Considerations

The cost of running a television ad depends on the geographic area, the size of the audience and the production qualities of the commercial.

National Identification

A high-quality television commercial intended for a national audience costs about $350,000 to produce, according to Gaebler.com. In 2008, TV networks charged about $130,000 to air a 30-second national ad in prime time.

Local Advertising

Commercials designed for regional broadcast can cost as little as $500 to produce when an advertiser uses a smaller production company. The average price for 30 seconds of regional airtime hovers around $50 to $60 for every 10,000 people who see the ad.

Fun Fact

Ads that air during the National Football League's Super Bowl are generally the most expensive. In 2007, a 30-second Super Bowl spot cost about $2.6 million.

Tips

The later in the night a television ad runs, the cheaper it becomes. In smaller markets, the slots from midnight to 5 a.m. cost only a few dollars. In addition, people can cut actor costs by appearing in their own commercials. Most people care more about a good offer than hearing from a professional speaker, according to TelevisionAdvertising.com.

Source:

Gaebler.com: How Much Do Television Ads Cost?

TvByTheNumbers.com: Price of a 30-Second TV Spot Slumps 4.1%

TelevisionAdvertising.com: FAQ