9 Reasons You Should Use Chicago Radio in 2019

Have you considered the power of radio for your Chicago business? Many marketers have discovered its effectiveness, as radio advertising spend is projected to reach nearly $18 billion in 2019, according to Statista.

If you’re considering adding radio to your marketing strategy, below are nine rewarding reasons you may want to leverage Chicago radio to spread your company’s message in 2019 and beyond:

1. Access to a Large Market

Chicago is the third largest radio market, according to Nielsen Audio, and includes a large range of stations that appeal to various audiences. Our three stations alone cover the most popular formats and collectively reach millions of engaged Chicago adults each week.

2. Delivers Strong ROI

Radio advertising, in general, offers an impressive return on investment (ROI), delivering up to $12 in sales for every dollar spent. This can translate into growth in market share and measurable sales lift for your Chicago business.

3. Reaches Diverse Audiences

If you plan to broaden your target market, radio is an ideal channel to use as it penetrates Chicago’s 77 different neighborhoods. Radio is also the leading reach vehicle for Black and Hispanic audiences, which comprise 32% and 28% of Chicago’s population, respectively, according to the 2010 Census data.

4. Influences Purchase Decisions

According to Nielsen, people who heard a radio ad three or more times were more likely to do online research and take action. Radio personalities are also used to influence purchases, as 80% of listeners say they’d consider trying something that their favorite radio personality recommended.

5. Reaches Chicago Commuters

Chicago workers endure the third longest commute in the nation, clocking in at just under 59 minutes. While inconvenient for commuters, it’s a good opportunity for Chicago marketers to explore traffic sponsorships and introduce their brand to Chicago audiences.

6. Targets Households with Varying Incomes

Although the median household income (HHI) for the Chicago-Naperville-Joliet area was $66,020 in 2016, radio allows you to target listeners based on different income levels. If you want to reach Chicagoans in the middle class, for example, you may consider placing an ad on Hubbard’s 100.3 WSHE, whose listeners have an average HHI of $96,592.

7. Targets Chicago Millennials

Chicago is home to the second largest population of Millennials—only behind New York City—and they have the highest spending power. With nearly 68 million Millennials tuning into radio each week, Chicago radio is a great medium to reach this highly attractive demographic.

8. Drives Store Traffic

According to the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), radio drives an average 22% lift in store traffic. In this way, radio can help Chicago brick-and-mortar businesses boost in-store traffic, and thereby, increase their sales.

9. Builds Connections in the Community

Radio personalities have a way of weaving themselves into the community – building meaningful relationships with Chicago listeners. In fact, 59% of listeners admit that their daily routine wouldn’t be the same without them.

Don’t Miss Out on Radio Advertising in Chicago

Reviewing these nine reasons alone shows that Chicago radio is ripe with valuable opportunities for your business. If you need more information on the benefits and most effective strategies for radio advertising in Chicago, contact a trusted media partner like the marketing team at Hubbard Chicago. We can help you discover the best ways to leverage radio in your marketing strategy in 2019 and beyond.