We know a lot of strategy goes into planning and implementing an effective, efficient media buy.
What are the market conditions? What are your competitors doing? How do you find data that is pertinent to your challenge? What’s happening in the industry day to day? And what the heck do all these acronyms mean anyway?
This list is some of our favorite free go-to’s. And of course it’s always changing. So feel free to reference, and check back often for updates.
Competitive Research
- Kochava: Look up advertiser or competitor insights and site traffic data.
- Google Ads Transparency Center: See your competitors’ ads on Google platforms.
- Google Trends: Compare search interest over time and identify seasonal demand.
- Meta Ads Library: Search a collection of ads currently running across all Meta technologies.
- LinkedIn Ads Library: Browse active ads currently running on LinkedIn.
- TikTok Creative Center: Explore top-performing ads, trending hashtags, creators, and music.
Creative
- Meta Ads Guide: Find current design recommendations and technical specifications for Meta ads.
- TikTok Creative Center: Browse creative inspiration, best practices, and trending content.
- Canva Free: Design social graphics, presentations, and simple ad mockups using Canva’s free plan.
Digital
- Google Keyword Planner: Discover keyword ideas, search volume, and cost estimates for Search campaigns.
- Google Trends: Explore trending searches and seasonal opportunities.
- Google Search Console: Monitor website search performance and indexing.
- HubSpot Website Grader: Get a free website performance, SEO, mobile, and security audit.
- PageSpeed Insights: Analyze website speed and Core Web Vitals.
Mapping
- Google My Maps: Create custom maps for territory planning, store locations, and presentations.
- UnitedStatesZipCodes.org: View ZIP Code boundaries and demographic information.
- USPS Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM): Search carrier routes and neighborhood demographics.
Research
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Access free demographic, economic, and housing data by geography.
- USPS Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM): Research neighborhoods by age, household income, and household size.
- Pew Research Center: Explore research on consumer behavior, media usage, and technology trends.
- Think with Google: Access consumer insights, marketing research, and industry case studies.
- IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau): Find digital advertising standards, research, and industry reports.
Out-of-Home
- Lamar Inventory Browser: Browse billboard inventory and market coverage.
- OUTFRONT Market Finder: Search inventory and download local media kits.
- Geopath: Access audience measurement resources and market data for out-of-home advertising.
- OOH Mockup Generator: Preview billboard, transit, and street furniture creative in real-world environments.
Radio
- Radio Locator: A search engine for finding radio stations in the United States and all around the world. They provide technical information, including coverage maps, for all U.S. licensed radio stations.
- Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB): The RAB is the not-for-profit trade association representing America’s broadcast Radio industry. Their primary objective is to drive revenue growth through advocacy, providing the tools and resources to help the industry attract new sales talent to the medium and enhance industry professionalism through training and support.
TV & Cable
- Sports Media Watch: Find ratings, schedules, media rights updates, and sports television news.
- Nielsen Insights: Read free reports on television, streaming, and audience trends.
- Think with Google: Explore consumer insights and streaming trends, including YouTube viewing behavior.
*Some of these sites may require registration.
