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10 Reasons to Use Radio to Advertise Your Business

10 Reasons to Use Radio to Advertise Your Business

Friday, March 07, 2025

In today's digital world, business owners are bombarded with countless advertising options promising to deliver customers to their doorstep. With so many choices—from social media campaigns to search engine marketing—it's easy to overlook one of the most effective and time-tested advertising mediums: local radio. At 100.9 WIFM, we've been proudly serving the Yadkin Valley since 1948, and we've seen firsthand how radio advertising continues to deliver exceptional results for local businesses.

If you're considering where to invest your advertising dollars, here are ten compelling reasons why radio advertising—particularly with a community-focused station like WIFM—should be at the top of your list.

1. Radio Reaches People Where They Make Buying Decisions

Did you know that nearly three-quarters of commuters make their shopping decisions while driving? This statistic highlights one of radio's greatest strengths: reaching consumers at the critical moment before purchase. When a potential customer hears your advertisement while driving to work or heading home, you're delivering your message exactly when they're planning their next stop.

Unlike many digital ads that consumers scroll past or ignore, radio commands attention during those valuable moments when your audience is already thinking about where to shop, eat, or find services. As Americans spend many hours in their cars each week, your radio ad has multiple opportunities to influence their buying decisions right before they act.

2. Unmatched Local Market Penetration

When you advertise on 100.9 WIFM, your message reaches throughout the Yadkin Valley region. Our signal covers:

  • Primary coverage in Surry, Wilkes, and Yadkin counties
  • Partial coverage extending to Alleghany, Ashe, Davie, Forsyth, Iredell, and Stokes counties
  • Reaching into Virginia
  • Additional listeners through our online streaming service

This breadth of coverage means your business isn't just connecting with one town but reaching potential customers across the entire region. Whether you're located in Mount Airy, Elkin, Pilot Mountain, Jonesville, Yadkinville, or anywhere in the Yadkin Valley, your advertising message extends far beyond your immediate area, bringing customers from across our broadcast range.

3. Radio Creates an Emotional Connection

Radio is inherently personal. When Joel Hooper's friendly voice delivers your message during the afternoon drive, or when Danny Hall incorporates his signature warmth and humor into your advertisement during morning programming, listeners feel a connection that simply doesn't exist with other forms of advertising.

This emotional resonance makes radio exceptionally effective at building brand awareness and fostering loyalty. When your business becomes associated with voices that people trust and welcome into their homes and vehicles every day, that trust extends to your brand as well. Our on-air personalities—Gary York, Joel Hooper, Danny Hall, and Daron Atkins—aren't just announcers; they're trusted community figures whose recommendations carry significant weight with our listeners.

4. Cost-Effective Reach Compared to Other Media

Radio advertising delivers an impressive return on investment. The cost to reach 1,000 listeners through radio advertising is typically lower than television, print, or many digital advertising options. This efficiency is especially valuable for small and medium-sized businesses with limited marketing budgets.

At WIFM, we work with businesses of all sizes to create affordable advertising packages that maximize impact without breaking the bank. Our commitment to serving local businesses means finding solutions that work within your budget while still delivering meaningful results.

5. Radio Listeners Are Engaged and Attentive

Unlike television viewers who might leave the room during commercials or digital users who can block ads, radio listeners typically stay tuned in throughout programming, including advertisements. The adult contemporary, family-friendly format of 100.9 WIFM makes us the perfect listen-at-work station, meaning your message reaches an attentive audience throughout the workday.

This captive audience represents a major advantage over other advertising mediums where consumers can easily tune out commercial messages. When your ad plays on WIFM, you can be confident that it's being heard by engaged listeners.

6. Radio Offers Impressive Frequency and Consistency

Marketing experts have long recognized that frequency—how often potential customers hear your message—is crucial for advertising success. Radio excels at delivering consistent, frequent exposure to your target audience. With strategic scheduling, your advertisement can reach the same listeners multiple times per day, reinforcing your message and keeping your business top-of-mind.

At WIFM, we help you determine the optimal frequency for your advertising based on your goals and budget. Whether you need an intensive campaign to promote a special event or a long-term strategy to build brand awareness, we can create a schedule that maximizes the impact of your investment.

7. Community Connection That Digital Can't Match

One of radio's unique strengths, particularly for a community-focused station like WIFM, is its deep connection to local life. When you advertise with us, your business becomes part of our community programming, which includes:

  • Local high school sports coverage—a mainstay in the Yadkin Valley
  • "People Doing Good For Others" with Gary York, celebrating community servants
  • "Extension Today" featuring NC Cooperative Extension Agents
  • "Spotlight on Schools" highlighting local education achievements
  • "Talking Tourism" showcasing Surry County events and attractions

By associating your business with this community-centered content, you demonstrate your commitment to the Yadkin Valley and position yourself as a business that cares about local prosperity. This community goodwill translates into customer loyalty that nationwide chains and online retailers simply cannot match.

8. Targeted Demographic Reach

Radio stations attract specific audience demographics based on their programming and format. WIFM's adult contemporary, family-friendly format appeals to a broad but valuable demographic of adults who are active consumers and decision-makers.

Our weekday programming with Danny Hall in the mornings and Joel Hooper in the afternoons reaches different listener segments throughout the day, allowing you to target your advertising to the most relevant audience for your business. Whether you want to reach early-rising professionals, working parents, or evening commuters, we can place your message at the optimal time.

9. Radio Complements Your Digital Marketing Strategy

The most effective modern marketing strategies utilize multiple channels to reach consumers. Radio advertising works exceptionally well in conjunction with digital marketing efforts, creating a synergistic effect that enhances both.

When potential customers hear your advertisement on WIFM and then encounter your business online, the prior radio exposure creates instant recognition and credibility. This cross-platform reinforcement dramatically increases the effectiveness of both your radio and digital marketing investments.

At WIFM, we also offer digital advertising opportunities on our website homepage and streaming page, allowing you to create a consistent cross-platform presence that captures attention both on-air and online.

10. Flexibility and Speed to Market

Radio advertising offers remarkable flexibility, allowing you to update your message quickly in response to market changes, inventory fluctuations, or special promotions. Unlike print advertising, which requires significant lead time, or elaborate video productions that can take weeks to create, radio advertisements can be produced and on-air within days or even hours when necessary.

This agility is invaluable in today's fast-paced business environment. Whether you need to announce a flash sale, respond to competitive pressures, or capitalize on a timely opportunity, radio advertising enables you to reach your audience quickly with fresh, relevant messages.

Beyond Traditional Spots: Creative Advertising Opportunities with WIFM

At 100.9 WIFM, we offer more than just standard advertising spots. Consider these innovative ways to reach our listeners:

  • Sponsorship of popular segments like the Bojangles' Sports Report, Birthday Calendar, or Student Athlete of the Week
  • Time and temperature line advertising, reaching over 120,000 callers each month in Mount Airy, Elkin, and Wilkesboro
  • On-air contests that drive engagement with your brand
  • Remote broadcasts from your business location
  • Customized jingles that create memorable brand associations

These creative approaches help your business stand out from competitors and create deeper connections with potential customers.

The WIFM Difference: Local Focus, Broader Reach

Since 1948, 100.9 WIFM has been more than just a radio station—we've been an integral part of Yadkin Valley life. Our commitment to the communities we serve means that when you advertise with us, you're not just buying airtime; you're joining a tradition of excellence and community service that spans generations.

As Mr. Gary York, our Owner/CEO states in our call to action:

  • Be generous to the community
  • Advocate worthy causes
  • Speak for those who need a voice

These values guide everything we do at WIFM, including how we approach advertising partnerships. We believe in helping businesses grow because strong local businesses create strong communities.

Ready to Grow Your Business with Radio Advertising?

The evidence is clear: radio advertising remains one of the most effective ways to reach local consumers and drive business growth. At 100.9 WIFM, we're committed to helping businesses throughout the Yadkin Valley harness the power of radio to achieve their marketing goals.

Whether you're a new business looking to build awareness or an established company seeking to increase market share, our team has the expertise and community knowledge to create an advertising strategy that delivers results.

Contact us today at 336-835-2511 to learn more about how WIFM can help generate brand awareness and grow your business throughout the Yadkin Valley region. From traditional spot advertising to creative sponsorships and digital opportunities, we'll work with you to develop a custom solution that fits your needs and budget.

100.9 WIFM—The Place to Be in the Yadkin Valley, and the perfect partner for your business growth.