How do I run a TV ad for my local business?

Running a TV ad used to mean calling a network sales rep, signing a long-term contract and spending thousands of dollars. Today, that has changed. Local businesses can launch a real TV ad across premium networks for a fraction of the cost.  

By using a self-serve TV ad platform like Universal Ads, you can set your budget, reach your target audience, upload your creative and launch without ever having to call an agency or sales rep.  

What you need before you start

• A clear goal: know what you want this campaign to do. Drive brand awareness and visibility? Or drive specific actions like site traffic or sales? Your goal shapes everything – who you target, what your ad says and how you measure success. ‍
• A budget you’re comfortable with: your first campaign is a learning test. Launch, test and scale is the framework that works best and you can get started with Universal Ads for just $100.  ‍
• No creative? No problem. Visit our Creative Support page to learn how to create a TV-ready ad using assets you already have.  

For a step-and-step process on how to run a local TV ad with Universal Ads click here.

Local TV advertising isn’t just for big chains and franchise brands anymore. With Universal Ads, a small business can reach its local market on premium TV with precise targeting and real-time reporting. Start your first campaign with Universal Ads today.

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^FAQs

^{Do I need a local TV station to run a TV ad? No. You don't need to work with a local affiliate or cable provider. A self-serve platform like Universal Ads lets you buy TV inventory directly.}

^{Can I target just my neighborhood, not the whole city? Yes, with Universal Ads, you can target by zip code, which means a business can run ads that only reach households in specific zip codes.}  

^{How many times will people see my ad? You can set a frequency cap which limits the maximum number of times any single household sees your ad.}  

^{My business is seasonal. Can I run ads only during my busy period? Yes! Set your campaign flight dates to match your season. Pause or stop the campaign at any time through our Campaign Manager.}