Medium

Cost

Campaign Term

Audience Reach

A 30-second commercial on a local station in a top 10 market ranges from $4,000 to $45,000+ during top rated shows.

Airtime can be purchased throughout the year but is often scheduled in flights that centers on sales and product introductions.

As a broadcast medium, television reaches a large number of consumers but a smaller target audience.

A 30-second commercial in prime time ranges from $80,000 to $600,000, depending on ratings, averaging from $120,000 to $140,000.

Network spots are also purchased in flights but can be much smaller than local and cable flights due to the high cost.

As a higher cost solution, network spots are researched determining the best possible time and show for a spot to run in order to capture the most targeted audience for the product or service. The return on investment is still very low.

A 30-second spot in prime time runs between $5,000 and $8,000 depending on the network.

As a more affordable solution, the dynamic of cable television offers themed channels as an outlet for advertisers to approach target audiences.

With a growing number of channels to choose from, companies can cover a larger scope of audience demographics in hopes of higher returns.

Commercials range from $200 to $1,000 for a 60-second spot which depend on the time of day and each program’s ratings.

Radio is also purchased in flights that center around specific events.

There are many factors as to the effectiveness of radio advertising. Stronger stations charge premium rates to get your message to a large, demographically targeted audience. Because listeners are a captive audience, typically listening in their cars or at work, reaction numbers can be good but at a somewhat high cost.

Ads in regional editions of national magazines cost an average of $50 per 1,000 issues in circulation. The average cost of an ad in a local magazine is about $120 per 1,000.

Magazine ad sales can be sold as annuals, specific months of publication or special issues.

As the economy took a downturn, so did advertising sales in magazines. The industry is doing almost anything to make deals with advertisers in order to secure whatever monies they can. With the recent demise of some major players, it’s a risky investment to say the least.

The most common forms include promotional info in letter-sized envelopes costing $15 to $20 per 1,000. Single sheet newspaper inserts cost between $25 and $40 per 1,000 issues circulated.

Direct mail is limitless in its development style and delivery frequency.

From postcards to free samples, direct mail can deliver anything. Unfortunately, demographic research into neighborhoods only goes so far, often delivering your message to more people who won’t respond than to those who do.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

As a custom marketing option, search engine optimization can vary in price for specific needs and goals. Typical programs can range from $24,000 to $120,000 per year.

Varies from a one-time optimization to multi-year campaigns.

SEO services target those who are already seeking information about products or services in your industry. Return on investment numbers are exponentially higher as visitors to your website become regular customers. For the cost of a single component in other traditional marketing efforts like a Spring radio flight, companies can increase their site traffic, sales, and online branding.