything mowing related. If you have someone screen you calls for you it can work possibly. If you answer all your own calls .....?

This year it will strictly be door hangers, flyers and direct marketing where solicitation is not allowed. If I have to run a newspaper ad, especially for mowing, that will be a really bad sign.

NewHorizon's Land · #7 03-16-2009, 06:50 PM

My local radio quoted me 5 weeks ran wed, thurs, fri, sat three times a day for $600. I did not go this route. I thought it was too much money for the little amount of ads I would get.

daveyo · #8 03-16-2009, 07:27 PM

I'll let you know mine started today, three stations 5X a day each station for the last two weeks of every month until September.

meicher806 · #9 03-16-2009, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveyo

I'll let you know mine started today, three stations 5X a day each station for the last two weeks of every month until September.

what is your cost if you dont mind me asking.

daveyo · #10 03-17-2009, 07:39 AM

Don't get scared but I'm running 1 min ads, $20/run. However the station owner is my friend and its not costing me that. 10/ ad sounds right, I know you can definitely work out a deal with them. Make sure its during peak hours though.