Experimenting with Radio Advertising?

[dnpayne]

Hey folks, I was recently approached by a Christian radio station in our area about doing some advertising with them. I listen to the station and they are very good. I've actually heard a couple ads for some other photographers in the area on this station.

Anyway, they are offering a 3 month commitment for $600. I'd get 1 radio spot per day for the 2 months and 2 web banners on their sites (It's actually 2 stations).

Initially this didn't sound like a bad deal for me, but I wanted to get your thoughts. Have any of you experimented with radio?

Thanks.

[Tzetsin]

600 isnt a bad price for advertising for 3 (or is it 2, your confusing me there) months. But the value to you as a photographer might not be there if you dont cater to the crowd. If you do, then I'd probably be worth the money... again, provided its in your budget and its not money better spent someplace else.

[dnpayne]

Originally Posted by Tzetsin

600 isnt a bad price for advertising for 3 (or is it 2, your confusing me there) months. But the value to you as a photographer might not be there if you dont cater to the crowd. If you do, then I'd probably be worth the money... again, provided its in your budget and its not money better spent someplace else.

Sorry, it is for the 3 months. It's 2 stations I was meaning.

I guess I just don't of any better options to put $600 that would get the same or better exposure. I just put out some flyers for a bridal show, but I wont know the response to that for a while.

Like you said, doesn't seem like a bad price. The only draw back is that it isn't really specifically targeted.

[Tzetsin]

Actually, I find the Christian crowd to be pretty conservative, a little old fashion an somewhat more reliable as customers. Meaning they dont mind paying. Not with my photography work, but I own a computer shop. They also socialize more than other people, so you'll end up with more word of mouth customers. Also, who knows, mabey even priests listen to Christian radio, so when the brides ask if they know of any good photographers they might remember your jingle ;D (I'm assuming you do weddings since you mentioned bridal shows)

[dnpayne]

Originally Posted by Tzetsin

Actually, I find the Christian crowd to be pretty conservative, a little old fashion an somewhat more reliable as customers. Meaning they dont mind paying. Not with my photography work, but I own a computer shop. They also socialize more than other people, so you'll end up with more word of mouth customers. Also, who knows, mabey even priests listen to Christian radio, so when the brides ask if they know of any good photographers they might remember your jingle ;D (I'm assuming you do weddings since you mentioned bridal shows)

Yep. Trying to break into weddings and such. I've only done a few so far, but have a couple booked in the future.

[candidrachel]

Local radio is quite a good way to promote business. I was talking to my hairdresser about it as he advertises on the radio and he told me that it actually works out cheaper in the long run than advertising in the local newspapers.

I often get business tips from him. He doesn't know anything remotely to do with photography like I don't know anything about cutting and styling hair but he is a successful business man and willing to share his marketing knowledge and doesn't mind me asking the relevant questions! I did learn the other day what a Brazillian blow dry is lol! And I heard about it on the radio!

[mad editor]

My thought is that you really want to SHOW your work rather than tell about it.

[Tzetsin]

Originally Posted by mad editor

My thought is that you really want to SHOW your work rather than tell about it.

but if nobody ever hears your name, they wont know to look

[NicoleScraps]

I got some really great advice about radio advertising here. Slightly different situation though.
Corperate Events and Radio Advertising

[Jim Poor]

My thoughts are that photography is a visual medium and should be advertised visually (radio station websites don't really count all that much). I'll be the firs to say I've not tried radio advertising though, so I could be completely taken by surprise.