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
Fifteen years ago, we set out to do something bold—create a trusted local news source from scratch, for the communities of Prince William and Stafford counties, and the cities of Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg. Not a national chain. Not clickbait. Just real, reliable local journalism that puts people first.
The Manassas City Council is preparing to adopt a new policy framework that would allow for public-private partnerships (P3s), aiming to jumpstart long-awaited redevelopment at the Olde Towne Inn site and surrounding properties in downtown.
After more than a decade of promises, delays, and renewed commitments, the long-awaited Potomac Shores Virginia Railway Express (VRE) station is finally inching toward full construction, with key infrastructure nearly complete and developers eyeing a construction start by the end of 2025.
From a surprise visitor at a Fairfax motel to a fresh coworking spot in Spotsy, this week’s Neighborhood Notes is packed with local updates you won’t want to miss. We’ve got a brand-new Member Expo, a deeper look at Doves Landing Park plans, and a political tussle over new data centers. Dive in below!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Alt-rock legends Gin Blossoms are performing a FREE live show TONIGHT, Wednesday, June 11th at The Bullpen – and D.C., you’re invited.
Power to the Patients will be hosting Gin Blossoms for Special Performance at Congressional Baseball Game Pre-Party.
This unforgettable night under the summer sky features the band behind ‘90s classics like “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” and “Follow You Down.” Expect a packed crowd, cold drinks, and killer energy.
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
