Author: Editorial Staff

Ace Hardware Launches RedVest Media: What Retailers Can Learn and How To Take It Further

Ace Hardware’s Bold Step into Retail Media

Ace Hardware recently announced the launch of RedVest Media, The Helpful Network—a retail media network designed to give brands new ways to connect with shoppers both in-store and online. This marks a major move for the hardware cooperative as it enters one of the fastest-growing segments of advertising: Retail Media Networks (RMNs).

With RedVest Media, Ace Hardware now offers:

  • Onsite Advertising: Sponsored product listings, search placements, and display ads on digital storefronts.
  • In-Store Integration: Opportunities for brands to appear on screens, signage, and other physical touchpoints within Ace Hardware stores.
  • Omnichannel Reach: Messaging that goes beyond the store environment with digital campaigns, video, mobile, and Connected TV (CTV).
  • Direct Shopper Engagement: Campaigns tied into its large loyalty base, offering brands a way to reach repeat customers with relevant messages.
  • Measurable Results: Dashboards and reporting tools to monitor campaign performance and prove return on investment.

By combining in-store visibility with digital advertising, Ace Hardware is giving its vendor partners a flexible way to reach shoppers at multiple touchpoints in their buying journey.

Why Retail Media Networks Matter

Retail media networks are one of the most powerful tools emerging in modern marketing. They:

  • Give retailers a new revenue stream by offering ad space and promotions.
  • Provide brands with first-party shopper insights to target more effectively.
  • Blend digital convenience with physical shopping experiences—something especially powerful for retailers with large store footprints.
  • Create opportunities for localized engagement, allowing national campaigns to be tailored for specific communities.

RedVest Media is part of a broader retail trend: merging content, commerce, and advertising into a seamless customer experience.

How It’s Relevant TV Helps Retailers Do Even More

While RedVest is a strong move for Ace Hardware, many retailers—big and small—are wondering how they can launch similar networks with less complexity. That’s where It’s Relevant TV comes in.

1. Built-In In-Store Engagement

It’s Relevant TV transforms business TV screens into content and ad delivery channels, mixing engaging licensed programming with a retailer’s own promotions. This means customers are entertained while also being exposed to relevant brand messaging. You don’t need to have an entire library of your own content to get started. And it’s not just about ads.

2. Seamless Omnichannel Campaigns

Just like RedVest aims to blend in-store with digital, It’s Relevant TV makes it easy to connect on-screen ads with digital calls-to-action. QR codes, social media prompts, and promotional overlays turn any screen into an interactive marketing tool.

3. Local and National Flexibility

Retailers can run corporate campaigns across all locations while also enabling store-specific promotions. This flexibility makes it ideal for chains, franchises, or co-op retailers who want both consistency and customization.

4. Actionable Data & Tracking

With performance tracking, retailers see exactly how their in-store ads perform—including engagement with QR codes, social promotions, and customer behavior.

5. Speed to Market

Unlike building a retail media network from scratch, It’s Relevant TV is ready to deploy immediately. Retailers can launch campaigns quickly and expand as needed, without long development timelines.

The Bigger Picture

Ace Hardware’s RedVest Media shows just how valuable retail media networks can be in today’s market. But retailers of all sizes can take advantage of this trend.

It’s Relevant TV gives retailers of all sizes the ability to create their own retail media channel—instantly. By combining entertainment, in-store advertising, and digital connectivity, It’s Relevant TV helps businesses:

  • Drive new revenue streams
  • Strengthen brand loyalty
  • Deliver personalized, relevant experiences to shoppers
  • Make a better experience for all of your visitors

With It’s Relevant TV, businesses don’t just keep pace with leaders like Ace Hardware—they can actually go beyond, offering more engaging, more flexible, and more immediate solutions for both shoppers and brands.

AI-Powered Advertising: From Meta’s 2026 Vision to Business TV Innovation Today

The AI Advertising Revolution

Artificial intelligence is transforming the advertising industry faster than any previous shift. From creative generation to campaign optimization, AI tools are taking over tasks once handled manually. Reuters reported that Meta Platforms aims to fully automate ad creation and targeting with AI by the end of 2026—moving toward a world where brands provide a product image, goals, and budget, and the platform handles the rest.

Meta’s Bold 2026 Roadmap: Fully Automated Social Media Ads

As outlined in the reporting, Meta’s goal is a hands-off workflow for marketers. Businesses upload a product image, define budget and objectives, and Meta’s AI:

  • Generates creative (images, short video, and copy) automatically.
  • Selects audiences across Facebook and Instagram using behavioral and contextual signals.
  • Allocates budget and optimizes spend in real time.
  • Monitors performance and iterates on creative, targeting, and placements.

This has the potential to lower the barrier to high-quality campaigns for small and midsize businesses, while raising new questions about brand voice, creative control, and safeguards for quality and safety. Some marketers are concerned that it could lead to a homogenization of advertising that may lead to less standout campaigns. Businesses like the idea of having one less middleman to go through, allowing them to spend more of their advertising budget on reach rather than creative.

AI in Action Today: It’s Relevant TV

While social platforms race toward full automation, It’s Relevant TV already applies AI to improve in-location media. It’s Relevant TV powers custom TV channels inside medical offices, auto dealerships, retailers, restaurants, gyms, and more—mixing entertainment, education, and business marketing on screens customers actually watch.

How AI Drives the Service

  • Fresh, non-repetitive programming: A living library of 1,000,000+ licensed short-form videos across 65+ categories is updated frequently. AI helps prevent looping and stale playlists so returning visitors see variety over time.
  • Customization & controls: Businesses choose content categories, apply keyword/phrase blocking to maintain brand safety, and set rules that fit their audiences.
  • Seamless marketing integrations: Mix in your own videos, image spots, text banners, and show live social posts (Facebook, Instagram, X) without exposing negative comments on-screen.
  • AI + human oversight: Human editorial review and curation continues to be a cornerstone of their service, while intelligent delivery allows quality to meet efficiency.

The result is a brand-safe, engaging channel that turns idle wait time into marketing time—without third-party ads for competitors interrupting your environment.

Two Fronts of AI Advertising

1) Social Media Advertising (Meta & Peers)

  • AI handles creative generation, targeting, and optimization at scale.
  • Ideal for reach and rapid testing, but marketers should plan governance for brand standards and approvals.

2) Business TV Advertising (It’s Relevant TV)

  • AI keeps in-store TV programming dynamic and relevant.
  • Combines entertainment and education with your promotions to drive action from on-site audiences.
  • Gives local teams control while maintaining guardrails for safety and tone.

AI Best Practices for Marketers

  • Plan for hybrid AI: Use platform automation for online reach and use AI-assisted business TV to convert attention in-store.
  • Protect your voice: Establish creative and brand-safety guidelines so AI outputs stay on-brand. It’s unclear how much control platforms like Meta will provide, but ultimately you need to the check the work like you would an intern’s.
  • Measure both worlds: Track digital conversions from social and real-world engagement (QR scans, offers, sign-ups) from in-location screens.

The Future is Smarter and more Integrated

Meta’s 2026 roadmap shows where social ads are headed: fully automated, goal-driven campaigns. Meanwhile, It’s Relevant TV demonstrates how AI can already elevate real-world engagement today—keeping content fresh, brand-safe, and effective inside your locations. The winning strategy isn’t either/or; it’s integrating AI across both digital and physical touch-points so your brand stays relevant wherever customers encounter it. No technology is truly set it and forget it, so it’s always best to check the work that’s being done for you to make sure you are getting the desired results.

The Power of Repetition in Communication: How Many Times Does It Take for a Message to Stick?

In an age flooded with messages, attention is one of the rarest commodities. Marketers, educators, and politicians alike face the same challenge: how do you make a message stick? The answer often lies in one of the oldest—and most overlooked—communication principles: repetition.

Repetition is not just about hammering a point home; it’s about creating familiarity, building trust, and gently guiding an audience toward memory and action. When used strategically and respectfully, repetition becomes one of the most powerful tools in persuasive communication.

Why Repetition Works: The Science of Familiarity

Psychological research has consistently shown that humans are wired to trust the familiar. This is known as the *mere-exposure effect*, a phenomenon first identified by social psychologist Robert Zajonc in 1968. Zajonc found that repeated exposure to a stimulus—whether a face, word, or message—increased people’s preference for it.

In his foundational paper, “Attitudinal Effects of Mere Exposure”, Zajonc concluded that “Mere repeated exposure of the individual to a stimulus object enhances his attitude toward it.” In simpler terms: the more we see something, the more we like—and trust—it.

This has enormous implications for marketers. Whether you’re promoting a product, a political message, or a brand identity, repetition builds familiarity, and familiarity is the bedrock of persuasion.

How Many Repetitions Does It Take?

One of the most debated questions in marketing is: how many times does someone need to see a message before it sticks? While there’s no one-size-fits-all number, several benchmarks have emerged:

• The Rule of 7: This classic marketing principle suggests that a prospect needs to hear or see a message at least seven times before they take action. This idea dates back to the early days of movie studio advertising and has since become a guiding rule in advertising.

• Modern Research Insight: According to a study by Thomas Smith, written in 1885 and still referenced today, people ignore your message the first few times. It’s not until around the fifth to seventh exposure that they begin to pay attention, and somewhere around the ninth to twelfth, they might finally take action.

• Advertising Frequency Effect: A Nielsen study found that optimal ad frequency sits between 5 and 9 exposures, depending on the platform and industry. Beyond this point, the message starts to become internalized—but with diminishing returns after a certain threshold.

Gentle Repetition vs. Overexposure

It’s Relevant TV CEO says, “The key to using repetition effectively is knowing the difference between gentle reinforcement and annoying redundancy. People tune out when messaging feels forced, excessive, or patronizing.”

We would consider general reinforcement to be:

• Using consistent visual branding (logos, colors, typography).
• Reinforcing core ideas through multiple formats (video, social posts, in-store messaging).
• Varying phrasing while staying true to the same central message.
• Repeating benefits and values, not just slogans.

For example, Apple doesn’t just say “Think Different” over and over—they show it through every product release, commercial, and keynote presentation. The message is repeated through storytelling and experience, not just the actual words.

Why Repetition Builds Trust

Repetition helps people become comfortable with a brand or message. This comfort leads to credibility, which builds trust. According to a 2017 report by Psychology Today], repetition also boosts message retention and can increase emotional buy-in, especially in leadership and brand building.

In an environment filled with distractions, repeated messaging becomes an anchor. It signals stability, consistency, and intentionality—all traits associated with trustworthy communication.

Tips for Marketers and Communicators

Repetition isn’t just a tactic—it’s a strategy. When done right, it can help:

• Cement brand recognition.
• Guide customer decisions over time.
• Build emotional connections.
• Strengthen recall and top-of-mind awareness.
• Counteract misinformation or misperceptions.

To make repetition work for your brand or campaign, start by identifying your core message, then repeat it across channels with variation and purpose. Don’t underestimate the subconscious power of seeing a slogan, hearing a voice, or encountering a familiar color scheme over and over again.

In communication, what is repeated is remembered—and what is remembered influences behavior. As crowded as today’s media landscape is, the brands and messages that succeed are those that stay consistent, persistent, and familiar. Repetition isn’t the enemy of creativity; it’s the reinforcer of it.

So, whether you’re crafting a brand campaign, political messaging, or just trying to teach a new concept– say it again…. And then again…

 

How Businesses Are Using QR Codes to Drive Real-World Engagement in 2025

QR codes have made a major comeback—evolving from a pandemic necessity into a powerhouse tool for business engagement.

Whether you’re a restaurant, retailer, auto dealership, or medical office, QR codes offer a fast, frictionless way to connect your physical location to digital experiences. But simply printing a code on a counter sign or in your front window isn’t enough anymore. In 2025, businesses that want more interaction, more conversions, and better tracking are finding success by taking their QR codes to the next level—putting them where the attention really is: on the TV screen.

Why QR Codes Still Work—and Work Better Than Ever

One scan can launch a world of opportunity. Whether it’s a coupon, a review request, a sign-up form, or a product video, QR codes give customers instant access to what matters most. They’re fast, mobile-friendly, and don’t require any downloads. With nearly everyone carrying a smartphone, QR codes make it easy to extend your customer experience beyond the counter and into a digital journey—without a single click of a keyboard.

Plus, QR codes are highly trackable. With the right tools, businesses can measure:

  • How many people scanned the code
  • What device they used
  • What time of day they engaged
  • Which location drove the most scans
  • Which campaigns converted best

That level of real-time data helps businesses understand what’s working, and what needs adjustment—something traditional signs or posters simply can’t offer.

Common Ways Businesses Are Using QR Codes Today

From local boutiques to national brands, businesses are integrating QR codes into their customer journey in creative ways:

  • Restaurants: Directing diners to leave reviews, view the full menu, or join the loyalty program.
  • Retailers: Linking to product videos, sign-up forms, or online inventory.
  • Medical Offices: Allowing patients to check-in, pay bills, or access post-visit care instructions.
  • Car Dealerships: Giving shoppers instant access to vehicle history reports, financing options, or service specials.
  • Gyms and Fitness Centers: Promoting class schedules, app downloads, or social media follow pages.

But in many of these environments, QR codes placed on small signage or postcards go unnoticed. That’s why smart businesses are turning to their biggest screen to command attention: the TV.

The Game-Changer: QR Codes on Your Business’s TV Screen

When a QR code is displayed on a TV—especially in a waiting room, lobby, checkout area, or service bay—it’s not just background noise. It becomes a spotlight moment. People are naturally drawn to screens, and when the code is displayed alongside motion content or promotional messaging, scan rates increase dramatically.

This is where It’s Relevant TV is changing the game. The platform allows businesses to feature custom QR codes throughout the day on their in-location TV screens, integrated seamlessly with content that’s curated for their audience. Whether it’s a limited-time offer, a “scan to follow” social prompt, or a “leave a review” request, the dynamic nature of the screen drives more attention than a static flyer ever could.

Real-World Examples: How Top Brands Are Using It’s Relevant TV + QR

Mercedes-Benz Dealerships are using QR codes on their showroom TVs to direct visitors to explore lease specials, schedule service, or scan for trade-in appraisals—all while the customer is in the ideal mindset.

Jersey Mike’s Subs has used It’s Relevant TV to display in-store codes prompting guests to join their Rewards program, turning casual customers into loyal fans—right from the checkout line.

Roadshow Cards, a fast-growing sports card retailer, leverages QR codes on its store TVs to promote trade nights, link to Instagram giveaways, and feature exclusive web-only items—creating a seamless blend of physical and digital interaction.

These businesses aren’t guessing about performance. Every QR code they display through It’s Relevant TV can be fully trackable—so they can measure which screens, stores, or time slots deliver the best engagement.

Why TV QR Codes Work Better Than Print

The secret is attention. People look at screens. Especially when they’re in a space like a waiting room, a service lounge, or a checkout line. A TV draws the eye naturally, and a QR code in that context becomes part of the experience—not an afterthought.

Unlike a flyer that gets overlooked or thrown away, TV-based QR codes are:

  • More visible
  • More interactive
  • Easier to update instantly
  • Designed to convert in real time

Plus, with platforms like It’s Relevant TV, businesses don’t need to worry about technology setup or design. It’s all integrated.

A Smarter Way to Connect

If you’re looking to boost customer interaction, collect more reviews, build your social following, or drive more digital engagement from your physical location, QR codes on your in-store TV screens may be the most effective upgrade you make this year.

Thanks to solutions like It’s Relevant TV, businesses can turn their TVs into interactive marketing engines—with QR codes that get scanned on the spot, content that customers enjoy watching, and results that are easy to measure. This isn’t the future of in-store engagement. It’s what smart businesses are already doing today.

It’s Relevant TV: The Best Business TV Service in 2025

If you’re looking for the best TV service for your business, there’s one option that consistently comes out on top: It’s Relevant TV.

Designed specifically for public-facing screens in businesses — from retail stores to medical waiting rooms, car dealerships, and restaurants— It’s Relevant TV transforms an ordinary television into a powerful marketing and customer engagement tool.

This isn’t cable. It’s not a streaming app that was meant for personal use. It’s Relevant TV is purpose-built for business, giving you control, safety, and real marketing ROI.

Why Businesses Choose It’s Relevant TV Over Cable or Free TV Services

When business owners search for a waiting room TV solution, they’re often weighing three things:

  • Content quality and safety
  • Advertising control
  • Marketing potential

It’s Relevant TV checks all three boxes — and adds benefits most business owners don’t even realize they’re missing.

1. Fully Ad-Free and Brand-Safe

Other TV options come with risks:

  • Competitor ads playing in your own store or office
  • Inappropriate content that could offend customers
  • Distracting promotions for unrelated products

With It’s Relevant TV, the only ads customers will ever see are the ones you put there. This total control protects your brand and keeps every second of screen time aligned with your business goals.

2. Massive, Family-Friendly Content Library

With over 1,000,000 licensed TV programs, the platform covers everything from food and travel to sports, science, pets, and lifestyle. Content is constantly updated, so your TV never runs stale, and it’s always family-friendly — a must-have for healthcare facilities, schools, and family businesses.

3. A Built-In Marketing Channel

One of the most powerful advantages is the ability to upload your own videos, images, and messages to run alongside programming. Whether you want to promote a special offer, introduce staff, share testimonials, or drive social media follows, your TV becomes a dynamic digital billboard right inside your business.

4. Legally Licensed for Business Use

Many streaming services and personal accounts violate public display licensing when used in a commercial setting — which can lead to legal trouble, and ultimately hefty fines. It’s Relevant TV includes all the proper commercial licensing, giving you peace of mind and ensuring you stay compliant.

5. A Cost That Makes Sense

At under $3 a day, It’s Relevant TV costs far less than what the ad space on your screen is worth. The ROI is clear:

  • You keep customers entertained and informed
  • You control your brand environment
  • You market directly to the people most likely to buy from you — your in-location audience

How It’s Relevant TV Mitigates Business Risks

Risk of showing competitor ads: Eliminated
Risk of inappropriate or off-brand content: Eliminated
Risk of licensing violations: Eliminated
Risk of wasted screen time: Eliminated

You’re turning what used to be a background distraction into a customer engagement engine that drives sales, builds loyalty, and reinforces your brand identity.

TV in Cafe Area using Business TV ServiceThe Clear Choice for Business TVs in 2025

Whether you’re searching for:

  • Best TV for waiting rooms
  • Cable TV alternative for businesses
  • Digital signage with real programming
  • TV service for medical offices
  • Retail TV system
  • TV controls for franchise systems
  • TV system for dealerships

…it all leads to the same answer: It’s Relevant TV.

With ad-free programming, brand control, marketing integration, legal compliance, and unmatched content variety, it’s not just the best choice — it’s the obvious choice.


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The #1 Social Media Upgrade for Businesses in 2025

Today’s marketing climate has shifted. Paid social media ads—once the gold standard for local customer acquisition—are showing real signs of stagnation. Meanwhile, It’s Relevant TV offers a smarter, more authentic way to grow your following, boost engagement, and ultimately drive foot traffic.

Paid Ads Are Losing Punch: ROI Is Dipping

  • A May 2025 Vogue Business investigation highlights that major brands are seeing declining returns on Meta ad spend, despite earlier ROAS of 6–10×. Many now struggle to maintain anything above 3× return — and that undercuts long-term viability. (Vogue Business)
  • According to Sprout Social’s 2025 Index, only 30% of marketers feel confident measuring ROI on social spend—despite 81% believing social content influences purchasing.
  • Studies on marketing effectiveness suggest up to 37% of marketing budgets are wasted due to ineffective media mix decisions.

Your Real-World Audience Is Your Most Valuable Asset

One of the most powerful insights from returning customer data is that the people who already visit your location are your prime social targets. These customers are far more likely to follow your social profiles and engage with your content—and they’ve already shown up in person and are more likely to return.

Rather than laboring to attract cold, online leads (many of which never convert), you are better off capitalizing on high-intent, existing visitors who are more likely to become loyal fans. But how can you do that in a meaningful way?

Build a Custom TV Network

We’ll focus on one custom TV network service that has been in the space for 10+ years and has innovated in this area for the longest, It’s Relevant TV.

1. Automatically pulls in your latest Facebook, Instagram, and X posts
2. Displays them directly on screens in your lobby, waiting area, or guest space
3. Appears in between regular programming— keeping engagement high while giving customers a live preview of your feed
4. Only your own posts appear, no comments, no ratings. So no risk of off-brand or inappropriate content being shown.

This approach makes visitors feel comfortable, prompted, and encouraged to follow your accounts.

Boost Followership & Engagement in Your Physical Space

Compare the results:

Metric Social Ads Today It’s Relevant TV
Audience Cold, often disinterested People physically visiting your business who have some positive views already
Conversion Low confidence in attribution Measurable: follows + in-store visits + QR codes
Engagement Algorithm-dependent Authentic attention from captive audience
ROI Declining and opaque Always Growing– Built from existing customer behavior

Supporting Research: Social Media Ads vs. In-Location Social Display

90% of local businesses use social media, and 78% attribute revenue directly to it. But most still rely on paid posts (Source: Synup).

Sprout Social states that while 65% of brand leaders expect social media to drive business outcomes, less than one-third of marketers feel they achieve it.

Medium’s 2025 marketing ROI guide emphasizes that small businesses thrive with high-ROI tactics like content and community, rather than expensive paid ads.

By contrast, in-location social display via It’s Relevant TV directly converts the audience you already have into engaged followers.

It’s Relevant TV Can Lead Your 2025 Social Success Story

Organic growth beats ad saturation: With rising ad costs and limited tracking, engaging customers via in-store screens is fresh, effective, and personal.

Show real content, in real time: Visitors see your best content between regular TV programming—a curated, live preview of your social feed.

Effortless control and peace of mind: You maintain full content control, ensuring only the posts you choose appear on-screen.

Lower friction, higher impact: No extra ad budget required. It’s part of the in-location experience—helping turn visitors into followers without added noise.

Relying solely on social ad spend is a risky and often inefficient strategy. It’s Relevant TV offers measurable, high-impact growth—turning your foot traffic into social followers and loyal brand advocates.

This is not just another marketing add-on. It’s the smartest plug-in your business can make to energize your social media strategy—at a fraction of the cost of advertising.

Low-Cost Marketing Strategies Every Car Dealership Should Be Using

In today’s ultra-competitive automotive marketplace, car dealerships are always on the lookout for effective, budget-friendly marketing strategies that drive foot traffic, improve customer retention, and increase sales.

While flashy TV commercials and massive billboard campaigns may seem appealing, they’re often out of reach for many dealerships looking to stay lean and maximize ROI.

The good news? You don’t need a massive budget to market effectively. In fact, some of the most impactful tools are affordable — and often overlooked. Here’s a breakdown of the most successful low-cost marketing best practices every dealership should be using:

1. Local SEO & Google Business Profile Optimization

The majority of car buyers begin their search online, and showing up in local results is critical. Make sure your Google Business Profile is fully filled out — complete with photos, inventory links, service info, and reviews. Regularly update your profile with fresh posts, promos, and Q&A content. It’s free and can dramatically improve your local visibility.

2. Referral and Loyalty Programs

Your happiest customers are often your best marketers. Incentivize referrals by offering service discounts, gift cards, or perks for every new customer a current one brings in. Loyalty programs also encourage repeat business for service visits, tire replacements, oil changes, and more. The cost is low, and the return can be high.

3. Email and Text Marketing

Collect emails and phone numbers during every customer interaction. Then, use these channels to send appointment reminders, seasonal promotions, or new model announcements. Platforms like Mailchimp or Twilio offer inexpensive plans and let you keep your dealership top-of-mind without breaking the bank.

4. On-Site TVs, and Digital Signage

Your dealership’s physical space is a marketing channel — don’t let it go to waste. Effective point-of-sale materials, well-placed signs, and digital displays can promote new specials, lease offers, service deals, or financing options.

The Secret Weapon: It’s Relevant TV

While many dealerships focus their marketing efforts outward, the real missed opportunity is what’s happening inside the showroom and service center. Traditional cable TV or generic loops of promotional videos do little to engage customers — and in many cases, they actually promote competitor ads or distract from your brand message.

It’s Relevant TV is a custom television platform used by dealerships across the U.S. It is built specifically for car dealerships– Instead of running traditional TV content that includes ads for other brands, it delivers a mix of family-friendly short-form content from a library of over one-million TV programs — while seamlessly integrating your dealership’s promotions, service offers, branding, and even local sponsor ads.

Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

  • No Ads from Competitors: You’ll never have to worry about your customers seeing a commercial for another local dealership or insurance brand.
  • Custom Messaging: Easily showcase lease deals, upcoming trade-in events, staff spotlights, or service specials in between engaging content.
  • Customer Retention & Upselling: Whether it’s in the waiting area or the showroom, the content is designed to hold attention while delivering gentle, effective marketing.
  • Huge Additional Revenue Potential: Dealerships can even sell local sponsorships and keep 100% of the revenue, making the system more than pay for itself.
  • Set It and Forget It: The AI-driven platform curates fresh content all throughout the day, keeping your screens updated without requiring constant management.

For less than the cost of a daily coffee for yourself, you can transform your waiting room for all of your visitors. It’s Relevant TV turns your in-location TVs into a dynamic marketing engine that informs, entertains, and influences buyer behavior.

5. Social Media Highlights and Local Partnerships

Creating local buzz doesn’t have to cost anything. Share behind-the-scenes videos of detailing, new inventory arrivals, happy customer deliveries, or community events. Tag local businesses and form partnerships with nearby restaurants, schools, or non-profits for cross-promotional exposure. These posts can also be shared on your TV.

6. Google Reviews and Customer Feedback

Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews — and respond to them all.  A high volume of positive reviews builds trust and improves your search rankings. While you may have places a simple sign at the front desk or a text link after service asking for a quick review, you can also put these encouragements on your TV. Add a QR code on the display and get feedback while people are in your dealership, while their impressions are fresh.

Smart Marketing Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

Car dealerships that thrive in today’s market are the ones that blend smart digital strategy with in-store marketing that reinforces their brand. While many tactics compete for attention and budget, It’s Relevant TV stands out as a unique and cost-effective tool that maximizes the value of the customer experience while subtly marketing your dealership throughout the day.

If you haven’t considered upgrading your showroom and service TVs — now is the time. It’s Relevant TV is more than just TV; it’s a smart marketing partner already trusted by dealerships across the country.

Top 5 Ways President Trump Used Television to Win Elections

When Donald J. Trump stepped into the political arena in 2015, few could have predicted how profoundly he would change the way campaigns are run. While many candidates relied on traditional campaign ads, grassroots organizing, and policy rollouts, Trump understood something deeper and more primal: the unmatched power of television. Not just as a medium for advertising, but as a stage for spectacle, repetition, simplicity, and dominance.

Trump’s mastery of television, both in how he was portrayed and how he portrayed himself, was arguably the single greatest factor in his rise to political power. Here are the top five ways President Trump used television to win his elections.

1. Repetition as a Persuasion Secret Weapon

Television is a medium where repetition thrives. Trump understood this better than anyone. From the constant hammering of slogans like “Make America Great Again” to labeling rivals with sticky monikers like “Crooked Hillary” or “Sleepy Joe,” his phrases were repeated endlessly—by both his campaign and his critics.

Television rewarded that repetition. Every rally, every press appearance, every debate clip aired on cable news became another opportunity to reinforce the message. Studies have long shown that repeated messaging—especially when it’s simple and emotional—builds familiarity, and familiarity breeds acceptance. Trump turned the 24/7 news cycle into a loop of his own talking points, playing over and over again in homes across America.

2. Simplicity of Language for Mass Appeal

Trump’s television persona wasn’t about sounding like a scholar. It was about sounding understandable. He consistently used short sentences, strong verbs, and emotionally charged phrases. This wasn’t an accident—it was a strategic advantage.

Television favors quick soundbites, and Trump mastered the format. While opponents delivered detailed policy arguments, Trump made declarative statements. In an era of shrinking attention spans and cable news commentary, simplicity wasn’t a liability—it was a superpower. It made him accessible, even relatable, to millions who felt talked down to by other politicians.

3. Turning Negative Coverage into Ubiquity

Conventional wisdom says bad press is harmful. Trump flipped that logic. He realized that all press keeps you in front of the camera—and in front of voters. Negative coverage might have bruised his reputation in elite circles, but it cemented his image as the outsider fighting the establishment.

TV couldn’t stop covering him. He was unpredictable, controversial, and highly entertaining—ratings gold. By dominating airtime, Trump didn’t just outpace his rivals—he often became the news cycle. In the 2016 campaign, one study estimated that Trump received nearly $5 billion in free media coverage, dwarfing his competitors.

4. Reality TV Persona & Visual Branding

Before politics, Trump had already spent over a decade as the face of The Apprentice, where he played the role of the decisive billionaire boss. That reality show persona became the foundation of his political identity: tough, commanding, and in control.

Television is a visual medium. Trump always looked the part—his signature red tie, stern expression, and authoritative gestures were television-ready. He understood framing, camera angles, and how to “perform” for the screen in ways that even seasoned politicians struggled to match. Voters weren’t just hearing what he said—they were seeing him as a leader.

5. Staying Omnipresent in the Cable News Era

In the cable news era, constant presence equals influence. Trump made himself unavoidable. Whether he was calling into Fox & Friends in the morning or being dissected on Anderson Cooper 360 at night, he was the gravitational force of the news cycle. Other candidates had to ask for airtime. Trump was the airtime.

This omnipresence created a psychological effect: Trump became familiar, and in politics, familiarity builds trust. Voters didn’t need to agree with him on everything—they just felt like they knew him. And that feeling, reinforced day and night on their television screens, made all the difference.

In a media-saturated age, where attention is the most valuable currency, Trump became a billionaire. Not in dollars, but in eyeballs. And in politics, that may be worth even more.

Trump is The King of Earned Media

While some may argue whether or not his politics are good, there is no question that he is the most incredible marketers of the 21st century. His political success wasn’t just about policy or ideology—it was about media dominance. Television gave him the platform, and he used it– not just to communicate, but to control the conversation. And this is something he continues to do during his presidency as well. From repetition and simplicity to turning critics into free advertising, Trump has turned the medium into a megaphone—and has made the world tune in.

Crumbl Cookies and the Power of Visual Hype: What Retailers Can Learn

In just a few short years, Crumbl Cookies has gone from a single location in Utah to a nationwide empire boasting over 1,000 storefronts and more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue.

Their secret? It Comes Down to 3 Things:

  1. A highly visual brand experience powered by social media
  2. A rotating weekly menu that drives urgency
  3. A deep understanding of how to turn content into conversion.As Crumbl flirts with a potential $2 billion valuation and a future IPO, marketers across industries—especially those focused on in-location retail media—should take note.

At the heart of Crumbl’s growth is a savvy approach to digital content. Their 30-person in-house creative team produces high-end video, photos, and content drops every week, timed perfectly with their Sunday night menu reveals. This consistency has made Crumbl one of the most followed food brands online, with millions of followers on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

They understand that a product designed to be photographed and shared can drive not just engagement, but physical foot traffic.

And in the case of their cookies, the more visually outrageous the flavor or topping, the more likely it is to trend, and in turn get people through their doors.

This attention to the visual experience doesn’t stop online. In-store, Crumbl stores are intentionally minimalist—open kitchens, streamlined counters, and most importantly, digital screens that reflect the week’s lineup and real-time volume discount offers. These in-location displays do more than just inform—they influence purchasing behavior. Limited-time add-ons, featured flavors, and upsells are highlighted through digital signage that reinforces the same design language customers have already seen on their feeds. It creates a seamless transition from the online hype to the in-store checkout.

This model offers a blueprint for other retailers and food brands, especially those with visually-driven products. The ability to coordinate digital marketing with on-location screen content is one of the most powerful tools in the modern marketing stack.

Businesses that embrace custom in-store TV networks—especially those that can update dynamically and mirror current social campaigns—create immersive brand environments.

Whether it’s showcasing a product drop, cross-promoting accessories, or driving loyalty program signups, in-location media can reinforce urgency, elevate perception, and drive higher transaction values.

crumbl-cookie-marketing-brilliance
Crumbl Chocolate Toffee Cake ft. HEATH

Crumbl’s success also reflects a shift in consumer behavior. People aren’t just buying cookies—they’re buying the moment, the reveal, the exclusivity, and the shareability. The customer becomes part of the marketing. Retailers who want to replicate this effect must think beyond static signage or passive background TV. Instead, they should be leveraging tools like custom business TV platforms that allow them to tailor content to their own promotions, seasonal campaigns, or limited-time offers—just as Crumbl does with its rotating menu.

As Crumbl positions itself for Wall Street, it’s clear the brand was built as much on visual media strategy as it was on frosting and flour. Their ability to connect with customers at multiple touchpoints—online and in-store—has redefined what a modern retail experience can look like. For marketers, it’s a clear sign: visual storytelling and strategic screen usage aren’t just add-ons—they’re now essential ingredients in building the next billion-dollar brand.

The Rise of Sneaky Ads on Streaming Platforms (Amazon Prime, Paramount+, Hulu)

In recent years, connected TV (CTV) has exploded in popularity, offering marketers powerful new channels for reaching audiences. But with this growth has come a less welcome trend: streaming platforms that were once ad-free are quietly introducing advertisements, and those that already featured ads are now increasing the volume. This creeping shift is raising concerns among viewers and advertisers alike—and it may ultimately undermine the very value that made CTV so appealing in the first place.

Amazon Prime Video is one of the most high-profile examples of this change. Initially marketed as an ad-free experience, Amazon introduced ads to Prime Video in early 2024, promising a limited load of 2–3.5 minutes per hour. But according to a recent Adweek report, that load has now doubled to 4–6 minutes per hour—bringing Prime Video in line with ad-supported competitors like Hulu and Paramount+. The move signals a broader trend in the industry: more ads, more often.

A Growing Pattern Across the CTV Landscape

Amazon isn’t alone. Many streaming platforms are following a similar path, adding more ad inventory in an effort to maximize revenue.

With streaming now accounting for nearly 44% of all U.S. TV viewing, and with more than 70% of that viewership occurring on ad-supported services, there’s a clear push to monetize attention while it’s still abundant.

Device manufacturers like Roku, Vizio, and Samsung are also getting in on the action. Ads are being baked directly into smart TV operating systems—sometimes even appearing in menus and home screens. These placements aren’t always obvious, and they can erode the user experience in subtle ways. From autoplaying ads to mandatory viewing before content starts, what used to be a lean-back, user-first medium is beginning to resemble traditional television more and more.

For marketers, this shift creates both opportunity and risk. While the availability of more ad space may initially seem like a benefit, the effectiveness of those ads can be compromised as platforms chase quantity over quality.

The Downside of Over-Saturation

At first glance, expanding ad loads might seem like a win-win: platforms earn more, and advertisers gain access to a larger pool of impressions. But there’s a tipping point.

As more ads are crammed into each viewing session, the value of each individual ad decreases. Viewers become fatigued. Repetition sets in. Engagement drops. And eventually, advertisers see diminished returns on their investment.

There’s also the issue of context. Many platforms use automated tools to serve ads based on viewer behavior or content metadata, but without strategic curation, placements can feel irrelevant or even disruptive. When that happens, it’s not just the viewer who suffers—the advertiser’s brand perception can take a hit as well.

And there’s a bigger problem on the horizon. If ad effectiveness continues to decline, brands may shift their budgets away from CTV altogether. Short-term revenue gains for streaming platforms could lead to long-term losses in advertiser trust and audience loyalty.

A Call for Smarter TV Marketing

For marketers invested in television—whether through traditional channels or connected platforms—this shift underscores the importance of control, context, and content alignment. Simply buying impressions isn’t enough. Success in this environment requires thoughtful placement, a focus on storytelling, and a commitment to respecting the viewer experience.

Platforms like It’s Relevant TV, which allow businesses to control their in-location content without third-party advertising, are emerging as a far more cost-effective and sustainable alternative. Rather than chasing ad revenue at the expense of viewer satisfaction, these solutions prioritize business messaging, sponsor integration, and customer engagement within a carefully managed environment.

As connected TV continues to evolve, marketers will need to ask:
Are we maximizing visibility, or are we diluting our message?
Are we enhancing the experience, or becoming part of the clutter?

The future of television marketing will not depend solely on how many ads you run—but where you place them, and how well they’re received.