The radio is sometimes free and as a mobile retailer you can use this to help you promote your business. If you’re working with a nonprofit group at a fundraiser or event, you can often have your company’s name mentioned along with the nonprofit group and event. Radio is good publicity, but when it’s used to promote a cause you win twice when you’re involved. You have the pleasure of working in the community on a project for the common good and then you receive additional business as well. Public Service Announcements or PSAs aren’t the only way radio stations can help your mobile business. They can also help by giving away radio stations.
The law requires radio stations to play “Public Service Announcements” on the air. They are usually things like:
“The Hollywood Lions Club will host a BBQ and Square Dance in support of the ‘Save A Tree Program’ on Saturday, June 1 from 12:30-2:00 pm at the Hollywood Bowl and everyone is invited.”
It is your basic connection who, what, when, where, why and how much. Well, how are you:
“Wells Fargo Bank is having a grand opening of its new office at 2100 Main Street in Walnut Creek. Free sodas and hot dogs sold by the Boy Scouts. Bring your car because the World’s Best Auto Detailer will be there, Joe’s Mobile Detail and Car Wash will wash cars for only $5 All proceeds will go to the Battered Women’s Club of Contra Costa County All day event Bring the kids and they can ride the Wells Fargo clean stagecoach If you have any questions, please call 1-800-JOE-TRUE.”
This ad will play three times a day for a week for free. Everyone who comes that day, Wells Fargo employees, Boy Scout parents, and merchants from the adjacent mall are your new customers. Radio stations give away are amazing:
“Fifth caller will receive free car washes at their office for all employees, courtesy of Joe’s Mobile Detail and Car Wash at 1-800-JOE-TRUE. Find out what real service is all about.”
Do this for five days and see how many new clients you get. Is incredible. In fact, it’s so amazing that we usually don’t do it anymore because we have too much business. If you wash the radio station vans, the president’s car, and the employees’ cars, they’ll do one or two free slots a day of 30 seconds.
“Hey, you know Joe and his detailers and car washers did a great job on my car for only $5. They’ll come to your home or office for only $5. $10 for a deluxe wash and vacuum. If you don’t believe me, call them yourself.” same 1-800-JOE-TRUE. Wow, those guys have a great tan. I wish I could work outside.”
DJ ads are more identifiable to the listener, a free testimonial. Let’s say there are seven employees, two vendors, a president, and two vans. On any given day, there will be eight people working and one van. Nine cars present X $5.00 price per car = $45.00 car wash revenue.
You get seven radio ads worth $20 each or $140.00. Piece of cake. I have done this at our company many times. What great public relations. It is very cheap and powerful. Sometimes, with a little help, a little trading, and a little community involvement, radio advertising isn’t out of your league.