The problem with all of these word counters, etc., is that they don't take into consideration timing, pace...75 words about a car sale are much different than 75 words about funeral home planning.
An old fashioned stop watch is hanging from my mic... moreThe problem with all of these word counters, etc., is that they don't take into consideration timing, pace...75 words about a car sale are much different than 75 words about funeral home planning.
An old fashioned stop watch is hanging from my mic stand. Since I produce most of what I write, I always use the stopwatch and read the copy through at the pace indicated.
It's never failed me.
Okay last one I promins: I asked CHATGPT to write an ad about why your should visit Door County WI.
Remember when you read this ad that all I gave CHAT GPT was this prompt : "write me a 30 second add for radio about Door County, WI"
Voiceover:... moreOkay last one I promins: I asked CHATGPT to write an ad about why your should visit Door County WI.
Remember when you read this ad that all I gave CHAT GPT was this prompt : "write me a 30 second add for radio about Door County, WI"
Voiceover: Are you ready for an adventure that's as sweet as cherry pie? Discover the enchanting beauty of Door County, Wisconsin!
Background Music: Uplifting, folksy tune.
Voiceover: From the rolling waves of Lake Michigan to the charming streets of Sturgeon Bay, Door County offers a getaway like no other. Picture yourself hiking through lush forests, indulging in local wines, and savoring fresh fish boils by the water's edge.
Sound Effects: Gentle waves, laughter, and clinking glasses.
Voiceover: Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, an art lover, or a foodie, Door County has something for everyone. Don't miss the stunning sunsets at Peninsula State Park or the captivating performances at local theaters.
Sound Effects: Applause and a hint of... less
by the way I also asked it to write an ad for a radio sales rep:
Are you a dynamic, results-driven individual with a passion for sales? Join our team at [Radio Station Name]! We're on the hunt for a talented Salesperson to help us grow and... moreby the way I also asked it to write an ad for a radio sales rep:
Are you a dynamic, results-driven individual with a passion for sales? Join our team at [Radio Station Name]! We're on the hunt for a talented Salesperson to help us grow and thrive.
As part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to work with local businesses and connect them with our diverse audience of listeners. Your background in sales and your ability to excel in a fast-paced environment will be your greatest assets.
If you're ready to take your sales career to the next level, we want to hear from you. Join us at [Radio Station Name] and be a part of the exciting world of radio advertising. Apply today and let's make waves together!
Then I asked it to change to a specific place:
Are you a dynamic, results-driven individual in Sheboygan with a passion for sales? Join our team at [Radio Station Name]! We're on the lookout for a talented Salesperson to help us grow and thrive right here in Sheboygan.
As... less
Well some people are going to HATE this answer but here you go:
Try ChatGPT. Here is what I asked it for and here is what it returned:
Write me a 30 second radio ad for a Mexican restaurant that has nightly dinner specials:
Taste the sizzle of... moreWell some people are going to HATE this answer but here you go:
Try ChatGPT. Here is what I asked it for and here is what it returned:
Write me a 30 second radio ad for a Mexican restaurant that has nightly dinner specials:
Taste the sizzle of Mexico every night at your favorite local spot! Welcome to "El Sabroso," where the fiesta never ends. Join us for nightly dinner specials that'll transport your taste buds south of the border. From sizzling fajitas to mouthwatering enchiladas, our chefs craft authentic Mexican flavors that'll make your taste buds dance. Plus, with our Excel-like precision, we've got your wallet in mind too. So, bring your amigos, and let's spice up your evenings at "El Sabroso." Viva la comida deliciosa! less
I agree. I was told early on that the the client's voice or name in a commercial always meant long term. I was told mentally the client hated to cancel themselves (voice or their name) because it is seen as failing.
I think it betters results. I... moreI agree. I was told early on that the the client's voice or name in a commercial always meant long term. I was told mentally the client hated to cancel themselves (voice or their name) because it is seen as failing.
I think it betters results. I have advertisers that tell me listeners ask for them. The listener perceives the client, voice or name' as a more personal invitation or ability to deal with the head person.
I was taught to write out schedules on a 'calendar' sheet and use the client's name. If they say they can't afford to spend that much, you hand them a pen and ask them to strike through the spots they want to eliminate. My record is about 50% will eliminate a few but some just can't cross out their name and will buy that package as presented, cutting dollars elsewhere. less
What a wonderful article. I was always taught to befriend staff and management, treating them with respect because they will tell you what you need to know to rise above the herd of media with their hands out.
The importance of cultivating new... moreWhat a wonderful article. I was always taught to befriend staff and management, treating them with respect because they will tell you what you need to know to rise above the herd of media with their hands out.
The importance of cultivating new accounts is so essential. People sell, retire or just move on every year and no matter how well you work with that business, you lose if you don't have a new client or two to replace those what fall by the wayside.
I look for hot buttons and something that i can do to outshine my competitors. The less 'ordinary' you can be, the better. I was asked to be a judge at a beauty contest where the winner would go on to compete for "Miss Texas". All were beautiful ladies, not just outwardly but that beauty extended to who they were. Of the thirty odd ladies competing, one outshined them all. She had the beauty, poise and intelligence to stand out quite easily and not one of us judging concluded any other lady was on the same level. She won hands down. Why?... less
I'd love to offer an open and shut case for a specific rate per 60. There are so many variables you must consider.
First, your audience size is a factor. What percentage of the market do you reach? I'm fortunate to sell for a station that reaches... moreI'd love to offer an open and shut case for a specific rate per 60. There are so many variables you must consider.
First, your audience size is a factor. What percentage of the market do you reach? I'm fortunate to sell for a station that reaches more than 25% of the 18+ audience with listeners having the option of 50 signals per Nielsen. We're a household name in this county of about 45,000. But we don't just look at this factor.
Second, who is your advertiser? By this I mean what is the average business that advertises with you and what do they spend? I think you will find the bulk of advertisers are mom and pop businesses. What does a typical advertiser spend each month? I consider the average dollar amount spent and what it takes in frequency to reach all my listeners. Just to toss out a number, let's say $300 a month and to effectively reach all your listeners you need one commercial per daypart 6am to 7pm weekdays to reach your listeners. Then a good rate is $300 for 3 per day Monday... less
I'm in a small market station that sells mostly 30s, because they always have. We're not sticklers at spots being exactly 30s, so a few extra seconds is no big deal to us.
As a rule I was taught a 30 second commercial was about 75 to 90 words and double... moreI'm in a small market station that sells mostly 30s, because they always have. We're not sticklers at spots being exactly 30s, so a few extra seconds is no big deal to us.
As a rule I was taught a 30 second commercial was about 75 to 90 words and double for a 60.
I was taught 8 typewritten lines was a 30. My question was the margin, font size and such. It seems most typewriters were 12 point font sizes and margins generally an inch meaning 5.5 inches of typed lines of 55 characters/spaces.
The most specific I have seen is an NPR station. They go with syllable count: 75 to a 15 second Underwriter Announcement. Their rule of thumb is 5 syllables per second. I found it hard to 'count syllables' but the accuracy is incredible. So often our copywriting might include $1.99 or 10 digit phone and so forth, this syllable count works best of all. And 5 syllables a second is a pretty good pace. less
From Rick Murphy:
I'll keep this story short, sweet, and simple...because it is!Nothing is sweeter than the sound of your own name. That is why I encourage our sales reps to put the prospect's name in their spec spots (I like to call them stories)... moreFrom Rick Murphy:
I'll keep this story short, sweet, and simple...because it is!Nothing is sweeter than the sound of your own name. That is why I encourage our sales reps to put the prospect's name in their spec spots (I like to call them stories) before they even know until you play it for them.You will know that you have made the sale when:1. They make any changes at all2. They want to take their name out (They seldom really mean that)3. They want to put an associate's name in the story.The sound of their name carries unmatched power. Use it. Always!I watch bartenders often. They don't know it, but many are the best salespeople on earth. I will usually buy another drink if the bartender knows my name or asks on a timely basis if I'd like another one. Not to mention the bigger tip. Oh, and if they will listen to my bull as if they care.If you have writer's block, go to the free site with 350,000 pieces of copy, WikiCopy.com. less
One of my radio friends would like to get your input:
If you owned a radio station that reached a small community (total population 50,000 or less), what would you charge on average for a 60-second spot?
Go Deep! Know the Influencers
by Pat Bryson
All of us face attrition of some sort every year. We've been making a study of why businesses leave us. Every case may be different, but we've identified the main reasons we lose business:
A business... moreGo Deep! Know the Influencers
by Pat Bryson
All of us face attrition of some sort every year. We've been making a study of why businesses leave us. Every case may be different, but we've identified the main reasons we lose business:
A business closes
A business sells
The owner retires
New management
A change in marketing philosophy
They don't recognize results
We mess up
We don't take care of them after the sale
Some of these, 1-5, we can't always control. We must prepare for them anyway. Today I want to talk about Numbers 4 and 5.
One of my markets has seen a rash of cancellations or cutting back in a short period of time. Each situation has different elements, but they all share one thing in common. In each case, we had been calling on our designated person, but we had no other contacts within that business. Now, either the designated person has left, or they have a new boss. Oops! Now we start all over.
How can we prepare for this eventuality?
As we work with our clients,... less
The problem with all of these word counters,... moreThe problem with all of these word counters, etc., is that they don't take into consideration timing, pace...75 words about a car sale are much different than 75 words about funeral home planning.
Okay last one I promins: I asked CHATGPT to... moreOkay last one I promins: I asked CHATGPT to write an ad about why your should visit Door County WI.
Remember when you read this ad that all I gave CHAT GPT was this prompt : "write me a 30 second add...
Well some people are going to HATE this... moreWell some people are going to HATE this answer but here you go:
Try ChatGPT. Here is what I asked it for and here is what it returned:
Write me a 30 second radio ad for a Mexican restaurant that has...
Word has a word counter built in if you are... moreWord has a word counter built in if you are writing your own, but ChatGPT writes to the length you ask for!
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