Branded TV Like Gas Stations Have

Have you seen the TVs above the pump at your local gas station? Wonder how that unique quick-hitting network came to be?

Digital Signage at The Pump

Gas stations utilize custom TV software to deliver programming and digital signage to customers as they wait. Whether you have a gas station, retail store, restaurant, car dealership or office, you too can benefit from having a customized TV network in your business.

While most of the gas station tv networks are owned by closed groups and ad-supported, you can create your own TV network and generate additional revenue for your own business by using custom tv platforms like It’s Relevant TV.

Longer Short-Form Content

If your customers are in your business for more than a minute or two, you’re going to want content that’s longer than what you typically see on Gas Station TV Platforms. Most gas stations have content ranging from 10-30 seconds in length, and often repeat their content every few minutes. Businesses benefit more from displaying content that is longer, and that doesn’t repeat so often.

Create Your Own Ad Network

Once you have a custom TV network in place at your business you can take full advantage of it by forming your own ad network. TV networks, billboard companies, newspapers and more have made a fortune off of ads they’ve sold over the years. So why not you? You can use the same principles that television networks have used for years to generate additional revenue for your business regardless of what industry you are in. With something like It’s Relevant TV or Rele.TV you can make your own Ad Network and keep all of the profits!

How Much Does It Cost To Advertise On TV? | It’s Relevant TV

How Much Does it Cost to Advertise on TV?

Great question! The answer depends on whether or not your ad is going to be local, or national. Local ads cost significantly less, and are the go-to for smaller businesses for obvious reasons; your business with 1 to 3 locations on the East Coast doesn’t need to reach people in California. National ads- on the other hand, will cost much more per spot, but will cost less when divided among the viewers you are reaching.

If you’re reading this, chances are that what you’re interested in is a local advertisement — however both will be covered. Before we start, it is worth noting that there’s a third option that most business owners don’t think of; which is running your ads on the TV within your business itself. If you think that’s counterintuitive to the point of playing an ad on television, keep on reading and see why more and more business owners are adopting this new strategy.

Want to Advertise on TV? Here’s what to Expect

Business owners looking to run a local ad can expect to pay upwards of $1,500 for a 30-second advertisement on a broadcast network — compared to national ads, which can cost as much as $120,000 for an ad of the same length. Cable TV networks in limited areas can cost as little as $50 per spot, but the viewing audience for those ads is very small.

A Quick Calculation:
Just think if there are 200,000 cable subscribers. 50% of them may be watching TV at any given time, so that’s 100,000 audience. Now, those people have the choice between a thousand different cable channels. Most will gravitate towards the broadcast stations like NBC, Fox, CBS and ABC. So you may only be left with 40,000 viewers that are choosing between the other 1,000 channels. Divided evenly between the channels you might expect that ad to be shown to just 40 people. So even for a “cheap” ad on regional cable purchased for $50, you’d be paying $1.20 per viewer in the example above.

Television ads are costly, and that money spent is a lot for a small business — especially when there’s no guarantee that you’re going to make that money back. When it comes to most advertising platforms; cable TV, billboards, newspapers, etc. — you’re paying to have your message exposed to thousands, if not hundreds-of-thousands of people on the off-chance that a large number of them will see it,  be interested, and then act on it. That’s a lot of off-chances.

Don’t bet your advertising budget on the Law of Averages. Not when you can achieve the same goals, with the same ad, for far less money.

The Advantages of Advertising on your Own Business’ TV

Some might argue that the point of having a commercial ad is to have it play on broadcast television; in people’s homes. The “I don’t need to advertise to customers who are already in my business” stance comes from a place of logic, but it has its flaws. Most notably, it’s ignoring the simple fact that those customers- who are already in your business, are there because:

1.) They trust you, or they trust your brand

2.) You sell a product that they need, or you offer a service that you provide.

3.) They are statistically more likely to (re)visit your business than someone who had never been there before.

Less often than you might think it’s because they saw your ad at home on TV. The small handful of “those-interested” that you might get out of a TV ad will have an equal mindset to those who are already visiting your business naturally. It’s far easier, and way more cost-effective, to target customers who are already in your location.

Why spend thousands of dollars fishing for 1-in-1,000 people who are interested in your brand when you can instead target 1,000 visitors who you know are already interested?

Selling visitors on additional products and services while they’re right there — where they can buy or act on it that second, is the best strategy for generating more sales and repeat business. If you were advertise on TV, your product, service, or message would REALLY have to motivate the consumer to stop what they’re doing, get up, go out, and visit your business. No matter which way you look at it, the best place for your business’ ad is your business’ TV.

Finding the Right Advertising Platform to Stream your Business’ Ads

DIY solutions cost time, money, and upkeep to maintain; trust a business TV provider to do all the hard work for you.

Finding the right platform can be a little overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the technology. The best place to start looking for business TV software is It’s Relevant TV. The TV experts there know businesses, and they know television; schedule a call with them for a closer look at the technology, or chat with a representative if you have any questions about using custom TV software in your business.

If you’re going to advertise on TV, make it your business’ TV.

New Ways to Advertise on a Limited Budget during COVID-19

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is forcing the ad market into a tight corner as major restaurants and retailers are closing their doors. Since mid-March, major sports organizations such as the NBA, NFL, and MLB have suspended their games; adding the sports entertainment industry to the list of industries impacted by the outbreak.

According to a 2015 study, the sports industry alone accounted for an estimated 37% of total broadcast TV ad spending.

Experts are predicting the ad market to suffer a decline of up to $3 billion in 2020. With so many industries shutting down and customers staying home, businesses across the country are experiencing big budget cuts. However, advertising and marketing are just as important as ever. Despite their limited budgets, business owners are looking for new ways to advertise.

Adjusting to the Ad Market Crisis: How to Advertise on a Limited Budget

Make your spending count.

People quarantining themselves and practicing social distancing doesn’t change the fact that your business has products and services that you need to sell. If you’re intent on keeping your business open, you need to get those services noticed. Traditional television advertising is still among the most expensive advertising mediums, so now’s not going to be the time you’re likely going to want to make a large TV ad spend. But, you can put ads on your own TVs for close to nothing. If you have a television in your business, consider putting your ads for those products and/or services on your TV itself; target consumers while they’re physically in your location.

Advertise directly to your visitors when they’re in your business.

The corona-crisis has created a unique opportunity for in store advertising. People are limiting how frequently they go outside; however if your business sells essentials, or provides a comfort food or service, you can count on repeat business from your loyal customers during this time.

Give them more reasons to come back. Or, gently educate them on any goods, services, or specials to take advantage of while your customers are there. A custom TV network for your business is the best way to achieve either; both because it’s cost effective, and the best way to captivate visitors.

A COVID-free TV is better for your business.

Advertising Platforms to Avoid

WARNING: Avoid Billboards and Outdoor Advertising!

Outdoor advertising is only effective when the message is getting MASS amounts of exposure. The high cost alone is hard to justify, especially in the case of small businesses. However the combination of working with a limited budget, and the limited number of people going outside during the outbreak makes outdoor advertising a poor investment at this time.

Advertising Platforms that are Still Relevant

CONSIDER: Social Media and Free Streaming Platforms

According to Forbes, more people pay for streaming services than cable, with 69% utilizing at least one internet streaming service. Additionally, those who use internet streaming services are subscribed to 3 services on average. Because of the increased amount of people staying at home during the outbreak, experts anticipate a growth in ad spending on geo-targeted streaming platforms like Hulu, and social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

A Service to Consider for your Business

Recent changes to the ad market are forcing businesses to get creative. Previously suggested in this article; a custom TV network is the solution that forward-thinking business owners are turning to instead for advertising.

Bridging the gap between TV Networks and a DIY TV display is It’s Relevant TV.

Business owners are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the TVs inside of their locations by transforming them into effective marketing tools. Whether your goal is to improve visitor experience, promote your services, or get people to come back more often, a custom TV network is the best, most cost-effective way to achieve all of the above.

If you are ready to jump into having your own TV network, It’s Relevant TV operates an online store that allows you to pick up everything you need with an inexpensive self-install kit here: http://rele.tv

Market Trends: A Closer Look At Business Ad Spending

The recent pandemic has changed the way that businesses are approaching and handling ad spending. With consumers in quarantine, and businesses closing left and right, it’s not surprising to hear that new marketing trends are emerging as a result. One such trend that the market is observing is reduced ad spending from traditional brick and mortar businesses, but increased spending from tech, and online-based businesses.

Businesses that are Reducing Ad Spending vs Businesses that are Increasing

Bed Bath & Beyond, Marshalls, and Dicks Sporting Goods are prime examples of retailers that are cutting back on their ad spends; whereas tech companies like Apple, website companies like Godaddy, and streaming services like Disney+ are all bulking up their spends.

According to Winmo, Apple alone saw an increase of +$51.6 million in ad spending compared to February of 2020.

Winmo

With so many stores closing, you aren’t going to see the same kinds of ads you’re used to seeing; the ones encouraging shoppers to go out and buy-buy-buy. Because of that, businesses that aren’t limited to a physical location have a bigger advantage.

Also worth noting is the rise in ad spending in the food industry.

Despite their dining areas being closed, franchises such as McDonald’s, Wendys, and Burger King are spending a lot more on ads; reminding customers about the various delivery options that are available. More than just cable TV, you’ll see more and more of these ads on streaming services due to an increased number of people working from home.

Ad Spending Down? Consider a New Approach

Three words: Custom Television Network.

When ad spends are on the low-end, it’s the perfect time to explore some of the new marketing tools that are out there. Specifically, ones having to do with the TV. Just about every business has a TV, and 100% of businesses have something they’re trying to sell. The TV in your business is the best tool to promote your services, and your brand. But that’s only possible with the right business TV software.

Recommended:The Best Marketing Tool 2020: Your TV

In addition to being the best place to put your TV advertisements, custom TV networks are incredibly cost-effective. One business TV provider in particular, It’s Relevant TV, features live social media integration and over half-a-million videos to entertain your visitors with. This not only helps generate more followers on social media, but delivers your marketing messages in a more meaningful way.