TV Advertising: A Comprehensive Guide to Advertising on TV

TVs have been an essential part of most homes for many years, and the modern age of content has made that even truer. They are used for our favorite shows, news updates, video games, education, and more.

Of course, the other primary use of TV is advertising. Despite digital advertising being at the top, TV advertising is still a vital part of numerous businesses’ marketing strategies.

Let’s take a closer look.

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The Goal of TV Ads

Of course, just like any other type of ad, the goal of TV ads is to promote or sell a product or service. The frequency and reach of TV ads make them one of the most effective forms of advertisement.

According to research, U.S. viewers watch an average of 3 hours of TV daily

However, this number does vary depending on the age group, with adults 65 and older watching 4 hours per day on average. This offers ample time and opportunity for advertisers to gain exposure.

TV Advertisement Types

There can be a few different ways that businesses advertise on TV, but the most common is through commercials. Throughout programs, there will be ad breaks to display commercials, as well as between other programs starting. Average commercials are around 15-60 seconds.

Of course, viewers are not exactly thrilled about commercial breaks, but this is how TV networks generate a significant portion of their income.

Other types of TV ads include:

The above are not the only types of ads seen on TV, but they are the most common.

Other types include infomercials, sponsorships, interactive ads, call-to-action spots, and multi-spot campaigns.

What Makes a Great TV Ad?

Now that we understand how tv advertisement works, let’s uncover the keys to success in the dynamic realm of TV commercials. Let’s dive right in!

Channels of Advertising on TV

There are two types of TV that businesses can advertise on.

Linear TV advertising

Linear TV advertising is the traditional type that most people think of. This is where content is on a programmed schedule and has a “prime time,” which is when most people watch their TVs. Technically, linear TV can also be subdivided into cable TV, satellite TV, and “over-the-air.”

However, all of these include a program of shows, so the advertising on TV remains the same.

Streaming TV advertising

The modern age has introduced streaming TV, which comes with its own form of advertising as well.

This content is delivered in an on-demand format that allows viewers to choose when and where they watch.

Streaming TV is also called Connected TV (CTV) or Over-the-Top (OTT). Streaming services typically have tiered subscription packages, with ads being present in the least expensive ones. The ads are often shown before a show plays and in between episodes.

TV Advertisement Strategies

Now, here’s the kicker! To maximize the effectiveness of TV advertisements, advertisers employ various strategies tailored to capture viewers’ attention, evoke emotions, and ultimately drive consumer action.

By understanding these strategies and how they are implemented, advertisers can craft compelling TV campaigns that resonate with viewers and yield impactful results.

What is the TV Advertising Cost

There are likely those wondering: how much does it cost to advertise on TV?

Well, there is no concrete answer to this question, as it can vary. The TV advertising cost can vary based on the ad length, air time, and which type of TV you want to advertise on.

Let’s take a look at some of the few factors that play a role.

Outside of these varying rates, there are other costs to consider as well, such as production, editing, and the time of year.

Here is a breakdown of average costs for a 30-second TV commercial:

There are many other streaming platforms aside from the above that can vary in their costs as well, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and more.

Creating an Ad for TV

Before you advertise, you need to create an ad, which can be done in several ways.

A business or advertiser can produce their own commercial or work with a production or advertisement agency. If the business is inexperienced in content creation, it may be a good idea to seek professional help to create an ad. After all, they will be spending money to show their ad, so it should be a high-quality piece of content for the best results.

Then, there is the matter of how to advertise on TV.

After producing the content, it needs a slot on a TV channel or streaming service. A spot-on linear TV is often obtained through an ad agency or media firm. For connected TV, businesses can go through an agency or contact the provider themselves.

TV Advertisements Examples

Here comes the surprise, or at least our favorite part! We’ve saved the best for last as we take a few minutes to journey through a collection of some of the most memorable, impactful, and innovative TV ads of recent times. Let’s have some fun as we uncover the brilliance behind these iconic TV ad campaigns.

Regardless of which one was your favorite, from heartwarming narratives that tug at the heartstrings to witty campaigns that tickle our funny bones, television commercials have the power to captivate audiences in mere seconds.

There is a whole world in which brands compete to leave their mark and impact on consumers, and we hope to have tapped into a significant portion of the key takeaways and main points to help you succeed.

Launch Your Ecommerce Business Today

Ecwid is here to help anyone looking to launch a brand new ecommerce store or branch out to a new platform.

Our selling platform can be integrated into numerous other platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, your own website, and more. This gives you a one-stop dashboard to see your business across all platforms.

 

About The Author
Max has been working in the ecommerce industry for the last six years helping brands to establish and level-up content marketing and SEO. Despite that, he has experience with entrepreneurship. He is a fiction writer in his free time.

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