How to Buy an Ad on Cable TV

If you thought television advertising went beyond your budget, think cable. With 99 percent of North American households owning at least one set, television is a popular medium for getting the word out. And cable TV advertising costs are much more affordable than advertising on networks. Follow these steps to buy an ad on cable TV.

Instructions

1. Understand that while cable TV advertises nationally, they also tend to have four to six commercial slots per hour for local advertisers.

2. Contact the sales department of your local cable operator. Find out the rates, but be certain to ask about how geographical zones and advertising schedules affect prices.

3. Ask cable providers about ad packages that allow you to show your ad on different cable channels.

4. Target your product to specific cable networks that you share an audience with. If your product appeals to travelers, look at the Travel Channel. Advertise garden products to your target demographic at HGTV rather than the more general MSNBC.

5. Look at running ads on major networks like CNN, ESPN and VH-1 outside of major metropolitan areas for a cost savings. Small town cable TV ad prices are the lowest. With cable, you can advertise in as big or small a geographic area as you want.

6. Contact the Spot Runner, a company that provides small businesses with television advertising.

7. Watch for future changes in cable and technology. Predictions are that television, computers and the Internet working together will soon be the norm.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that most of your costs in cable TV advertising will be production costs. Stop costs from skyrocketing by planning your ad spot carefully ahead of time.