Frequently Asked Questions
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Getting Started
- What is Tri County Media?
- We're a hyperlocal digital advertising network that displays your business on digital screens in high-traffic local establishments throughout Stark, Summit, and Portage counties. Think of us as the modern replacement for cork board business cards – but with guaranteed visibility and a captive audience.
- How does it work?
- We partner with popular local businesses (cafes, restaurants, shops) to display rotating digital ads on TV screens. Your ad appears alongside other local businesses throughout the day, reaching customers while they're waiting, dining, or shopping.
- Who sees my ads?
- Your ads appear in front of real people in real establishments – cafes, restaurants, convenience stores, salons, and other high-traffic locations. These are captive audiences who are already in your community and actively looking for local services.
- Which locations will my ad appear on?
- We'll show you available screen locations in your area before you sign up. You can choose specific locations, or we'll strategically place your ad in the highest-traffic spots that make sense for your business. For example, if you're a landscaping company, we'll prioritize locations near neighborhoods with homeowners.
Pricing & Packages
- How much does it cost?
- $25/month for single location • $99/month for 5 locations (most popular) • $129/month for 5 locations with video + QR code • $189/month for 10 locations • $249/month for 10 locations with video + QR code. All plans are month-to-month with no long-term contracts. Save 15% with annual prepayment.
- What's included in my monthly fee?
- Everything you need: Your ad created and formatted for screens, display on your chosen locations, regular rotation throughout business hours (3-4 times per hour), monthly performance updates, unlimited ad content updates, and QR code tracking (video packages).
- Are there any setup fees or hidden costs?
- No setup fees. No hidden costs. Just your monthly advertising rate. If you want us to create a custom video ad, that's a one-time $150 design fee (optional).
- Can I cancel anytime?
- Yes. We're month-to-month. Give us 30 days notice and you can cancel for any reason. We're confident you'll see results and want to stay.
- Do you offer discounts?
- 15% off with annual prepayment • 10% off for non-profits and churches • Contact us for custom pricing on 15+ locations
Your Advertisement
- What kind of ad do I get?
- Two options: Static ad (like a digital poster with your logo, key info, and contact details) or Video ad (an animated 8-second video followed by your static information with a QR code). Both include your business name, logo, tagline, phone number, website, and a call-to-action.
- Can you create my ad for me?
- Yes! We'll design your static ad at no extra charge. Just send us your logo, key information, and any specific requests. We'll send you a proof within 2 business days. For video ads, we charge a one-time $150 design fee and create an 8-second animated advertisement.
- How long does my ad display?
- Each ad runs for 20 seconds. With 25 ads in a typical rotation, the full loop is about 8-9 minutes. This means someone sitting in a cafe for 30 minutes will see your ad 3-4 times. Someone waiting 10 minutes for their pizza will see it at least once.
- Can I update my ad?
- Absolutely. Change your ad anytime – new seasonal promotion, updated hours, special offer, whatever you need. Just send us the updates and we'll have them live within 24-48 hours at no additional charge.
- Can I add a QR code to my ad?
- Yes! QR codes are included with all video packages ($129 and up). Customers can scan to save your contact info, visit your website, get directions, call you instantly, view your menu, or claim a special offer. We'll even track how many people scan it each month.
Performance & Results
- How do I know if it's working?
- We provide monthly reports showing how many times your ad displayed, which locations it appeared at, estimated viewer impressions based on foot traffic, and QR code scans (video packages). But the real proof? New customers mentioning they saw you on the screens, increased phone calls, and growing awareness in your community.
- How many people will see my ad?
- It depends on your locations, but here's the math: A busy cafe with 500 daily visitors over 12 hours = your ad seen ~2,000 times per day at that single location. Multiply by 5 locations over 30 days, and you're looking at 300,000+ monthly impressions for the $99/month package.
- How long until I see results?
- Most advertisers report awareness building within 2-3 weeks. Remember: this is repetition marketing. The same people see your ad multiple times over weeks and months, building familiarity and trust. When they need your service, you're the name they remember.
- What kind of businesses does this work best for?
- Any local service business: home services (landscaping, HVAC, plumbing, roofing), restaurants, automotive services, healthcare providers, real estate agents, salons and spas, fitness studios, insurance and financial services, professional services (attorneys, accountants), and retail shops. If you serve local customers, this works.
Coverage & Locations
- Where are you located?
- We currently operate in Stark, Summit, and Portage counties in Northeast Ohio, with plans to expand to Cuyahoga, Trumbull, and additional counties throughout 2025.
- Can I choose which locations my ad appears on?
- Yes! We'll show you available locations and you can request specific ones. We'll work with you to find the best fit for your target audience.
- What if a location closes or my screen stops working?
- We monitor all screens daily. If a location closes or a screen goes down, we immediately move your ad to a replacement location at no cost to you. You're always getting the full value of your package.
- Can I advertise in multiple counties?
- Absolutely. If you serve customers across multiple counties, we can place your ads regionally. Contact us for custom multi-county pricing.
Comparison to Other Advertising
- How does this compare to billboards?
- Billboards: $1,500-$3,000/month for one location, fleeting 3-second impressions, untrackable. Tri County Media: $99-$249/month for 5-10 locations, 20-second focused viewing by captive audiences, measurable with QR codes. Plus, people are actually receptive to your message – they're relaxed, waiting, not driving at 60mph.
- How does this compare to Facebook/Instagram ads?
- Both are valuable! Social media is great for awareness. We're great for repetition and local trust-building. Many advertisers do both – social to attract new audiences, in-location ads to build familiarity with people who are already in your community. The people seeing your ads are walking around your service area right now, not scrolling from anywhere in the world.
- How does this compare to radio?
- Radio: Expensive ($1,000+/month), fleeting (station changes = you're gone), no visual impact, broad geographic waste. Tri County Media: Affordable, guaranteed viewing, visual branding, hyper-targeted to neighborhoods you actually serve.
- What about direct mail or ValPak?
- Direct mail works, but it's expensive (40-60 cents per piece) and one-time impact. With us, you're hitting the same potential customers 3-4 times per visit, every visit they make to those locations, for 30 days straight. It's like sending them a postcard every day, except they're actually looking at it.
Support & Partnership
- What if I have a problem or question?
- Email us anytime at hello@tricountymedia.com. We're a local business serving local businesses – you'll talk to real people who care about your success, not a call center overseas.
- Can you help me create a special promotion?
- Absolutely! We love helping our advertisers succeed. Tell us what you're trying to accomplish and we'll help you craft an offer and ad that drives results.
- What if I'm not happy with the results?
- Talk to us. We're here to make this work for you. Sometimes it's a matter of adjusting your ad message, changing locations, or adding a special offer. We want you to succeed because your success is our success. If after working together it's truly not a fit, you can cancel anytime with 30 days notice.