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What is a radio commercial maker?

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Björn Ühss, Co-founder & CCO of AudioStack, on how to make radio ads with an AI ad maker and crucial radio AI spot creator tips

AI Radio Commercial Maker: Make online radio ads in seconds

Creating compelling online radio ads no longer requires hours in a recording studio or extensive production resources. With AI, you can now write a catchy jingle for your radio ad copy in the time it takes to make a cup of coffee. Unlike the traditional process that involved a lot of creative thinking, scriptwriting, and finding voice actors, today the creation of online radio ads is much more accessible and less time-consuming. Following up on that, you can use the AudioStack AI radio ad generator to piece together a script, select a radio ads voice that fits your message, and create the entire radio commercial in a fraction of the traditional time and cost.

Radio advertising production

When starting to craft a radio commercial with AI, you'll first want to pick a good radio ad template. Think of it like a blueprint for your ad; it's the foundation to help shape your message and make it resonate with listeners. But an Al radio commercial maker does more than provide structural support. It is like having a creative partner assisting in writing radio adverts, suggesting effective radio ad copy, and selecting the right background sounds and the perfect voice that best matches your ad's story or sonic brand identity.

Building on the importance of selecting the right elements for your radio ad, like choosing the perfect radio ads voice and background sounds, it's just as crucial to partner with a company that understands and can bring your vision to life. There are lots of radio commercial production and radio advertising companies, and finding the right one involves carefully considering their ability to deliver quality, achieve broad reach, and offer services at a reasonable cost. 

Exploring radio ad samples or sample radio spots can be very helpful to get a clearer idea of what works in radio advertising.

Create your first radio commercial now
 

What is a radio commercial?

At its core, a radio commercial is a paid promotional message broadcasted on radio stations to reach and engage a specific audience.

In today's digital age, the significance of radio commercials is often overshadowed by the flashy appeal of social media and television advertising. Despite the surge of new media platforms, it's crucial to remember that radio, with its targeted radio ads, remains a powerful medium for reaching your audience. In this article, you will find all the steps on how to make a radio commercial, so let's dive into the details.

Radio commercials easily blend into our daily activities, whether we are driving, cleaning, cooking, or enjoying a barbecue, subtly entering our memory without us even realising it. Nowadays those audio ads can also be used on digital music or podcast streaming platforms like Spotify or Acast.
 

What is the purpose of online radio ads?

The purpose of online radio ads is to effectively grab listeners' attention and turn them into customers in a cost-effective way. Radio advertising is known to be more economical than other forms such as TV, and can evoke strong emotions as well as tap into our subconscious through the power of sound.

It is also very flexible, meaning you can choose exactly when your ads will play and it provides measurable insights into listener engagement and reactions. This approach not only ensures your message reaches the right ears at the right time but also gives you a better chance of turning listeners into customers.
 

How to start with radio advertising production?

  1. Choosing the right radio station or distribution channel: One of the main steps in radio advertising production is choosing the right radio station or distribution channel to broadcast your commercial. This is a very important step because you want to make sure your ad and the listeners are a perfect fit

  2. Determine target audience: It's key to know who will be listening. When you understand your listeners, you can make a real connection with them. Before creating a radio commercial, think about who needs your business or service. Consider what problems they have that you could solve. Figure out what sets you apart from others out there. Knowing this will help you make an ad that works

  3. Setting goals and budgets: Think about what you want to achieve with your radio advertisement (e.g. brand awareness or direct sales) and how to set a realistic budget for your campaign

  4. Research and compliance: Make sure you research the rules for online radio ads so you can make sure your ad follows laws and standards before airing it on the radio
     

How to create a radio ad?

Before you start, let's look at some important factors that make online radio ads work well.

  1. Brainstorming: When creating a radio ad copy, brainstorm to come up with fun and interesting ideas that fit with your brand and attract your target audience. Think about what your audience likes and what your brand stands for. Use those ideas to make unique and catchy ads that will stay in their minds

  2. Keep your message simple: You might have many ideas for your online radio ads, but it’s best to keep it straightforward. Focus on what makes your offer unique. Highlight a time-limited deal to create urgency. Share good things that customers have said about you and tell listeners clearly what you’d like them to do next

  3. Catch their attention fast: The start of your radio commercial is super important. You want to grab your listeners' interest right away. Make your intro exciting. Tell a story throughout your ad to keep people listening and not switching channels

  4. Audio quality matters: With no visual aids, your radio copy needs to sound amazing. This means selecting the right tone of voice and music that complements the message, and precise timing for each segment - all of these should be spot-on! If you want to add AI-Audio production capability to your business then contact us!

  5. Give them something to do - CTA: Your radio commercial should push people to act, like buying your product, visiting your store, or checking out your website. Make sure to end your ad with a clear instruction, or 'call-to-action,' that's easy to remember

Just using these simple guidelines can help you compete with other radio commercials and get the results you want!

Try the Radio Spot Creator by AudioStack
 

Crucial radio commercial tips

Writing good radio ad copy sounds simple, but creating it and having it perform well is a lot more challenging. Following that, here are some crucial tips to ensure your online radio ads stick in people's minds.

  • The starting point is key for your online radio ad because it's your first chance to talk to your audience. Always double-check your radio ad copy to make needed changes

  • Keep your radio commercial simple and clear. If you have more things to say, make more ads

  • Talk to your listeners in a way they get right from the start. Know what they like and need, and use that in your radio ad copy

  • Say your brand's name at least twice in your ad, once at the beginning and once at the end. But don't say it too much

  • For your message in the radio commercial to stick, people need to hear it at least 8 times. AI audio ads allow the production of multiple versions of an audio ad. This way the message is repeated but the way and creative changes to make it hyper-relevant and more interesting

  • Use music and sounds to make your message more fun and clear

  • Don't fill your ad with too many words. And, make sure the person talking in your radio commercial doesn’t speak too fast

  • Try reading your radio ad copy out loud to catch if it's too fast or too packed. Add places to pause

  • Picking the right radio ads voice is crucial. It should fit your listeners well and sound believable

Al in the audio industry

Download our latest white paper
 

How to write a radio ad script?

When you're putting together the script, it's really helpful to look at radio ad script examples for 15, 30, and 60 seconds. These samples give you a clear picture of how to balance your message, depending on how much time you have. Think of it this way: shorter ads need to be straight to the point, while with longer ones, you've got a bit more space to play around and add some storytelling. Checking these examples can really show you how to make the most out of the time you choose for your radio commercial.

Script example for 30-second radio ad:

30-second radio ad

Find more inspiration here
 

How long are radio commercials?

Radio commercials usually last between 15 and 60 seconds, with 30-second slots being especially popular. There are options for shorter ads, like 10 or 15 seconds, which are ideal for smaller businesses working with tighter budgets.
 

How do you make a 60-second radio ad?

With a 60-second radio ad, you can create good storytelling. Then you can choose from a variety of AI voices, languages, calls to action (CTAs), and sounds to see what fits best. It's like having an employee who never gets tired. For more inspiration, look for an Al radio ad script generator or check one of the AudioStack 60-second radio ad examples.

The 60-second radio ad is ideal for:

  • Educational Campaigns: Explaining new concepts or services with detail. A company like Rosetta Stone, which offers language learning software, could use a 60-second radio ad to explain their teaching method and the benefits of using their product for language acquisition

  • Story-Driven Marketing: Sharing customer testimonials or brand stories. Airbnb could share a real story from a customer about a special trip they had, showing how Airbnb helps make travel exciting

  • Complex Offers: A bank or investment company like Barclays Bank could create a 60-second radio ad to explain a new way to save money or invest, which needs more details

  • Emotional Connection: A charity like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) could create a 60-second radio ad to tell a touching story about saving animals or nature, hoping to get people to support them
     

How do you make a 30-second radio ad?

When you make a 30-second radio ad script, you want something short and clear, but that's also something an AI radio ad maker can do for you. If you are looking for the perfect radio ads voice, here you can quickly access a voice library with thousands of text-to-speech voices, as well as voice cloning and speech-to-speech features.

Check how McDonalds, PENNY and others used AudioStack

Here are some radio commercial script ideas for 30-second radio ads:

  • Product Highlights: Apple can use a 30-second radio ad to talk about what's new about the latest iPhone, keeping it quick and focused

  • Event Promotions: A store like Target might tell you about a big sale coming up, like Black Friday, to get you excited and ready to shop

  • Brand Reinforcement: Coca-Cola might play a happy, feel-good ad that makes you think of good times with friends, which helps you remember them

Targeted Calls to Action (CTAs): A company like Peloton, which makes exercise equipment and classes, could create a 30-second radio ad to invite you to try a class for free, telling you exactly where to sign up.

Here is a 30-second script example:

30-second script example

 

How do you make a 15-second radio ad?

For a very short 15-second radio ad script, you need to be straightforward and say something catchy right away! You could use a 15-second radio ad for:

  • Flash Sales: A clothing store like H&M could use a 15-second radio ad to quickly tell you about a big discount happening for a short time, making you want to shop right away

  • Brand Teasers: Tesla could give a sneak peek of a new electric car coming out, making you curious and excited to see it

  • Direct CTAs: Domino's Pizza might use radio advertising companies to push a special offer like "Two for Tuesday," encouraging you to order pizza right then

Urgent Messages: A local health clinic might partner with radio commercial production companies to quickly say they have flu shots available or a new location opening, which is important for you to know right away.

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Cutting a 60 sec to 40, 30 or 15 seconds can be hard. AI can help the human copywriter to easily and quickly create multiple cut-down versions of a script that keeps the essential information while reducing the size of the ad. Something that is a cumbersome task and process for any writer without the help of AI.

Try our 15-second radio spot creator for free
 

Difference between a 15-second & a 30-second radio ad

A 15-second radio ad is quick – just enough for one clear message. A 30-second radio ad gives you a bit more space to add some extra info or a short story. When deciding between a 15-second ad and a 30-second radio ad, it's crucial to understand how each duration serves a different purpose and the type of content that fits best within these time frames.

15-second radio ad

  • Quick and clear: A 15-second ad is very short, just right for a single, clear message. It’s like a quick reminder for listeners

  • Example: Imagine Domino's Pizza has a special offer: "Buy one pizza, get one free on Tuesday at Domino's. Don't miss out!" This quick message tells you exactly what you need to know in a short time

30-second radio ad

  • More detail and storytelling: With double the time, a 30-second radio ad allows for more elaboration. This can include additional details about the product or service, or even a short narrative to engage the listener on a deeper level

  • Example: Let's expand on the Domino's ad. In a 30-second version, the ad could include a quick, engaging story: "Imagine it's Tuesday. You and your friend are hungry for pizza. Domino's has you covered! Buy one pizza, get one free. Perfect for sharing. Make your Tuesday special with Domino's. Order now!" This version explains more and helps you imagine the situation, making it more interesting and memorable

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Whether you choose a 15-second radio ad or a 30-second radio ad depends on what you want to say. If you need to grab someone's attention quickly, a 15-second ad might be just right. For giving more information or telling a story, a 30-second ad could be better. To make the most of the time and get your message across, consider using a radio ad creator to help you craft the perfect ad.
 

What are the most popular radio ad formats?

The most popular online radio ad formats often include:

  • Live Reads: Imagine listening to your favourite radio show, and the host starts talking about how much they love Spotify's new premium feature that lets you skip as many songs as you like. It feels like a friend telling you about something cool, right? That's the power of live reads – personal and direct

  • Jingles: Ever find yourself humming “Ba da ba ba ba, I’m lovin’ it”? That's McDonald's catchy jingle. It sticks in your mind, making the brand memorable

  • Testimonials: Let's say you're listening to a podcast, and there's a break where someone starts talking about their experience with a Yeti cooler. They're not just listing features; they're telling a story about how it kept their drinks ice-cold on a hot beach day. Brands like Yeti use these real stories to connect with us on a personal level

Explore more radio commercial ideas
 

Benefits of radio commercial production

Online radio ads are affordable and let you target your audience precisely. You can track how well they're working and they're great for grabbing attention. Plus, you can reach listeners worldwide and easily create ads just by typing what you want to say about your product. Super simple! If you want to learn more about the benefits of AI audio check out this blog here.

But let's break down those benefits into more specific parts:

  • Reaches lots of people: Radio ads, a prime example of radio advertising, have the potential to reach millions of listeners daily, providing businesses with a massive audience to share their message

  • Saves money: In comparison to various advertising channels, producing commercials for radio often proves to be less expensive and yields a higher return on investment (ROI) thanks to its ability to connect with a broad audience

  • Hits the right ears: By carefully choosing which radio stations or streaming services play your ads, you're effectively targeting the audience most likely to be interested in your products or services. This strategic choice is a smart move in radio advertising production, ensuring your message resonates with the intended audience

  • Quick tweaks: Radio ads are super flexible. Need to change your ad fast? No problem. They make it easy to keep your message fresh and in tune with the latest trends

  • On-the-move audience: Radio's got a special plus – it catches people when they're driving or at work. More listens mean they're more likely to remember what you're advertising
     

Are radio ads more effective than TV commercials?

Online radio ads might grab more ears than TV spots, especially because you can listen while doing other stuff, like driving or working. Plus, they're like secret weapons for reaching the right people since radio shows know exactly who's tuning in, but both can work well if targeted right.

Here is a simplified table that compares the effectiveness of radio advertisement production versus TV commercials:

Feature

Radio Advertisement

TV Commercials

Audience Reach

High, especially during commutes

High, especially during prime time

Engagement

Listeners may engage more as they can multitask (e.g. driving, working)

Viewers can visually engage, but may skip ads or leave the room

Targeting

Specific targeting based on show demographics and listener interests

Broad targeting, with some shows appealing to certain demographics

Cost-Effectiveness

Generally more affordable and higher ROI

Typically more costly with higher production values

Adaptability

Ads can be quickly modified in response to feedback or trends

Changes in ads usually require more time and resources

Memory retention

Repeated exposure can lead to high brand recall

Visual element can create memorable ads, but less frequency of exposure

Each platform has its own set of strengths and can be effective depending on the marketing goals and target demographics.
 

How much does it cost to make a radio commercial?

Producing a radio commercial can cost between $200 to $5,000, which varies based on location, audience size, ad length, and the specific services included, such as scriptwriting, voice acting, and editing. But with an AI tool like AudioStack’s “SonicSell”, those costs tend to be up to 10x cheaper than traditional audio production.
 

What are the most popular radio ad templates?

A radio ad template is like a guide for making ads. They help you arrange your content properly to communicate well with the audience. Here's how the structure of these templates makes them useful. Below are the most popular types of radio ad templates explained simply:

Intro body call-to-action template:

  • Intro: Start with something exciting to catch attention

  • Body: Explain what the product or service does

  • CTA: Finish by telling listeners what they should do next, like visit a website or purchase a product

Problem solution template:

  • Problem: Start by describing a common problem

  • Solution: Show how your product or service can fix this problem

  • Benefit: Explain how the solution makes things better

Before & after template:

  • Before: Describe life before your product.

  • After: Show how life is better with your product.

  • Encouragement: Encourage listeners to try it for themselves.

Narrative template:

  • Story Start: Begin with a short, interesting story.

  • Message: Connect the story to your product or service.

  • Invite: Ask listeners to act, like learning more or buying.

Using these templates makes creating radio commercials easier and ensures they grab attention and clearly deliver the message.
 

Radio spot commercial script samples

There's always room for more inspiration! Check out these short and fun radio ad scripts and ads for quick and catchy messages.

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AudioStack: A powerful radio spot commercial maker using AI 

Creating radio commercials has never been easier with AudioStack radio commercial maker.

Simply describe your vision, and the AI will take it from there, creating the perfect radio ad script for you. It then brings the script to life using thousands of stunning AI radio ads voices.

Try out different voices in our Voice Library here

AudioStack radio ads voice library

To finish, it adds the right background sounds and music to set the perfect tone for your radio commercial. Plus, if the first 10 options aren't quite your style, no stress! You've got over a hundred more to check out until you find the perfect match.

Create your own ad in 3 clicks now

By Björn Ühss, Co-founder & CCO

AudioStack

AudioStack is a London/Barcelona/New York based software company. AudioStack.ai is the world's leading infrastructure for fully automated, scalable AI audio production. By connecting cutting edge technologies such as text to speech, music, AI-based post production or versioning, audio brands and agencies can build complex audio production workflows in a breeze. For the first time, audio assets can be created in real-time - unlocking completely new use cases that are faster, addressable at scale and more cost-effective than ever before.

Posted on: Thursday 5 September 2024

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