If your business wants to spotlight it's great work, there’s no better spokesperson than a local influencer who hosts a radio show. These influencers are woven into the fabric of the community with loyal audiences who trust them to be authentic.
But radio hosts’ influence extends beyond the airways. They interact with listeners at community events and on social media, and entertain them on podcasts.
With so many touchpoints, working with local influencers can supercharge your marketing.
Let's dive into the four reasons why live, local influencers make the best marketing partners.
#1: They’re Part of the Community
Local radio hosts live, work, and play in the same community as their listeners, creating intimate bonds that are tough to replicate on other media. When they talk about their long afternoon commute, listeners relate – they battle the same traffic. If a host dishes about their favorite Italian restaurant and posts a video dining there, the audience knows the spot or wants to try it.
Radio influencers also speak the local language, using the same slang and inside references as audiences. That could be complaining about the big pothole in South Bend everyone keeps trying to avoid or sharing a visit to Fort Wayne’s Promenade Park. These ties make local listeners feel connected and understood.
Radio influencers know what resonates with their audience and how to make authentic connections – making their endorsements more targeted and powerful.
Bonus: A local radio host is likely already familiar with your business – and may even be a customer. That gives them first-hand experiences to share on their channels.
#2: The Audience Trusts Them
Radio influencers build genuine connections with listeners by having honest conversations. They share personal stories, daily routines, and opinions, forming a bond that’s hard to find on other media channels. In fact, three-quarters of listeners trust the information they receive from their favorite radio hosts.
That trust is cultivated over time. Listeners spend hours each day with their favorite radio influencers, from morning coffee to midday breaks and evenings in the car, and many regard radio DJs as companions and friends.
As a result, listeners pay attention when a host recommends a product or service. It’s like getting a suggestion from a friend or co-worker. Audiences also feel positively about businesses that support their favorite stations.
Working with local influencers drives foot and web traffic, increases brand engagement, and boosts conversion – delivering strong ROI for advertisers.
#3: They’ll Go Beyond the Airwaves
Radio hosts are proud to be part of the local community, making official and informal appearances around town. These influencers are local celebrities, and just knowing they’ll be at a fun run or a grand opening can be enough to attract listeners and drive engagement. Fans love to meet their favorite DJs in the wild.
Live, local influencers can bring their show to your business. A live remote allows them to broadcast from your location and engage with customers, pose for pictures, and create buzz on social media. While on-site, they can hand out prizes, participate in live demos, or simply chat with your customers.
And don’t forget about social media! Radio influencers are active on the major platforms, regularly posting pictures and videos of their lives at the station and around town, and DMing with listeners. As part of your partnership, they can promote your business through social posts, photos, and videos.
When you partner with a radio personality, you’re working with a real person — so take advantage of their availability to appear outside the studio!
#4: They’re Marketing Experts
Who wouldn’t love having a marketing expert on your team? When you partner with a live, local influencer like a radio host, you gain a pro with critical insights. Radio hosts understand the community and can help strategize how to engage with listeners on-air, on social media, and in the community.
If a business is new to town, local radio hosts are excellent guides to understanding the market. They can help refine your marketing and suggest the best ways to engage the audience with endorsements, appearances, social content, and radio ads.
Similarly, if your business is new to radio advertising – or wants to try a fresh approach – radio personalities can help develop effective, engaging campaigns.
The Bottom Line: There’s No Better Partner Than Local Radio Hosts
When it comes to connecting with local consumers, no one does it better than local radio influencers. They’re comfortable speaking live, engaging audiences, and delivering authentic endorsements.
Ready to partner with a local radio host? Our marketing experts can match your business with a trusted influencer who will be a powerful brand ambassador.
