With a dynamic population of over 900,000 residents, the thriving city of Columbus stands as a beacon of innovation and culture in the heartland of America. In a metropolis renowned for its rich history, diverse art scenes, and progressive tech hubs, mastering the nuances of effective advertising becomes paramount. By partnering with a Columbus advertising agency like Advertisemint, you can ensure that your brand’s message is heard by the right people, at the right time, and in the right way.
Best ways to advertise in Columbus
Columbus is a vibrant city, and your business will need a marketing strategy to break through the noise. Columbus residents are bombarded with daily social media ads, search ads, billboards, TV ads, and radio ads. It’s essential that your advertising dollars are being spent efficiently. Here are some of the most popular Columbus advertising options for businesses.
Columbus Paid Social Advertising
Paid social allows Columbus businesses to reach consumers directly in their area. This is done by geo-targeted ads targeting a specific zip code or a one-mile radius around a single point. Advertisers can also target aspects like interests, behaviors, or custom audiences of their customers, prospects, or visitors. You can learn more about each of the following types of advertising below:
- Facebook Ads
- Instagram Ads
- TikTok Ads
- Snapchat Ads
- LinkedIn Ads
- YouTube Ads
- Pinterest Ads
- Twitter / X Ads
Columbus Paid Search Advertising
Paid search allows Columbus businesses to reach consumers searching for their products or services on Google or Bing within a specific geographic area. These ads allow your business to appear on top of Google searches or Google Maps. This ensures customers find your business first before they find your competitors.
Columbus Local Advertising
There are countless options for reaching consumers located in the Columbus area. Each advertising option brings opportunities, challenges, and the need to monitor for a positive return on ad spend for the business. If you want to help to grow your business with local Columbus ads, please contact Advertisemint. You can learn more about local Columbus advertising options here:
- Yelp Ads
- Nextdoor Ads
- iHeartRadio Ads
- Spotify Ads
- Pandora Ads
- Local Cable Ads
- Billboard Advertising
- Columbus Metro Advertising
- Direct Mail
“Columbus is a city of dreams, a city of possibility, a city where anything is possible.” Michael B. Coleman former Columbus Mayor
How to Advertise with Columbus Sports Teams?
Columbus residents are passionate about their sports, showcasing a blend of energy and loyalty toward their local teams. From hockey to soccer, Columbus offers businesses a unique chance to engage with a broad and fervent audience, not just on game days but throughout the year. If you want to explore advertising opportunities with Columbus’s sports teams, contact Bard now. Discover how to collaborate with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Columbus Crew SC, and Columbus Clippers.
- Columbus Blue Jackets – The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team and a member of the National Hockey League. Established in 2000, they play their home games at the Nationwide Arena in downtown Columbus.
Columbus Blue Jackets on Instagram | Columbus Blue Jackets on YouTube | Columbus Blue Jackets on TikTok - Columbus Crew SC – Columbus Crew SC is one of the ten original Major League Soccer clubs, having been a member since the league’s inaugural season in 1996. They play at the Lower.com Field in the Arena District. Columbus Crew SC has won the MLS Cup twice, first in 2008 and more recently in 2020.
SC on Instagram | SC on YouTube - Columbus Clippers – The Columbus Clippers are a Minor League Baseball team and the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. They play their home games at Huntington Park, a gem in the heart of the Arena District. The Clippers have won 2 championships.
Columbus Clippers on Instagram.
How to Advertise to Columbus Universities, Colleges & Schools?
If your business has customers between 13 and 30, you should look at advertising options for Columbus students. This youth-focused segment is rapidly changing regarding which social media platforms they use, how they access information, and the technology they utilize daily. Generally, a mobile-first demo, reaching a demo requires a fluid strategy with both content and ads that resonate with the audience. If you want to advertise to students in the Columbus area, please contact Advertisemint to discuss the best advertising and marketing options for higher education. The following are some of the most popular schools in Columbus:
Columbus Universities
- The Ohio State University – OSU is the largest university in Ohio and one of the largest in the United States. It is a public research university with over 67,000 students. OSU is known for its strong academics, particularly in the fields of engineering, business, and medicine. The university also has a large and active athletics program, with 36 varsity sports.
OSU on Instagram | OSU on YouTube | OSU on TikTok - Capital University – Capital University is a private university with over 3,500 students. It is located in downtown Columbus and is known for its strong liberal arts education. Capital University also has a strong music program and is home to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.
Capital University on Instagram | Capital University on YouTube | Capital University on TikTok - Franklin University – Franklin University is a private university with over 5,000 students. It is located in downtown Columbus and is known for its flexible and convenient online programs. Franklin University also offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in business, healthcare, and technology.
Franklin University on Instagram | Franklin University on YouTube
Columbus Colleges
- Columbus College of Art & Design – Founded in 1879, CCAD is one of the oldest private colleges of art and design in the United States. It offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in various fields of art and design, cultivating a community of artists dedicated to using their talents to enrich society.
CCAD on Instagram | CCAD on YouTube | CCAD on TikTok - Columbus State Community College – Established in 1963, CSCC is a leading community college in the region, providing two-year associate degree programs, certifications, and pathways to four-year institutions. With an emphasis on workforce development, it caters to a wide range of student needs.
CSCC on Instagram | CSCC on YouTube - Columbus Technical College – Located near Columbus, but in Georgia, Columbus Technical College is a part of the Technical College System of Georgia. It offers a diverse array of programs in health, business, personal services, and other technical areas.
Columbus Technical College on Instagram | Columbus Technical College on YouTube
Columbus High Schools
- Bexley High School – Located in the suburb of Bexley, this school is consistently recognized for its academic excellence. Bexley High School offers a comprehensive curriculum with a wide range of advanced placement courses and extracurricular activities.
Bexley High School on Instagram | Bexley High School on Youtube - Upper Arlington High School – Part of the Upper Arlington School District, this high school is known for both its academic rigor and its strong athletic programs. The school has a tradition of producing National Merit Scholars and boasts a high college matriculation rate.
Upper Arlington High Schoo on Instagram | Upper Arlington High Schoo on Youtube - Grandview Heights High School – It is a public high school in Grandview Heights, Ohio. It is known for its strong academics and its commitment to community service. Grandview Heights High School also has a strong arts program and is home to the Grandview Heights Choir.
Grandview Heights High School on Youtube
How to advertise on Columbus metro and public transportation?
From its numerous roadways, bus routes, COTA rapid transit, CMAX streetcar, and growing rideshare presence, Columbus’ residents and visitors navigate a multifaceted transportation network daily. With the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) highlighting many daily boardings on public transportation, Columbus offers unique advertising platforms that can target commuters based on specific locations, demographics, and more. Whether you’re aiming for COTA rapid transit advertising, CMAX streetcar advertising, COTA bus advertising, taxi branding in Columbus, or rideshare promotions in the city, our team at Bard is ready to discuss a tailored advertising strategy. Let us help amplify your business with impactful transportation ads in the Columbus region.
How to advertise on the radio in Columbus?
Columbus’ diverse audience tunes into popular radio stations such as WNCI, WLVQ, QFM96, WVMX, and WNND. Whether commuting, exploring the Short North, or relaxing at home, residents have a variety of news, talk shows, and music at their fingertips. Advertising on Columbus radio offers businesses a golden opportunity to connect with local residents in an immersive listening setting. Tailor your advertisements based on stations, musical genres, or broadcasting times. Additionally, with digital platforms like Pandora and Spotify gaining traction, businesses can now micro-target their ads based on zip codes, musical tastes, interests, and more. If you aim to expand your presence in the Columbus market through radio advertising, our team at Bard is eager to assist. Let’s work together to craft a successful and resonant radio advertising strategy for your enterprise.
How much does billboard advertising cost in Columbus?
As you navigate through the city, whether on High Street, I-71, I-70, or I-270, one omnipresent sight in Columbus is billboards. Major networks such as Lamar, Clear Channel, and OutFront Media manage many of these billboards. In Columbus, the average price for billboard advertising fluctuates between $500 to $4,000 per month, depending largely on the traffic volume and the specific location’s appeal. Many advertising networks also offer remnant spaces at reduced rates, especially if you’re flexible about the billboard’s location and display duration. If billboard advertising in the Columbus region is on your radar, our team at Bard is here to assist. We’ll guide you in crafting the optimal strategy, pinpointing the prime locations, and ensuring your campaigns yield a gratifying return on investment.
What are the most popular restaurants in Columbus?
Columbus, often dubbed “The Heart of it All,” is not just a hub for business and industry but also a foodie city with a diverse culinary scene. Whether internationally-inspired fine dining, local eateries, fast-food chains, or innovative food trucks, Columbus offers many dining choices. Crafting the perfect advertisement for Columbus’ restaurants can be intricate, given that you must engage not just the locals but also the influx of college students and convention attendees. Effective restaurant marketing blends location, product, promotional tactics, pricing strategy, and the power of recommendations on social media platforms like Instagram, review sites like Yelp, or local community forums like Nextdoor.
If you are enthusiastic about elevating your restaurant’s presence in Columbus, contact Bard to connect with a seasoned expert. Here are some top-notch dining spots in Columbus for reference:
- The Refectory – The Refectory is a Columbus staple known for its upscale French cuisine served in an elegant, church-like setting. With an extensive wine list and impeccable service, it’s a top destination for special occasions and fine dining.
- Cameron’s American Bistro – Cameron’s American Bistro offers a delightful blend of traditional and modern American dishes. Located in a cozy setting, the restaurant boasts seasonal menus that emphasize local and fresh ingredients.
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – While primarily an ice cream brand, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams has garnered national attention for its innovative flavors and high-quality ingredients. Born in Columbus, Jeni’s is a must-visit for both residents and tourists alike.
- Marcella’s – A vibrant Italian eatery located in the heart of the Short North Arts District, Marcella’s offers a menu packed with traditional Italian dishes, from wood-fired pizzas to delicious pasta. The energetic ambiance and exquisite food make it a city favorite.
- The Pearl – The Pearl is a well-renowned restaurant offering a fantastic blend of tavern-style dishes, hand-shucked oysters, and a noteworthy cocktail list. Its rustic yet chic decor enhances the dining experience.
- The Guild – is a fine dining restaurant located in the Short North Arts District. It serves modern American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
- Piada Italian Street Food – It is a fast-casual restaurant that serves made-to-order piadinas (flatbread sandwiches).
- Schmidt’s Sausage Haus – It is a German restaurant that has been serving classic dishes like bratwurst and sauerkraut since 1886.
- Watershed Restaurant – Watershed Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant located in the Brewery District. It serves seasonal American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
Top 10 things to do when you visit Columbus
Columbus, often regarded as the “Heart of Ohio,” draws countless visitors each year, both for business and pleasure. Marketing endeavors aimed at this diverse audience are crucial, encompassing entertainment venues, hotels, local dining, cultural attractions, and transportation options. Local enterprises have a golden opportunity to maximize their reach by crafting strategies that directly appeal to visitors. Numerous digital advertising platforms offer geo-targeting features, enabling businesses to connect with non-residents currently in Columbus. Whether you need support with hotel promotions, cultural event advertising, or transportation campaigns in Columbus, Advertisemint is ready to assist. Here’s an essential guide to exploring the best of what Columbus has to offer:
- Go to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – A world-class zoo housing over 10,000 animals, it’s an ideal location for families and wildlife enthusiasts. Don’t miss the heart-thumping Polar Frontier exhibit.
- Visit Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – Bask in the beauty of seasonal floral displays, and explore unique ecosystems from around the world. The butterfly exhibit is a must-see!
- Walk to Short North Arts District – A vibrant area known for its art galleries, boutiques, and eclectic dining. Roam the streets to catch a glimpse of Columbus’s rich artistic flair.
- COSI (Center of Science and Industry) – Dive into interactive exhibits ranging from space exploration to ocean mysteries. Great for visitors of all ages looking to spark their scientific curiosity.
- Visit German Village – A historic neighborhood boasting preserved brick streets, quaint homes, and charming shops. Make sure to visit the iconic Book Loft and Schmidt’s Sausage Haus.
- Go to Easton Town Center – A premier shopping destination that offers a mix of top-rated brands, dining options, and entertainment venues, all in an open-air setting.
- Tour to Ohio Statehouse – Immerse yourself in the political history of Ohio by touring this magnificent 19th-century Greek Revival building, complete with rich architecture and a museum.
- Scioto Mile – Stretching along the Scioto River, this urban oasis offers walking paths, fountains, and beautiful green spaces. It’s a picturesque spot, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
- Discover Columbus Museum of Art – Explore a diverse collection of artwork, including American and European paintings. The museum frequently hosts rotating exhibitions, so there’s always something new to discover.
- Explore North Market – Dive into a culinary adventure with vendors offering everything from gourmet spices to artisanal pastries. It’s a food lover’s paradise and a reflection of Columbus’s rich food culture.
The list gives you a taste of Columbus’s multifaceted allure. Whether it’s the thrill of roller coasters, nature’s serenity, or space’s magic, Columbus promises something for everyone.
Popular social media accounts in Columbus you need to follow
Engaging socially can be a game-changer in creating meaningful connections. Paid social ads seamlessly weave your business into the content-rich tapestry that users are engrossed in. Here’s a compilation of prominent Columbus-based social media handles that you’d want to keep tabs on to remain updated on all things Columbus:
- Columbus Zoo – This account shares heartwarming photos and updates from the renowned Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. If you’re an animal lover, you’ll appreciate the behind-the-scenes looks and adorable animal posts.
- Experience Columbus – As the city’s official tourism account, it beautifully highlights local events, businesses, and attractions. Perfect for visitors and locals alike who want to stay informed about what’s happening in the city.
- 614 Magazine – Covering a wide array of topics from food to events, this account showcases the heart and soul of Columbus, wrapped in a stylish magazine format..
Everything you need to know about Columbus Real Estate advertising
With tens of thousands of real estate agents in the Columbus area, there is constant need for real estate brokers and agents to get their properties in front of the right homebuyers. There are lots of options from targeted paid social and paid search ads, along with local options like Yelp, Google and Nextdoor and then options like direct mail or local cable ads. There are also digital options for real estate such as Realtor Connections, Zillow Real Estate Agency Advertising and the Trulia Real Estate Ad Network. Commercial real estate brokers are now using paid social to promote videos of their properties using LinkedIn ads to reach a B2B audience. Please note that many of the ad platforms have rules and limitations regarding the targeting of individuals while promoting real estate ads based on age, gender, ethnicity and location. The team at AdvertiseMint is happy to help you work through your options and can help you ensure you are generating leads for both home sellers and home buyers. For more detailed information on real estate advertising in Columbus, please contact Advertisemint. Here are some of the neighborhoods you need to know about when advertising in Columbus, Ohio.
- Short North Arts District Real Estate Advertising – Known for its vibrant arts scene, boutique shopping, and eclectic dining options. The area is adorned with art murals and showcases monthly “Gallery Hop” events.
- German Village Real Estate Advertising- A historic neighborhood characterized by brick streets, preserved brick homes, beautiful gardens, and parks.
- Downtown Real Estate Advertising– The heart of the city with high-rise buildings, modern apartments, and a plethora of businesses.
- Brewery District Real Estate Advertising- A revitalized area known for its history tied to the brewing industry. Today, it offers trendy eateries and a vibrant nightlife.
- Clintonville Real Estate Advertising- A family-friendly area known for its independent businesses, parks, and farmers’ markets.
- University District Real Estate Advertising- Home to The Ohio State University, this area is lively, young, and diverse with plenty of student housing.
- Victorian Village Real Estate Advertising- Known for its historic Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, and Goodale Park.
- Olde Towne East Real Estate Advertising– A neighborhood with a mix of long-time residents and newcomers, offering historic homes and a tight-knit community feel.
- Grandview Heights Real Estate Advertising- A suburb close to downtown, it’s known for its boutique shopping, local eateries, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Complete guide to annual events in Columbus
When considering advertising for events ranging from concerts, marathons, festivals, or any other gatherings in Columbus, it’s essential to understand the local event landscape. Promoting an event in Columbus typically requires a head-start of two to nine months, depending on the event’s magnitude and expected audience. To dive deeper into event marketing or for potential sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Advertisemint. Our dedicated team will guide you seamlessly.
- Arnold Sports Festival – March – One of the largest multi-sport events in the world, it showcases professional bodybuilding and related events.
- Columbus Arts Festival – June – An annual event celebrating the arts with hundreds of artisan vendors, live music, and local food.
- Ohio State Fair – July-August- A traditional state fair complete with rides, concerts, livestock competitions, and a variety of foods.
- ComFest (Community Festival) – June- A free, volunteer-run event focusing on the Columbus community, showcasing local music, art, and workshops.
- Jazz & Rib Fest – July – A summer favorite in Columbus where visitors enjoy hot ribs, cool jazz, and a riverside setting.
- Red, White & BOOM! – July 3rd – The largest fireworks display in Ohio, accompanied by music and other festivities.
- HighBall Halloween – October – Columbus’s most elaborate costume party, this event combines fashion and Halloween for a night of live entertainment.
- Columbus Marathon – October- One of the premier marathons in the U.S., it features a scenic route through Columbus and supports Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
- Columbus Italian Festival – October- A celebration of Italian culture with food, music, and parades.
- Columbus Pride Festival – June – A celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Columbus, featuring a parade, entertainment stages, and more.
How to advertise a professional service business in Columbus?
There are so many professional service providers in Columbus that it can become crowded and difficult for many consumers to find your business. If you are a lawyer, doctor, dentist, contractor, accountant, or work in childcare, food services, event planning, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, roofing, HVAC, waste removal, or security services – then you need to be advertising your services. You must ensure you have local pages created on Google Local and Yelp and paid ads to ensure customers see your business first. You should also run paid search and social ads so individuals can visually see and experience your business’s services in Columbus. If you need help advertising your service-based business in Columbus, please contact Advertisemint and speak with one of our advertising experts.
Columbus government advertising
Countless municipal and government departments often have highly specific advertising needs in the Columbus area. If you are an Columbus politician running for office or work in an Columbus-based government division and need assistance with setting up marketing campaigns, advertising campaigns, or any creative elements like videos, photography, or graphic design, AdvertiseMint can help you build a strategy, accommodate any government regulations, place the media and report back on the KPIs required for success and return on investment. For reference, here are a few of the top government resources for Columbus.
- Columbus Mayor’s Office
- City of Columbus Official Website
- Columbus Division of Police
- Columbus Division of Fire
- Columbus Public Health
- Department of Public Service
- Department of Public Utilities
- Columbus Recreation and Parks Department
- Columbus Development Department
- Columbus Auditor
- Columbus City Attorney
- Columbus City Council
- Columbus Metropolitan Library
What is the Best Columbus Ad Agency?
We believe AdvertiseMint is the best Columbus Ad agency. AdvertiseMint brings a full team of advertising experts, including account managers, media buyers, copywriters, and creative experts in video production, editing, photography, graphic design, and data analysis to ensure our metrics are met. We would love the opportunity to help grow your business.
Disclaimer: AdvertiseMint is an advertising agency that provides advertising and marketing services to businesses located in Columbus. The details provided on this page are for informational purposes and to help explain the services we provide for our clients. AdvertiseMint has no affiliation or exclusive partnerships with the city of Columbus, tourist locations, government divisions, sports teams, educational institutions, annual events, restaurants, or other businesses mentioned on this page.