Full Screen Ad
Most cable companies have community channels that feature full screen graphics from businesses in the area. Like crawls, these are usually very low by way of production costs.
Depending on where you live, your local community channel may feature your business info over a graphic or use a picture of your company's business. Your text is added to the graphic or photo and displayed on this community channel among other ads.
- Among the Least Expensive of Cable Ads
Full screen ads on community channels are generally less expensive than crawls. Some cable markets offer them for as little as $5 a day or just $50-60 a month. - But Who's Watching?
This channel on your cable is set up solely for these types of ads. There's no programming, just ads.Someone has to be sitting there watching your ad for it to be effective. But without any programming, you face the possibility that the only people watching the community channel might just be looking for their own ad.
Above Program Listings
Advertising on the TV Guide Channel gives you another way to combine graphics and your message into a low cost form of advertising.
- Increased Price
You'll have more viewers than on a Full Screen Ad but you'll pay for it. You also have more space to play with than on a crawl and you'll be able to add graphics/images but the cost for an Above Program Listing ad is roughly 50-percent higher. - No Work Involved for You
The cable company will send someone out to take pictures of your store and products. Your message and pictures then appear on the upper half of the TV Guide Channel screen as people tune into see what's coming on their favorite channels.
No matter what form of cable advertising you choose, you can advertise your company on a tight budget through cable. Each cable company has sales reps who can help you figure out which method will work best for you if you're stumped or if you're looking to advertise long-term as well. Negotiations are also crucial to you getting a good deal if you want to advertise more and get a lower rate.
And don't forget, there's no rule that says you can't advertise your business outside of your local viewing area either. This works best for Internet companies that aren't limited by locale. Research cable companies all over the country to find markets with rates that suit you and start down the path of low cost, effective cable advertising.