Join the Waitlist for Skybeam: Be First to Access Our Self-Service CTV Tool!

Win big this holiday season: Cutting edge TV ad strategies, AI power, and pro tipsPreview Skybeam's features and sign up to be among the first to use it when it launches.

Take Your Ads to New Heights with Skybeam

Launch TV campaigns that drive results with Skybeam's intuitive, self-serve platform.

Learn More
Back to all resources

Effective Cable TV Advertising: A Guide to Buying Ad Spots for Your Business

Linear TVMedia BuyingTargeting

As a business owner, it is essential to have a robust advertising strategy in place to increase brand awareness and reach new customers. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is by buying cable TV ads. Cable TV offers a wide audience reach and the ability to target specific demographics, making it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of buying cable TV ads, from identifying your target audience to creating an effective ad and tracking your results. By following these steps, you can effectively buy cable TV ads that align with your target audience and achieve your advertising goals.

Step 1: Identify Your Target Audience

The first step in buying cable TV ads is to identify your target audience. Who are your customers and where do they spend their time watching TV? Are they primarily men or women, young or old? Knowing your target audience will help you choose the right cable networks to advertise on. For example, if your target audience is mostly older adults, you may want to consider advertising on networks like A&E or Discovery. Alternatively, if your target audience is mostly young adults, you may want to consider advertising on networks like MTV or Comedy Central.

Step 2: Research Cable Networks

Once you have identified your target audience, research cable networks that cater to that demographic. Look into the different shows and programming options offered by each network to determine if they align with your target audience. Additionally, research the ratings of the shows and networks to get an idea of the number of viewers they reach. This will help you to determine the reach of your ad and the potential return on investment.

Step 3: Negotiate Ad Rates

Once you have identified the cable networks that align with your target audience, it's time to negotiate ad rates. Cable networks typically offer a variety of ad packages, from 30-second spots to longer form infomercials. The cost of these packages will vary depending on the network, the time of day, and the day of the week. For example, advertising during prime-time hours will typically cost more than advertising during off-peak hours.

It is important to note that cable networks typically offer a discount for purchasing ad spots in bulk. Therefore, it is a good idea to negotiate a bulk rate if you plan on running multiple ads. Additionally, it's worth noting that many cable networks have a minimum ad buy requirement, so be sure to factor that into your budget.

Step 4: Choose Your Ad Format

Now that you have negotiated ad rates, it's time to choose the format of your ad. Cable networks offer a variety of ad formats, including 30-second spots, 60-second spots, and infomercials. Consider the type of message you want to convey and the budget you have to work with when choosing your ad format. For example, a 30-second spot may be a good option for a quick, attention-grabbing message, while an infomercial may be a better option for a more in-depth product demonstration.

Step 5: Create Your Ad

Once you have chosen the format of your ad, it's time to create it. If you don't have the resources to create an ad in-house, consider hiring an ad agency or freelance ad creator to help you. It is important to create an ad that is visually appealing and effectively communicates your message. Additionally, make sure your ad complies with the cable network's guidelines and regulations, as they may have specific requirements for formatting and content.

Step 6: Schedule Your Ad

Once your ad is created, you will need to schedule it to run on the cable network. Be sure to choose a time slot that aligns with your target audience. For example, if your target audience is working professionals, it may be more effective to advertise during the weekdays during the evening hours, when they are more likely to be watching TV. Additionally, consider scheduling your ads to run during specific shows or programming that aligns with your target audience.

Step 7: Track Your Results

Finally, it is important to track the results of your cable TV ad campaign. Keep an eye on metrics such as website traffic, sales, and phone calls to determine the effectiveness of your ads. This will allow you to make data-driven decisions about future ad campaigns. Additionally, consider using a call tracking number or a special landing page to track the results of your cable TV ads specifically.

In conclusion, cable TV advertising can be a highly effective way to increase brand awareness and reach a wide audience. By following these steps, you can effectively buy cable TV ads that align with your target audience and achieve your advertising goals. Remember to always keep your target audience in mind, research cable networks, negotiate ad rates, choose the right ad format, create an effective ad, schedule your ad, and track your results to make data-driven decisions for your business.

Find out how Simulmedia’s unique TV+® platform for TV and streaming advertising provides unified access to premium linear and CTV inventory across all networks and publishers. Request a demo or email us at advertise@simulmedia.com.