To slow the spread of COVID-19, the Governor of Michigan shut down all but the most essential businesses in the state on March 23. This public safety measure inflicted a severe disruption to Metro Detroit's $78.3 billion retail economy.
As local small business owners prepare to reopen, each must concentrate on supercharging their cash flows to compensate for weeks of consumer abstinence. Turning the lights back on and hanging out a welcome sign might not be enough, though, to bring even the most loyal customers back.
Some customers may not return because of personal safety concerns. Other customers may have discovered alternative sources to purchase goods and services.
But, there is one thing every Southeast Michigan small business owner can be assured of. Consumers will not return if they aren't aware that a business has reopened.
Advertising is a potent tactic for any Detroit small business that needs to reintroduce itself to local consumers.
“Think you have a great product?” asks the U.S. Small Business Administration. “Unfortunately, no one’s going to know about it unless you advertise.” 
The SBA goes on to say, “Advertising, if done correctly, can do wonders for your product sales, and you know what that means: more revenue and more success for your business."
By almost any metric, advertising on Detroit radio is the most effective medium for small business owners to reach local consumers.
Before the onset of COVID-19, Detroit radio reached significantly more consumers every week than local TV, Pay-TV, newspapers, social media, or streaming audio sites like Pandora or Spotify.
Research from Nielsen indicates that during the current COVID-19 crisis listening to local radio remains little changed.
For instance, in March, local radio achieved 96% of the same audience as it did in February, before the start of the chaos. This trend has continued through May as well. Consumers still report they are listening to the same amount or more radio than before the pandemic.
In addition to reach, a new study by Nielsen indicates that loyal radio listeners will be spending money more quickly once COVID-19 business restrictions are eased.
For instance, among consumers who postponed the purchase or lease of a vehicle because of the Corona chaos, 32% of loyal listeners say they intend to complete the purchase within 12 months. This is 39% higher than the general population and 88% more likely than loyal TV viewers.
Among consumers who postponed the purchase of a new house because of the pandemic, 11% of loyal radio listeners say they, too, intend to complete the purchase within 12 months. This is 22% more likely than the general population and 57% more likely than loyal TV viewers.
In addition to cars and houses, loyal radio listeners are planning to spend more money than they are now in almost every retail category.
For instance, within 60 days of business restrictions easing, compared to all consumers, loyal radio listeners are
- 6% more likely to spend more money on takeout food
- 7% more likely to spend more money on in-restaurant dining
- 14% more likely to spend more money in convenience stores
- 19% more likely to spend more money on auto repairs
- 21% more likely to spend more money on lawn and landscape
- 29% more likely to spend more money on hardware
- 32% more likely to spend more money at liquor stores
- 50% more likely to spend more money on furniture
- 55% more likely to spend more money on home improvement
On August 20, 1920, WWJ signed-on as the first radio station serving Detroit and Southeast Michigan. Since then, local business owners have depended on radio advertising to market their goods and services successfully. Radio has helped these businesses survive recessions, depressions, world wars, hurricanes, and blizzards.
Based on the metrics above, advertising on Detroit radio will help local business owners overcome the current chaos as well.
More Advertising Advice For Michigan Small Business Owners
- Should Your Metro Detroit Small Business Continue To Advertise?
- Does Cable TV Advertising Make Sense For Detroit Small Business Owners?
- How To Bring Employees Back To Your Detroit Small Business
- Detroit Small Business Advice: Facebook Advertising During Pandemic
- Reclaim 'Top Of Mind' When Your Detroit Small Business Re-Opens
- Who Do Detroit Consumers Trust During A Crisis?
- Web Traffic Is Soaring For Detroit Small Business Owners
