When I travel to a new city, the first thing I do is listen to the radio stations. I’ve probably heard nearly every song before, but the commercials are all new to me.
When I check in to my hotel, after marveling at the view (if I’m lucky enough to have a view), I turn on the local TV station. If I can find one, I grab a local newspaper.
These have always been tried and true sources of local information. I scan their local news and read the ads.
The local ads, just like the news, tell me what’s going on in a community. They serve as informative content that, at a glance, tells me about fun things happening in the area.
Most times I’ll see or hear an ad for an event, and then pack up friends and family in the car and drive over to that event feeling as if I’ve got some kind of insider information just because I saw the ad or read a promoted post on a blog.
I don’t know why I’m this way. Maybe it’s because I’m a media guy. Maybe it’s because I like to explore the community and try new things.
I do the same in my own community. I’m always scanning and searching for things to do right here in Prince William and Stafford counties. That’s why I’ll never understand when people say “I never read the ads.”
I get that some, if not most advertising is disruptive. TV ads that interrupt your favorite show, or pop-ups on your computer screen that try to sell you online poker chips.
Technology continues to evolve, and online popup ads become less frequent. As users continue to choose streaming over cable and broadcast TV, podcasts over terrestrial and satellite radio, marketers face a mounting challenge on where and how to reach local readers and tell them about what’s happening in their communities.
On Potomac Local, you won’t find an ad for online poker, or for an event taking place hundreds of miles away, or product or service that is not offered by a local business.
There is great value in local advertising, and we plan to integrate more local advertising into the content on our website. We’ll continue to mark news and news and ads as advertising, just as we’ve always done.
Right now, the owner of a party store in Woodbridge can post a message directly to her store’s Facebook page, and a portion of that message appears in her ad on Potomac Local. A political candidate might send out a Tweet on Twitter and choose that Tweet to appear in their ad on our site.
Soon, it will be just as easy for a restaurant owner in Manassas to take a photo with his iPhone of the half-price hamburger lunch special, or of the live band playing on the patio, and post that photo directly to his ad space our Potomac Local.
We think these types of advertising tools are invaluable to local shop owners. And it’s also an added value as many of our advertisers already see a higher than average click-through rates on their ads.
Marketing should be fast, and easy, and — believe it or not — fun. It’s the same way many of us like to get our news.
Recent Stories
STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County Fire and Rescue says all northbound lanes of Interstate 95 were shut down around 8:45 p.m. Saturday in the area of mile marker 132.9/133, just north of the Rappahannock River bridge, following a traffic crash.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Fredericksburg Regional Transit (FXBGo!) is rolling out route realignments and a new route naming system for its Spotsylvania County bus service, with changes set to take effect on May 19, 2025.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Prince William County is mourning the loss of one of its most respected business leaders. Demetrios “Dimitri” Boosalis, founder of Boosalis Properties and a lifelong supporter of local businesses, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Mary Washington Hospital has installed a new antenna system to help first responders communicate more clearly when responding to emergencies inside the hospital.
Calling all WSHS Class of 1975 graduates! Our class has planned our 50-Year Class Reunion to be held September 26-28, 2025 in Woodbridge, Virginia. Reunion details and registration information are available to be sent to you.
To find out more, please email our reunion committee at [email protected]
POTOMAC, MD – A local credit union is receiving national recognition for offering some of the highest certificate rates in the country. Lafayette Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Rockville and serving the greater Washington, D.C. region, has been named by financial outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger, Investopedia, DepositAccounts, and GoBankingRates for its top-ranked share certificate products.
According to these sources, Lafayette Federal currently holds the #1 national ranking for its 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year certificate terms. The institution is offering fixed annual percentage yields (APYs) up to 4.28%, with a minimum deposit requirement of $500.
Share certificates, also known as certificates of deposit (CDs) at traditional banks, have grown in popularity as a low-risk savings option during a period of economic uncertainty. With interest rates rising and market volatility continuing, many savers are seeking fixed returns on their funds without taking on additional risk.
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
